UW Earns Runner-Up Honors in International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition

The University of Wyoming earned multiple runner-up finishes in its first appearance at the annual International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC), hosted by Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Competing against more than 60 teams representing 40 universities from eight countries, UW students demonstrated exceptional skills in ethical analysis, sustainability strategy and business problem-solving across multiple competition formats. 

UW teams earned runner-up honors in the 25-minute and 10-minute presentation graduate divisions, as well as runner-up recognition in the 90-second presentation undergraduate division.

“This is an extraordinary achievement, especially given that this was UW’s first time competing in IBESCC,” says Chris Haller, director of the Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and lead team adviser for the competition. “Our students rose to the challenge on a global stage, showcasing not only their analytical abilities, but also their commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.”

The IBESCC challenges student teams to apply ethical reasoning to real-world business problems aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Participants present solutions that integrate legal, financial and ethical considerations, with a strong emphasis on the ethical acceptability and impact of their recommendations. 

 

UW’s student teams were:

 

Illuminating Consulting -- Graduate Team (25-Minute and 10-Minute Presentation Runner-Up):  

-- Avery O’Brien, an MBA student from Rock Springs.

-- Daljit Kaur, a junior accounting and economics major from Burns.

-- Owen Fink, a senior economics, finance and management major from Powell.

-- Tristan Patterson, a senior finance and pre-law major from Cheyenne.

The Green Guardians -- Undergraduate Team (90-Second Presentation Runner-Up):     
                    

-- Ethan Graham, a senior journalism major from Mead, Colo.

-- Hannah Ludlage, a junior management and marketing major from Fuerstenau, Germany.

-- Rater Tomlinson, a sophomore economics and marketing major from Sheridan.

-- Thad Blackburn, a senior professional sales major from Virginia Beach, Va.

TrueNorth Consulting -- Undergraduate Team:        
                                                                                

-- Charli Frankenfeld, a senior management, marketing and professional sales major from Sterling, Colo.

-- Dalia Weber, a senior management and professional sales major from Rock City, Ill.

-- Joseph Rezac, a junior accounting major from Rock Springs.

-- Oakley Simons, a sophomore management, marketing and professional sales major from Cheyenne.

The competition included rigorous presentation rounds in multiple formats, testing teams’ abilities to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively under time constraints. Topics ranged from environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility to emerging ethical challenges in global business.

UW’s success reflects the growing strength of its programs in business ethics and leadership, as well as the dedication of its students and faculty mentors.

“This accomplishment speaks to the caliber of our students and the experiential learning opportunities we are committed to providing,” says Chase Thiel, associate dean of the College of Business and assistant team adviser for the competition. “We look forward to building on this momentum in future competitions.”

 

About The International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition

 

IBESCC is an annual event hosted by Loyola Marymount University’s Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability. The competition brings together top student teams from around the world to analyze and present solutions to complex ethical and sustainability challenges facing modern organizations.

About UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics

 

The Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics is committed to developing the next generation of ethical leaders and organizations in Wyoming and beyond. The center’s higher purpose is to build principled leaders for a better tomorrow.