The Loyalist College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team returned as proud victors from the Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) National Championships in Calgary. Honours bestowed upon the team included Best New Team Start Up for Canada and the Spirit of Ace Award for their performance within their league. Professor Bob Millard was presented the National Rookie Faculty Advisor Award and named a John Dobson Fellow, a title normally given to long-term contributors to ACE and SIFE.
Regional winners from across Canada attended the Nationals to compete against Canada’s best student SIFE teams. ACE is a national charitable organization that initiated SIFE to teach and motivate young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. A global organization, SIFE works to make positive changes through dedicated student teams on more than 1,800 college and university campuses in over 40 countries.
“Our team’s performance in Calgary is one of the greatest accomplishments and memories of my Loyalist experience,” said Robert Huddleston, a Business student and SIFE Team President. “When our team stepped up to the challenge at this national competition level, applying every leadership and presentation skill we possessed, it was a pure adrenalin rush. I have played on many sports teams but this was my first experience of competing with an academic team. I have learned so much from each team member. We pushed our personal limits and raised the bar for ourselves. I know that I am a better person for this experience.”
“The Loyalist SIFE team has earned the respect of its peers,” said Jim Whiteway, Loyalist Chair of Business and Management Studies, Bioscience and Justice Studies. “Many of their competitors, including last year’s national champions, have identified our team as the team to watch on the national level. As the Chair of the School that is acting as the parent of this group I have been overwhelmed by the words of congratulations and support from a number of SIFE teams from across the country. The Loyalist SIFE team has further strengthened the College’s reputation at the national level.”
Loyalist President Maureen Piercy added her congratulations to the entire SIFE team. “Your skill, commitment and professionalism have resulted in outstanding regional and national achievements and we are very proud of you. Your work is also making important contributions to our communities. You have given SIFE at Loyalist an incredible start, and have set the bar high for future SIFE students. Well done!”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Bob Millard, Business Professor, ext. 2415