Centenary Enactus Team Finishes in the Top 3% in a National Business Competition

Hackettstown, N.J.  – The Enactus Team from Centenary University (formerly Centenary University) proved that they are a force to be reckoned with when it finished in the top 16 of the 469 Colleges that competed in the National Competition in St. Louis, Missouri recently.  This win gives the team the bragging rights of finishing in the top 3% of the teams in the nation. The team was the only New Jersey Enactus Chapter to advance to the semi-finals.

Enactus is an international organization that connects student, academic, and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into real, sustainable progress for themselves and their communities. Centenary University students have been part of Enactus (formerly SIFE) for over 23 years. Centenary Enactus students are in high demand by top firms, such as ADP and KPMG. The award winning Centenary Enactus projects were created and implemented by students.

The team also won Runner-Up in the AIG Wearable Technology Competition.  This competition was based on a project proposal based wearable technology initiated to keep employees safe.  The team planned to create an application to run with the Fitbit.  It will be customized to keep truck drivers healthy while on the road. They plan to partner with a local trucking company, H&S Trucking, to bring this project to fruition.
“I joined Enactus to be a presenter for the National Competition,” says Brittany Weinstein, a Centenary University recent graduate.  “Three years later, I could not be more honored to be a part of such an incredible organization.  Enactus has allowed me to make a positive impact on individuals on a local and global scale, as well as learn real world skills.  We keep making a difference and inspiring others because we will change the world.”

In addition to Weinstein (Hackettstown, N.J.), the presentation team was as follows: Chris Kiesel (Neshanic Station, N.J.), Brianne Lechner (Hackettstown, N.J.), Kyle Maris (Stewartsville, N.J.), Jessica Martin (Freehold, N.J.), Megan Miller (Clifton, N.J.), Ariana Selimi (Andover, N.J.) and Darrian Steward (Stewartsville, N.J.).

“Placing 16th in the nation is an experience we will not soon forget,” says Dr. Linda Poisseroux, Assistant Professor of Business at Centenary University.  “I am thankful to be leading this team into a future where we can truly make a difference on and off campus.  Faculty, staff, administration, and students helped us achieve national success as a result of their continued support, encouragement, and valuable feedback.”

In January 2016, Dr. Poisseroux assumed the role of Director of Enactus with co-adviser Professor Stephen Davis, who also serves as Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Centenary University.  They took over the reins for previous adviser Kathy Naasz who is now the Dean for Social Media Expertise for the institution.  Naasz was the adviser for four and a half years bringing the team to a point to be able to compete in the semi-finals.

During this academic year, the Enactus Centenary team organized five very diverse projects in the local, regional, and international communities.  Presented during the competition in St. Louis, the projects are as follows: 
• The #ChemoWear project focuses on the development of a jacket designed for patients who are undergoing medical procedures where port access is necessary and staying warm in that process is ideal.  The current line consists of a men’s and women’s jacket with invisible zippers, pockets, and a hood.  Centenary Enactus is in the process of trademarking the #ChemoWear name and preparing the design for manufacture.  
• The English for Employment initiative is designed to empower the children of Guapi, Colombia to escape poverty by learning English phrases to help them attain a job in one of the big cities.  This is the latest project that Centenary has embarked on with Ricardo Gomez, an educator from Guapi.  Centenary Enactus has recorded over 400 phrases, which have been shared via cloud serves to help the children learn English.  
• Centenary Enactus partnered with Brita for The Global Green Pledge to design custom water bottles.  These bottles are being sold on the Centenary campus. 
• The team created a business plan for Rutherfurd Hall, a local non-profit historical site that is the venue to many innovative events.  
• SMART Marketing: Social Media Advertising in Real Time was designed to teach small businesses the importance of leveraging social media as a marketing tool.

The final step of the Enactus program is an annual series of competitions that provides a showcase for teams to present the results of their projects and be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. The national champion from each of the 36 contending countries then meet at the Enactus World Cup to gain the world title.

About Centenary University (formerly Centenary University)
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad opportunities.

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