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Business Students Compete in Statewide Competition

By Lacey L. Clay

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Click Photo to Enlarge ORU students accept their award at the luncheon.

Click Photo to Enlarge Jonathan Wiley, Brandon Banner, Ruth Long, Brandi Stark, Charles Atkins (professor), Yolanda Martinez, Nick Magnuson, and Dr. Mark Lewandowski (Dean of the School of Business) attended the 2005 Governor's Cup Competition awards luncheon.

Six students from the ORU business department placed third in the 2005 Governor's Cup Business Plan Competition. The students, along with their advisor Charles Atkins, submitted a plan for a pharmaceutical discount card for the growing Hispanic population.

According to the business plan, Value Master Services, Inc., will "bring greater healthcare access to Hispanic consumers by providing discounted prescriptions from selected pharmacy chains."

The students reached the semi-finals on April 6th, and the outcome of the entire competition was announced at the Governor's Cup Awards Luncheon on May 4th. ORU students were up against other students from Cameron University, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, St. Gregory's University, and Tulsa Community College.

The competition offered cash prizes totaling $104,000 to the winners of the undergraduate and graduate divisions. In addition, the Tulsa-based, Isocentric Networks, Inc. was offering web services to the business plan that "best leverages computer technology."

Brandon Banner, Ruth Long, Nick Magnuson, Yolanda Martinez, Brandi Stark, and Jonathan Wiley were awarded $1,000 as a semi-finalist team and received individual trophies, a university trophy, and a $5,000 check for third prize.

According to Atkins, "their documented performance reflects the business department's continued pursuit of excellence. By their planned activity and recognition the team reflects great credit upon ORU, themselves, and the faculty. I was extremely proud to have been part of this valued program."