Cornerstone University Enactus Team Competes in National Competition
On May 21, 2018, the Cornerstone University Enactus team competed in the National Enactus Competition in Kansas City, Mo. There are 444 teams in the United States and only 87 teams advance to the national competition. The Cornerstone presentation team was a brand-new team this year, made up of freshman through senior students: Zach Nyp, Gabriel Quakkelaar, Cayte Baker, Dylan Berends, Amber Guzman, Elizabeth Boock and Jared Schmatz.
Cornerstone was placed in a league with four other colleges and universities for the national competition including Southern Adventist University, Southwestern College-Kansas, Penn State University Park and Graceland University. The team presented on three of their 2017-18 Enactus projects:
- International Artisan Market: Our team hosted the 3rd annual International Artisan Market in November 2017 at Cornerstone where handmade products from local and global organizations were sold to increase awareness and raise funds for the artisans. Those who are interested in participating in the 2018 market can reach out via email to internationalartisanmarket@gmail.com.
- Marketplace: Through a partnership with NorthPointe Christian Schools, our team helped to mentor 27 student teams as they developed business plans and sold their products at a community event. Our team also identified a student team who wanted to pursue entrepreneurship beyond the project, and with Walgreens’ help, provided a $400 grant to grow their business.
- EsperanzArt: Through the ministry of Casa Adalia in Quito, Ecuador, EsperanzArt employs at-risk women to make beautiful handmade jewelry. Our Enactus team is working with EsperanzArt to launch an online store to sell their jewelry, provide logistics assistance, and implement a marketing plan.
Several of our team members were recognized for their work with Enactus this past year.
- Zach Nyp was recognized as one of the top three national finalists for project leader of the year.
- Rachel Hammond, assistant professor of business and chair of the Business Division, was awarded for her service on the Enactus Faculty Advisory Committee and was also inducted into the Sam Walton Fellow Hall of Fame.
- Jordyn Roodvoets was recognized for her participation in the BNY Mellon Enactus Student Fellows program and was also a finalist for project leader of the year.
Senior student Gabe Quakkelaar was able to attend an exclusive tour and informational interview with Hallmark Corporation.
Our team consists of approximately 50 students from across the university and is led by professors Rachel Hammond and April VanPutten, assistant professor of business.
“Our Enactus students are given the unique opportunity to interact with business concepts and social responsibility in tangible ways outside the classroom,” Hammond stated. “They identify needs within our community and collaborate with other students, organizations and nonprofits to establish sustainable solutions to meet those needs. Through their involvement with Enactus, our students not only develop valuable workplace skills such as leadership, project management and public speaking, but they are also able to be influencers in our world for Christ through their service.”
Get Involved
The Cornerstone Enactus team is supported by fundraisers such as the biannual Exam Week Survival Kit sales to parents of Cornerstone students and contributions from members of the Business Advisory Board. If you are interested in donating to our Enactus team, you can mail a check to Cornerstone and indicate in the memo line that your donation is for Enactus.
If your business has a project that requires a sustainable solution and you are open to having the Cornerstone Enactus team involved in the process, or if you are interested in serving on our Business Advisory Board, please contact us at enactus@cornerstone.edu.
