Looking Back, Moving Forward: Michigan Tech AMA Chapter Celebrates a Year of Achievements

AMA students outside the College of Business building in their AMA merch, posing as a group.
Michigan Tech AMA chapter members gather outside the College of Business building during the 2024-25 school year. Front row, from left: Micah Volger, Lydia Sterly, Ruby Walker, Olivia Perry. Back row, from left: Tessa Bakker, Maia Nelson, and Jaylen Body. (All photos courtesy the Michigan Tech AMA Chapter)

College of Business students from Michigan Tech’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter made their mark on and off campus in the 2024-25 academic year, earning accolades in regional competition, building community through networking events, and showcasing their talent at Spotlight Night.

At the 2024 AMA Regional Conference, held October 23, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Michigan Tech AMA students joined more than 400 participants from over 30 universities. Several students advanced to the finals in multiple categories.

  • Digital Marketing Strategy Competition: Micah Vogler ‘26 (Marketing) and Jaylen Body ‘25 (Business Administration and Management & Marketing) were finalists.
  • Marketing Strategy Competition: Olivia Perry ’26 (Marketing & Management Information Systems), Maia Nelson ’28 (Marketing), and Lydia Sterly ’26 (Marketing) were finalists.
  • Gatekeeper Competition: Ruby Walker ’27 (Marketing) was a finalist and placed fourth overall.
  • Social Media Recognition: Michigan Tech AMA was one of only four chapters, out of 32, recognized for excellence in managing an active Instagram account.
Ruby Walker proudly presenting at Spotlight Night after a year of successful community marketing support.
Ruby Walker takes the stage at Spotlight Night, capping off a year of impactful community marketing support.

In addition to competitions, AMA members organized their Spotlight Night, an evening where they presented marketing projects from the past year and learned from guest speaker Paul Wetzel of ProductWerks Consulting, whose career focuses on global software-as-a-service (SaaS) innovation. In addition to showcasing student creativity, collaboration, and preparation for future careers, the event highlighted how AMA helps Huskies bridge the gap between classroom concepts and professional practice.

Earlier in the year, the chapter hosted a professional mixer, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights from alumni, faculty, and local business leaders.

Beyond professional mixers, presentations, and competitions, the club toured the iconic Stormy Kromer company, headquartered in Ironwood, Michigan, with company president Gina Thorsen, followed by a Q&A session with Stormy Kromer managers that provided students with insights into the company’s departments, culture, and career opportunities.

Michigan Tech AMA students pose together, smiling and ready to compete at the UW-Whitewater Regional Conference.
Michigan Tech AMA was fired up and ready to bring their best to the UW–Whitewater competition.

And the group isn’t all business—they enjoyed socials, including a classic Breakers bonfire on the shores of Lake Superior to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.

The American Marketing Association at Michigan Tech is a nationwide organization that offers students from all majors opportunities to apply marketing concepts, develop professional networks, and learn from industry leaders, contributing to a stronger Husky community. The group is looking forward to a new academic year of learning, growth, and building community. New members are always welcome! Reach out to the group president, Tessa Bakker, or advisor Junhong Min for details.


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.