The Michigan Tech College of Business Collegiate DECA Chapter brought a record 13 students to the state Career Development Conference in Bay City, Michigan last month, where nine were recognized as finalists. Five Business Huskies were top-three competitors and now move on to global competition at the International Career Development Conference in San Francisco, California in April.
The group was accompanied by their faculty advisor, Ulrich Schmelzle, associate professor of supply chain and operations management.
“The students’ outstanding performance at the state-level competition is a source of pride for the COB,” said Schmelzie. “They competed successfully against major business programs in Michigan and significantly improved their communication, analytical, and problem-solving competencies.”
Jaylen Body placed first in the Hotel and Lodging category. Veronica Frystak placed second in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Allyana Grochowski earned third in Human Resources Management, while
Isaac Pilgrim was a finalist in Corporate Finance and Isaac Zull was a Finalist in the Financial Accounting category.
In the team competitions, Allyana Grochowski and Dylan Dunneback received first place for Digital Marketing Strategies, while Frystak and Cassidy Olivastri earned third in Marketing Communications. Gavin Walters and Maia Nelson were finalists in Marketing Communications and Body and Zull were finalists in Entertainment Marketing.
DECA is an educational organization that focuses on preparing young, emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to excel in the fields of finance, marketing, business management and administration, and entrepreneurship.
Veronica Frystak, Michigan Tech DECA chapter president, explained that competitions focus on both prepared presentations and impromptu case studies where students are tasked to develop innovative solutions in a short time frame and then present their ideas in a role-play format. In addition to providing a format for students to polish their presentation and communication skills, DECA events also serve as a networking opportunity that helps young professionals prepare for successful careers.
Frystak,’26, who is majoring in marketing with an emphasis on supply chain operations management, said the group views its role at Michigan Tech as more than excelling at competitions. “As a student organization here at Tech, Collegiate DECA’s goal is to offer career preparation activities to all students such as resume building, interview practice, and hosting guest speakers from different industries,” she said.
“DECA has been life-changing for many members of our chapter,” said Frystak, a six-year member who credits the organization for giving her the confidence, skill set, and experience needed to succeed in professional development and personal goals. She said that Michigan Tech students have historically done well at the national and international level of DECA competitions and “shown the world the hardworking, tenacious, and scholarly spirits that Michigan Tech students have, showing the world what Huskies can do.”
Dylan Dunneback, ’27, Michigan Tech DECA’s public relations and marketing officer, said that beyond the competition, “the trip was an opportunity to gain valuable industry insights and strengthen our chapter’s bond.”
Dunneback, a double major in marketing and management information systems, said the organization is grateful for the support it receives, including the students who chose to compete. ”A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this experience a success. We’re looking ahead to future competitions, ready to continue pushing ourselves to new heights!”
About the College of Business
The Michigan Tech College of Business prepares tomorrow’s business professionals through STEM-infused, AACSB-accredited degree programs and minors. The college offers nine bachelor of science programs in accounting, business analytics, construction management, economics, engineering management, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing; and four master of science programs in accounting and analytics, applied natural resource economics, engineering management, and the TechMBA®.
Questions? Contact us at business@mtu.edu. Follow the College of Business on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.