College of Business Celebrates Academic Year Achievements at Awards Ceremony

Students, faculty, staff, distinguished alumni, and industry advisors came together at the end of spring semester for the second annual College of Business Student Awards program. Highlights included the induction of students into the Michigan Tech Chapter of the international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma and recognition of an outstanding student in each degree program, along with presenting the Outstanding Student in Business and Teacher of the Year awards. Here’s a look at the winners and what nominators had to say about their accomplishments:

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society for AACSB-accredited schools. AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is a professional organization founded in 1916 to provide accreditation to business schools that meet standards of excellence in education.

To see who qualified for the honor, joining the ranks of what honor society advisor Jonathan Leinonen described as “the best of the best,” access the full list of Beta Gamma Sigma inductees and members.

Derrick Ayisi, ’24 received the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics Award. Presenter Kevin Wampler, ’86, said Ayisi “brings a strong global perspective and exceptional professionalism to the classroom. He combines a brilliant mind with a compassionate and caring nature. Many times, his professors have seen him helping a classroom colleague who is struggling with a concept.”

Ayisi did a tax internship this semester at a local firm, making an impact on the community outside of campus and is always willing to fill in as a guest lecturer. “The CPA profession in the U.S. is extremely lucky that he intends to seek his licensure and continue to work in the States,” said Wampler, noting that Ayisi will be doing an internship at EY this summer in Detroit.

Oscar Ogwoke, ‘25, received the Master of Science in Engineering Management Award. Presenter Eric Roberts, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, said Ogwoke exemplifies what it means to be a leader in both engineering and business. “With professional experience in facilities and project management across three continents, he brings a global perspective to every conversation and team,” he said. “Whether leading impactful projects like a teen skills acquisition center or serving as president of the African Students Organization, he demonstrates initiative, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.”

Yael Huber, ’25, received the Tech MBA Award from Scott Pattullo, ’81. “Our MBA award recipient brings together technical insight, global experience, and strategic vision. With a background in industrial engineering and a proven track record launching over 50 products annually at a leading solar tech firm, she’s demonstrated exceptional leadership in product strategy and cross-functional collaboration,” said Pattulo. “From managing multimillion-dollar R&D projects to supporting families through financial literacy, their impact spans industries and communities.”

Morgan Carilli ’26, received the Accounting Award from Paul Hammes. Hammes, an ’89 alumnus and member of the Accounting Advisory Council, said that Carilli “exemplifies dedication and leadership in both academics and campus involvement. From excelling as a teaching assistant and accounting tutor to being a national finalist in the 2023 BPA Advanced Accounting competition, she has consistently shown a passion for helping others succeed. Her commitment to excellence and leadership on campus has made a lasting impact on their peers and the Michigan Tech community.”

Jakob Christiansen, ’25, received the Construction Management Award from Ron Staley, ’77 ’80. Staley said that Christiansen exemplifies leadership, dedication, and innovation in both the classroom and the industry. “He’s served as a TA for multiple construction management courses, helped organize the recent ASCE Eastern Great Lakes Symposium that brought over 400 students and more than 15 university teams to campus, and actively competed in the Timber Strong competition,” Staley said. “He’s also a dedicated College of Business Ambassador, frequently leading personalized tours and panels for prospective students. As Vice President of the Built World Enterprise, he’s not only helped guide competition teams but will also be the first construction management student to use Enterprise in place of a traditional senior design.”

Ethan Semenchuk, ’25, received the Engineering Management Award from Carrie Schaller, ’87. Schaller said Semechuk exemplifies a dynamic blend of leadership, experience, and academic excellence. “With hands-on industry experience at Amazon and Flagstar Bank, he’s honed his skills in operations, customer service, and sales, while consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic. His role as a project manager for the EmpowerUP scholarship program showcases his ability to lead teams and collaborate across various departments,” said Schaller, noting that outside of the classroom Semenchuk has made a significant impact as a Collegiate DECA member, winning multiple awards, and as a College of Business Ambassador.

Leland Leiter,’25, received the Finance Award from Dan Green, ’83. Green described Leiter as “a highly motivated and dedicated student who excels in leadership, adaptability, and communication. Through her role as president of the Michigan Tech Finance Club, she’s demonstrated a strong ability to organize events, manage budgets, and create valuable networking opportunities for her peers,” said Green, adding that Leiter’s professional experiences include shadowing department heads at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, providing invaluable insights into the finance and hospitality industries. “Alongside academics, she’s developed strong teamwork and customer service skills in high-pressure environments,” Green said.

Skyler Spitzley, ’25, received the Management Award from Scott Usitalo, ’81. Usitalo said Spitzley has “shown exceptional leadership and strategic thinking, both in and outside the classroom. With hands-on experience as a leadership/management Intern at Kohl’s e-Fulfillment Center, she excelled in improving efficiency, making data-driven staffing decisions, and supervising a large team to meet ambitious goals. As president of the Blue Key National Honor Society, she demonstrated outstanding organizational and mentorship skills, implementing systems that empowered members and drove results,” he said. “Her commitment to fostering strong team dynamics and ability to plan and execute complex projects, such as the university’s Orientation Week, showcases her readiness to make an impact in the management field.”

Max Schramm, ’25, received the Management Information Systems (MIS) Award from Dan Batten, ’88 ’90. Batten noted the lasting impact Schramm has made through leadership and applied learning as a dual major in MIS and accounting with a data analytics focus. He served as a teaching assistant for the Applied Portfolio Management Program and held treasurer roles in both the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers and the American Marketing Association. Schramm was also recognized for expanding his global perspective through participation in study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Germany. “Additionally, he applied his MIS skills in internships at Grant Thornton and Plante Moran as well as a variety of campus initiatives such as leading an esports team,” Batten said.

Leiter, a third-year finance student, was praised for going above and beyond in both academic and extracurricular endeavors. “From the very beginning of her time at Michigan Tech, she has shown incredible dedication to her education, excelling in challenging finance and business courses. She’s mastered key financial models and developed strong leadership skills, preparing herself to succeed in the professional world,” said Pattullo.

“But what truly sets this student apart is their commitment to leadership and service within the College of Business. Her journey started early—joining the MTU Cheer Team and getting involved in the Finance Club,” he said, noting that as a first-year student Leiter expressed interest in a future leadership role, and by her second year was elected Finance Club president. Under her leadership, the club revived its long-abandoned trips, hosted insightful guest speaker panels, and organized field trips. “As president, she worked tirelessly to mentor the new executive board members, ensuring that the club remains in strong hands for years to come,” he said.

Sieders was praised by student nominators for “making her classroom a place where we aren’t afraid of learning” and “making her students feel cared for and respected.” “She balances lecturing and time to work with the material perfectly and encourages you to make mistakes and grow,” said another nominator.

“Laura makes every lecture go by in the blink of an eye by making class time fun and engaging for everyone involved. She is helpful, understanding, caring, compassionate, and values our learning above and beyond,” said another student nominator.

Look for an interview with Sieders to learn more about her what she brings to the classroom and how she empowers students in the next issue of Impact Magazine.

Congratulations to all our award winners!