Peru, Nebraska – The Peru State College Chapter of Professional Business Leaders (formerly known as Phi Beta Lambda) recently experienced continued success at the Nebraska PBL State Leadership Conference. The conference was held in Kearney, NE.

Dr. Sheri Grotrian, professor of business and the group’s advisor, reported the Peru State chapter earned six first place finishes and a plethora of other placings.

Grotrian said, “As always, it’s a pleasure to sponsor such a talented group of students within PBL. This organization has won me over time and time again, mostly due to the countless examples of students taking advantage of the opportunities they are presented with and capitalizing on them. The highlight of this year, of course, was being able to participate in in-person events again. I have no doubt the organization will gain momentum and continue to accomplish great things in the coming months and years.”

Based upon placements and type of event, several students are automatically eligible to compete at the National Leadership Conference, which will be held in Chicago this June. At this time, 11 students have automatically qualified for the NLC. Students can compete in three events at the national competition. Grotrian noted since Peru State and other chapters across the state have multiple winners, other students may move up in the standings as participants decide which events they will enter.

Azlyn Fendrick, a junior marketing major from Lincoln, had the opportunity to serve as Nebraska PBL’s Vice President of Relations for the past two years. Fendrick commented, “This past year in PBL has been such a huge impact for me. As president of Peru's chapter and the Vice President of Public Relations for the state, I've had the honor of seeing our once huge organization come back to life after Covid. It was such an amazing experience to be back in person for the State Leadership Conference and to make new connections across the state. I hope to see everyone back at next year's conference!”

The following is a listing of the individual and team winners for the Peru State College PBL Chapter:

Individual Events – (students listed in alphabetical order; an * indicates automatic qualifier in this event)

Azlyn Fendrick – junior marketing major from Lincoln

Who’s Who in Nebraska PBL

2nd place – Help Desk*

4th place – Project Management*

 

Chris Giittinger – senior human resource/risk management, management, and computer management information systems major from Nebraska City

3rd place – Emerging Business Issues*

3rd place – Global Analysis & Decision Making*

4th place – Business Law*

5th place – Business Ethics

 

Austin Guhde-Egger – senior computer management information systems and management major from Auburn

1st place – Networking Concepts*

4th place – Entrepreneurship Concepts*

5th place – Information Management*

 

Shea Kinnison – senior human resource/risk management major from Nebraska City

3rd place – Job Interview*

4th place – Public Speaking*

5th place – Human Resource Management

 

Noah Kreifels – junior marketing and management major from Auburn

5th place – Financial Concepts*

5th place – Personal Finance*

 

Kelsi Leininger – senior human resource/risk management and public administration major from Shenandoah, Iowa

Who’s Who in Nebraska PBL

1st place – Business Sustainability*

1st place – Future Business Executive*

1st place – Human Resource Management*

1st place – Strategic Analysis & Decision Making*

4th place – Management Concepts*

 

Jeremy Matuszewski – freshman computer management information systems major from Bellevue

5th place – Cyber Security*

 

Will Mueller – junior management major from Springdale, Ark.

1st place – Sports Management & Marketing*

2nd place – Retail Management*

 

Cole Nahlik – sophomore management major from Washington, Mo.

2nd place – Local Chapter Annual Business Report*

2nd place – Project Management*

 

Gracie Wenzel – sophomore kinesiology major from Arthur

2nd place – Marketing Concepts*

 

Team Events-----

Lander Imbimbo – freshman management major from Newhaven, England, Matuszewski & Nahlik

2nd place – Business Decision Making*

 

Fendrick & Wenzel

2nd place – Community Service Project*

Peru State College PBL Chapter Awards


Gold Level Excellence Award

Additional Items

Dormie Network was awarded Businessperson of the Year (nominated by Peru State PBL)

Also competing for the Peru State PBL chapter was Seth Leddy – freshman management and computer management information system major from Papillion.

Leininger, who was one of the most successful members from across the state with her four individual wins had this to say about PBL, “Through PBL and my amazing advisor Dr. Grotrian, I have been able to achieve success through learning about so many different facets of business and leadership. I have been able to gain both real-life and simulated experiences that will aid tremendously as I prepare to take on the business world after graduation.” 

A first-year member, Nahlik noted, "PBL welcomed me with open arms. I knew very few people at the start of the year and the club made me feel connected to Peru State. I am excited to help the club interact with the community and grow in the future. I believe we can have more public events through the college to help gain membership and help others find success after college through all the opportunities we are given."

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