The Westminster College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team came in second to the reigning national champions in a SIFE competition held at Syracuse University.

Team members were:
Alyssa Swatko, daughter of Robert and Katherine Swatko from Bethel Park, is a sophomore accounting and business administration major and a graduate of Bethel Park High School.

Kerri Campbell, daughter of N. David and Janet Campbell from Coraopolis, is a junior business administration major and a graduate of Sewickley Academy.

Laura Pienkowski, daughter of Thomas and Kathleen Pienkowski from Washington, is a junior psychology-human resources major and a graduate of Trinity High School.

Brett Turk, son of Debra Turk and the late Robert Turk from New Castle, is a junior psycholoy-human resources major and a graduate of Union Area High School.

"They competed in a Financial Case Study," said David C. Smith, Westminster assistant professor of accounting and team advisor. "On Thursday evening, each team was presented with a set of facts about a fictitious family facing mounting financial debt. Teams then had 36 hours to research the problem and develop an effective recovery strategy based on the family's situation, geography, present economic conditions and regional resources. Teams presented their findings Saturday morning to a panel of judges, and were evaluated on the quality and appropriateness of their recovery strategy."

The Westminster team used a novel approach, according to Smith. They interviewed local businesses and sought advice from local assistance agencies as part of creating their strategy. In addition, the team put together a financial plan to utilize local resources to help the family control expenses, increase earnings, and allow for debt repayment. A Power Point presentation to the judges supported their findings.

"Apparently, their strategy worked," Smith said. "After working into the early hours Saturday morning, followed by an early Saturday morning presentation, our team managed to achieve a virtual tie with last year's champion, Roberts Wesleyan College. But based on a tie-breaker, the criteria of which were never revealed, Roberts Wesleyan College was again selected as champion."

SIFE, an international organization found in over 2,000 colleges and universities, was created to assist students who want to get involved in projects to help them improve the business, financial, and economic well being of people in their community. Funded by hundreds of large businesses around the globe, it also allows students to learn by teaching and doing.

"Plus students can build a place on their resumes for that extra difference-making experience that is so valuable to potential employers as they leave school," Smith said. "Our team's current year projects include helping local businesses; educating grade school and high school students on issues of personal finance, market economics and ethics; and providing information to our college community about the financial skills needed to survive now and after graduation.

"By the end of the school year, our team will compete in another regional competition in which schools will be judged on all of the projects that they complete and the impact they had on their local communities."

Smith, who has been with Westminster College since 2004, earned his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, masters in taxation from Robert Morris College, and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountant.

Contact Smith at (724) 946-7161 or e-mail smithdc@westminster.edu for more information.

David Smith