BOZEMAN — The Montana State University student chapter of the American Marketing Association earned a Top 10 designation out of more than 350 chapters at the annual AMA International Collegiate Conference, which was held in New Orleans this spring.
In addition to the chapter’s Top 10 designation — its fifth straight — the MSU AMA chapter won first place for Best Website and third in the coveted Case Competition, a contest they won last year. MSU students also won individual awards.
“Our success at the AMA International Collegiate Conference underscores the dedication and talent of our members,” said chapter President Emilie Rupprecht, a senior majoring in marketing and management. “We are immensely proud of our achievements and grateful for the support that has propelled us to this level of excellence.”
A record 25 MSU AMA members attended the conference this year after the chapter raised $34,000 to support their travel. At the conference, Rupprecht and Ian DeFaria, vice president of fundraising, delivered a presentation on fundraising strategies.
Aleisha Dutton, who majors in marketing, finance and accounting in the Jake Jabs School of Business and Entrepreneurship, won the EBSCO Information Systems scholar competition. Jovany Castillo, a graphic design major, took home the award for Diversity Leadership. Castillo also won Outstanding Designation for Best Social Impact Video.
Teams of students also earned outstanding designations in the categories of Best Recruitment Video and Best Marketing Week.
“The AMA International Collegiate Conference offers more than just a platform for competition. It serves as a gateway to a plethora of learning, developmental and networking opportunities crucial for students’ growth in their marketing careers,” said Eric Van Steenburg, associate professor of marketing at MSU and the chapter’s faculty adviser. “I am incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments – from team efforts to individual scholarships, this year was truly a success.”
The AMA International Collegiate Conference is held each spring to offer professional business opportunities for student chapters around the world. The MSU chapter has participated for the past eight years, earning awards in a variety of categories.
Based in Chicago, the American Marketing Association is an international organization comprising marketing students and professionals. MSU’s student chapter was founded in 2016, and its membership is open to all students regardless of major.