SUDBURY -- Recently, a team of four Cambrian Business Administration (BUAD) students, under the leadership of two Cambrian faculty members, placed second at the Ontario College Marketing Competition (OCMC) Quiz Bowl event.
It’s the third year in a row Cambrian’s Business students have reached the podium at OCMC.
Held annually, the competition provides an opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to new heights.
This year’s event was scaled back due to COVID-19, with Cambrian competing against a number of larger colleges including Durham, Humber, Niagara, and Seneca.
“COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges for students to participate in activities outside of the classroom, which enriches their overall college experience,” business professor and team co-coach Jean Beauchemin said in a news release.
Meaningful connections
“However, our students galvanized together through teamwork and by making meaningful connections. These experiences will also help students create a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.”
One of the members of Team Cambrian is first-year BUAD student Alanna LaHay. LaHay is a previous graduate of Cambrian and a former president of the Cambrian Athletic Association.
“With a team of first-, second-, and third-year students, we shared laughs, virtual dance celebrations, great conversations, and furthered our learning together in the OCMC Quiz Bowl,” LaHay said. “Competing in the virtual event gave me more confidence as a business student and was a highlight of my semester.”
“For me, this experience was an honour,” said second-year student Samantha Glynn. “I couldn’t have had a better experience and couldn’t have asked for a better team or coaches.”
“We were able to use the marketing materials that we learned in practice,” said third-year student Lynn Courville. “It was also a great way to be able to finish up my last year at Cambrian. I am thankful for the opportunity and will remember it for many years to come.”
“This experience created whole new connections in the Cambrian Business community making this so heartwarming for me under the circumstances,” said first-year BUAD student, Kate Keaney. “We made new amazing memories and shared knowledge that we get to take into our academic and professional futures. I am so proud of our team and our accomplishments; this was definitely a Cambrian 2020 highlight in my books.”
For team co-coach and business professor Marnie Staffen, this year’s second-place finish is especially satisfying.
“Our business students are working 100 per cent online this year,” said Staffen.
“Despite the inconvenience of COVID, our students are not just keeping up, but beating and medaling when it comes to competing with the top schools in the province. Once again, Cambrian College is punching above its weight and I am so proud of our team’s finish this year.”
For more information about Cambrian College and its programs, particularly the School of Business and Information Technology, click here.
