UNL business students win top honors at national conference

            Fourteen University of Nebraska-Lincoln business students earned 11 national awards, including two first place wins, at the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference June 22-25 in Anaheim, Calif.

            Sophomore Amy Chin of Columbus was first in computer applications while the team of Daniel Kistler of Grand Island and Tyler Wellman of Syracuse won the financial services competition.

            Mark Davis, adviser for Phi Beta Lambda and academic adviser at the UNL College of Business Administration, said the annual competition is a great way for students to compete, learn and meet new colleagues.

            "We focus on bringing business and education together through innovative leadership and career development programs," Davis said. "The competition gives students a chance to improve their business skills in over 50 events, including job interviewing, accounting, computer programming, impromptu speaking, marketing and website development, among others."

            The UNL Phi Beta Lambda chapter sent 14 students to compete in 25 individual events and eight team events. Students first competed and took top honors at the state competitions in April in order to advance to the national conference.

            A list by hometown of students who competed in the competition follows. The student's class, major and competitions are included.

            Columbus: Amy Chin, sophomore, economics and political science, first in computer applications, eighth in merging business issues team competition.

            DeWitt: Brandon Staroscik, senior, political science and history, fifth in cyber security.

            Grand Island: Daniel Kistler, senior, finance and accounting, fourth in financial concepts, first in financial services team competition.

            Hay Springs: Sasha Skinner, junior management major, ninth in business ethics team competition.

            Lincoln: Brooke Sullivan, senior, management and psychology, third in computer applications; Marilyn Buresh, May management graduate, eighth in human resource management team competition, ninth in business ethics team competition.

            Minnetonka, Minn.: Sierra Koehler, sophomore, international business and economics, sixth in business presentation.

            Stanton: Kevin Thor, junior, management, leadership and communications, eighth in public speaking.

            Syracuse: Tyler Wellman, junior, finance and accounting, first in financial services team competition, eighth in merging business issues team competition.

            Wymore: Tiffany Mewes-Dunn, senior, international business and psychology, fifth in justice administration, eighth in human resource management team competition.

            The winners of these highly competitive awards were selected from among FBLA-PBL's membership of 250,000 students and advisers and represent some of the best and brightest of today's emerging leaders. Students also heard nationally recognized speakers and presenters, experienced networking opportunities and attended workshops.

            FBLA-PBL is the largest and oldest student business organization in the country. For more information, visit UNL PBL's website, http://www.huskerpbl.org.

Writer: Jennifer Snyder