14 Students Eligible to Advance to Phi Beta Lambda National Conference

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 30, 2012 – Fourteen Southeast Missouri State University students are eligible to represent Southeast at the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference June 24-27 in San Antonio, Texas.

The students advanced after successful finishes at the 53rd Annual Missouri Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference March 23 in Osage Beach, Mo.

Those able to advance to the national conference are Megan Stackle of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; Josh James of Jackson, Mo.; Katie Stephens of Jackson, Mo.; Devin Melton of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; Chris Dzurick of Fulton, Mo.; Stephanie Bechard of Freeburg, Ill.; Erika Giesler of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; Kara Gilbert of Carbondale, Ill.; Rachel Reischman of Chaffee, Mo.; Amber Joiner of Sparta, Ill.; Wade Kraenzle of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; Justin Bader of Jackson, Mo.; Daniel Levesque of Marion, Ill.; and Jade Wayne of St. Louis.

Twenty-two Phi Beta Lambda members and an adviser from Southeast Missouri State University participated in the state conference, joining students from 18 two- and four-year Missouri colleges and universities.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Missouri PBL – Gateway to Greatness!” The conference featured competitive events for individuals and teams, leadership training, and election of officers for the next year.

Southeast brought home 24 awards, finishing third in total awards behind Evangel with 26 and Truman State with 25 and ahead of the University of Missouri-Columbia with 20.

The following Southeast students were recognized at the awards program:

First Place
Computer Applications – Devin Melton
Financial Services – Daniel Levesque
Impromptu Speaking – Chris Dzurick
Management Analysis and Decision Making – Katie Stephens, Josh James, and Megan Stackle
Local Chapter Annual Business Report – Southeast Missouri State University

Second Place
Accounting Analysis and Decision Making – Stephanie Bechard, Erika Giesler, and Kara Gilbert
Public Speaking – Rachel Reischman
Website Development – Amber Joiner
Word Processing – Megan Stackle

Third Place
Accounting Principles – Wade Kraenzle
Client Service – Kara Gilbert
Computer Applications – Zeke Hickson
Contemporary Sports Issues – Justin Bader
Financial Concepts – Daniel Levesque
Management Concepts – Katie Stephens
Telecommunications – Jade Wayne

Fourth Place
Hospitality Management – Erika Giesler, Stephanie Bechard
Sports Management and Marketing – Justin Bader
Word Processing – Jenny Flint

Fifth Place
Business Presentation – Rachel Reischman
International Business – Katia Mottert
Microeconomics – Dakota Cummins

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is an educational association of postsecondary student members preparing for careers in business. There are over 11,000 active members in the US. Missouri has nearly 400 members in 22 chapters. The organization is for students interested in pursuing a business or business-related career. PBL members develop leadership skills, initiate business ventures, organize community service projects, and attend state and national leadership conferences. Students have the opportunity to win recognition in various business competitive events at the state and national levels. Through participation in these activities, students are better prepared for careers, graduate school and life.