June 14, 2017

Hackettstown, N.J, June 14, 2017 – The Enactus Team from Centenary University proved that they are a force to be reckoned with when it finished as one of the top 48 teams in the USA at the National Competition in Kansas City, MO recently. Out of the 457 active Enactus teams dispersed throughout various colleges and universities within the USA, this win gives the team the bragging rights of finishing in the top 10% of active teams in the nation. In addition, the team placed in the top spot at one of the six Regional Competitions which provided them the opportunity to advance to the National Competition.

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 24 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 a grant from Robert Wood Johnson for further development and marketing of their chemo wear jacket called Chiforce Wear. Last year, they were selected as a runner-up from AIG Wearable Technology Competition for the development of their product which is now called Shieldz, a wearable device to detect fatigue and prevent automobile accidents.

“I have been part of the Centenary Enactus group for more than four years and would recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants to learn more about business or who wants to improve their public speaking skills,” says Brianne Lechner, a recent MBA graduate who served as Enactus President. “I plan to pursue a career in public relations, event planning or communications and my involvement in Enactus has greatly improved my skill set on so many levels.”

Romane Jean-Louis, Enactus Co-President and incoming senior is going to take his new experience with business and apply it to the international arena. He will be holding down an internship in Florence, Italy this fall through the University of Richmond. His Enactus colleague, Darrian Steward, cites his work with Enactus as an asset for securing his upcoming internship at Madison Square Garden in New York City and furthering his understanding of the inner workings of the field of sports management.

In addition to Lechner (Hackettstown, N.J.), Jean-Louis (Montclair, N.J.) and Steward (Stewartsville, N.J.), the presentation team was as follows: Kyle Maris (Stewartsville, N.J.), Jessica Martin (Freehold, N.J.), Rebecca Raymond (Long Valley, N.J.) and Anna Stroud (Newark, N.J.).

In January 2016, Dr. Poisseroux assumed the role of Director of Enactus. Josh Walker, Director of Career Development, will be assuming the role of co-leader in the Fall.

“I am thankful to be leading such a dynamic group of students,” says Dr. Linda Poisseroux, Assistant Professor of Business at Centenary University. “We have achieved such success in a short period of time and I look forward to continuing to do great work together. As a whole, the administration has historically been supportive of Enactus as it is an actual course here at the institution. I am also pleased that Josh Walker will be serving as co-leader next year. His enthusiasm and professionalism will be a wonderful addition to the organization.”

During this academic year, the Enactus Centenary team organized five very diverse projects in the local, regional, and international communities. In addition to establishing Green initiatives on campus and helping a local business owner increase marketing and revenue, the following three projects were presented during the national competition in Kansas City:

• Chiforce Wear (formerly ChemoWear) is a legacy project that Centenary Enactus has been working on while partnering with multiple disciplines on Centenary’s campus to make the project a success. Chiforce Wear is a line of apparel that has integrated port-access designed to provide warmth and dignity to patients undergoing chemotherapy. The overall goal for Chiforce Wear is to directly improve the overall quality of life, and instill care, hope, and inspiration for individuals going through this tough battle.
• Shieldz – Every year, over one hundred thousand motor vehicle accidents occur in the United States that are directly linked to fatigued drivers. Centenary University’s Enactus team developed Shieldz – a wearable device designed to alert drivers on the onset of fatigue. Using the science of Electrodermal Activity (EDA), this wristband has the ability to sense when a driver is entering the early stages of sleep. When triggered, the device alerts the driver with a vigorous sound and vibration.

As a direct result of last year’s grant from AIG, the team was able to construct their first working prototype. Enactus has partnered with H&S Trucking Enterprises to acquire the data and feedback that is needed to bring the idea to market. The first run of devices will be manufactured soon and will grace the wrists of drivers across the country to aid them in safe driving practices.

• Wrapped in Warmth was created as an extension of Chiforce Wear. Centenary Enactus developed a product with the goal of bringing hope to a patient that is in need of comfort. Partnering with Brookfield Senior Citizen Community, we were able to identify women who were interested in crocheting handmade blankets. The blankets are currently being sold in four local stores and the Enactus team is in the process of establishing an online presence.

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 contending countries then meet at the Enactus World Cup to gain the world title.

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.

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