News

Four members of Montcalm Community College’s Business Professionals of America academic team placed in the top five of their events at the State Leadership Conference, hosted by Davenport University, Saturday, Feb. 7. 

BPA Co-Advisors Kristen Diehl and Bill Bishop accompanied the students as they competed in a variety of events against nearly 100 students from Northwood University, Davenport University, Oakland University, Alma College, Bay College and Lake Superior State University. 

Jazmin Posadas, of Middleton, was the lone winner of her competition, placing first in College Accounting. Aimee Friesen, of Sheridan, competed in three events, placing second in Payroll Accounting, second in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications and third in College Accounting. Tim Moffit, of Belding, also had a second-place finish in Health Administration Concepts and placed fifth in Financial Math & Analysis Concepts. Petra Mark, of Lakeview, took fourth place in Interview Skills. 

Bishop noted that each of the students at the conference performed at a high level while also displaying an exceptional representation of MCC. 

“As the Chair of the Business Studies department here at the college, it was particularly gratifying to see our students place first and third in the same accounting event, and second in three other events,” Bishop said. “I often tell prospective students visiting MCC that I’m very comfortable putting our students up against students from any other institution, because we do it every year and succeed at these competitions. 

“These events provide a wonderful growth opportunity for our students,” he added. “Some of them have never participated in a highly competitive event like this before. It provides much value, expands the students’ experience, and can have a major positive impact on their confidence level to take on bigger things in the future. We are grateful for the support of and value MCC places in these student opportunities.” 

For their high placements in their events, Posadas, Friesen and Moffit have all qualified for the BPA National Leadership Conference, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, May 6-10.