The dynasty continues – SIFE wins again at regional competition

For the seventh time in eight years, Bryant’s chapter of Students In Free Enterprise advances to nationals.

Bryant’s chapter of SIFE continues to prove it is one of the best in the country. Last month, the team captured first place at the regional competition held in Providence. They will compete in the nationals next month in Philadelphia.

As part of the competition, a team of Bryant students created a 24-minute multimedia presentation about the 16 projects the organization completed this year. The Bryant team was judged the best by a panel of executives.

Marisa Bono ’11 (Derry, NH), Sihao Cao, ’12 (Andover, MA), Lauren Jensen ’11 (Bellingham, MA), Margaret Murphy ’11 (Catumet, MA), Sarah Richelson ’11 (Plymouth, NH), and Joelle Sopariwala ’12 (Old Saybrook, CT) were part of the presentation team. Paul Morana ’10 (Millbury, MA) and Kyle O’Connor ’09 (North Providence, RI) coordinated the multimedia efforts.

(L-R) Sihao Cao, ’12 (Andover, MA), Marisa Bono ’11 (Derry, NH), Joelle Sopariwala ’12 (Old Saybrook, CT), Lauren Jensen ’11 (Bellingham, MA), Sarah Richelson ’11 (Plymouth, NH), and Margaret Murphy ’11 (Catumet, MA)

Some of the programs organized this year by Bryant SIFE, a chapter of an international student organization that empowers students to become socially responsible business leaders, include:

WE LEARN – Bryant students worked with the Women Expanding Literacy Education Action Resource Network to create a marketing campaign for the Cranston, RI-based nonprofit organization.
Smithfield Recycles – As part of the organization’s “go green” initiative, students are assisting the Town of Smithfield in their efforts to increase the recycling rates of local businesses.
Cub Scouts – SIFE expanded “credit craze,” a financial literacy program offered to college students, to local cub scouts to help them earn their “Saving Well/Spending Well” merit badge.
Bryant Community Service Exchange – SIFE students worked with Bryant’s Community Service Office to create a database of volunteer opportunities for students.
Young Women’s Colloquium – The program brought area high school and college students to campus to network, learn about what it takes to succeed, and get a sneak peek into college life and possible careers.

Students also organized a business simulation program for elementary school students, an ethics program for high school students, and technology workshops for the elderly.

“SIFE has shown me how rewarding it can be to put in a little extra time to help others,” says Richelson.

“The projects allow me to make a difference as they are designed to benefit the lives of others,” adds Sopariwala.

Well-rounded education

Murphy says the practice she gained speaking in public will be valuable regardless of the career path she chooses.

“I believe that communication skills are the most important asset to an individual and his or her future success,” says Murphy. “The more exposure students receive in college presenting in front of people, the better prepared they will be to market themselves and their ideas to potential employers.”

For the seventh time in eight years, Bryant’s chapter of Students In Free Enterprise advances to nationals.

Cao says these out-of-classroom activities are crucial to a well-rounded education. “I am able to use the different concepts and theories I learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world situation,” he says.

“These activities present Bryant students with the opportunity to differentiate themselves and learn valuable teamwork and real-life skills that will be useful in the future,” adds Jensen.

Bono agrees. “My extracurricular activities, especially SIFE, have truly shaped my college experience,” she says.

SIFE Executive Board

President: Dan Caulfield ’09 (Fairfield, CT)
Vice President: Lauren Rafferty ’10 (Enfield, CT)
V.P. of Media and Public Relations: Matthew Veves ’10 (Hudson, NH)
V.P. of Project Coordination: Nick Kraver ’11 (West Springfield, MA)
Treasurer: Jeff Steacie ’10 (Bellingham, MA)
Secretary: Emily Coutu ’10 (Lincoln, RI)
Sam Walton Fellow (advisor): Dave Greenan, Management Lecturer
Sam Walton Fellow (advisor): Adam Rubin, Management Lecturer

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Read more about last year's award-winning SIFE Team.