March 14, 2005

Ten Cowley students qualify for national Phi Beta Lambda conference

National PBL Leadership Conference qualifiers from Cowley are, front row from left: Valerie Brown, Megan Swanson, Marni Erb, Andrea Iman, and Lindsey Patton. Back row from left: Cowley PBL sponsor Beverly Grunder, Lucas Goff, Jerrod Ketchersid, Kenny Sultz, and Angela Root. Not pictured: Kari Matson.

Ten Cowley College students representing the school’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter qualified for the National PBL Leadership Conference after a state competition held March 3-4 in Salina.

Cowley students competed against those from Emporia State University, Kansas State University, Friends University, Central Christian at McPherson, and Labette, Butler and Colby community colleges. Approximately 80 students attended the state conference.

Cowley’s 10 national qualifiers:

Valerie Brown, Arkansas City, second place in Computer Concepts; Marni Erb, Mulvane, second place in Business Plan; Lucas Goff, Arkansas City, second place in Network Concepts; Andrea Iman, Elkhart, first place in Job Interview and first place in Public Speaking; Jerrod Ketchersid, Rose Hill, first place in Computer Applications; Kari Matson, Dexter, second place in Information Management; Lindsey Patton, Wellington, second place in Information Management; Angela Root, Winfield, first place in Future Business Executive; Kenny Sultz, Arkansas City, second place in Hospitality Management; and Megan Swanson, Arkansas City, second place in Business Plan.

Goff and Swanson also earned a first place as a team in Network Design.

Erb also placed in Computer Concepts, and Root placed in Sales Presentation.

Students who win at the state level in more than one event must choose which event to compete in at nationals. The National PBL Leadership Conference is scheduled for Orlando, Fla., June 28 through
July 3.

Six other students competed in Salina. They were Jennifer Dalrymple of Valley Center, Mandi Hilario of Arkansas City, Holly Minkler of Winfield, Joshua Owen of Derby, Alissa Pankaskie of Arkansas City, and Sarah Sibley of Burlington.

Beverly Grunder, Cowley’s PBL sponsor, said the students performed well at the state contest.

“I am very proud of the students and how they scored on the state conference tests,” Grunder said. “To qualify 10 for nationals is a lot. This also is a good experience for the students.”

At the state conference, Cowley also received the award for the Most Enthusiastic PBL club in attendance. In addition, Cowley’s club also was recognized for collecting the most money for the March of Dimes during the year. Cowley members contributed $436.

A highlight of the state trip was the presence of pilot Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson in Salina. Students had the opportunity to receive autographs and take pictures with Branson and Fossett, who became the first person to fly solo, nonstop and unrefueled around the world on March 10. Fossett took off on March 7. Branson is head of Virgin Atlantic Airways and was the financial backer for the record attempt. The aviation team was staying at the same hotel as the conference in Salina.