Pi Sigma Epsilon places second in business regional
Pi Sigma Epsilon, returns from regionals with a second place title and with the understanding that there is no “I” in team.
Eight PSE members traveled to Ohio State University to defend their first Place regional title. However, that was not the case this year.
PSE president, Lowell senior Tyler Wallner said that even though CMU did not receive first place, there was continual improvement and progression from working as a collaborative team.
“There has been a transformation. I have been in PSE for four years now and this is a change that has benefit us,” Wallner said. “We have come together. This team camaraderie aspect has become the winning factor.”
Out of 200 students competing, four of the eight CMU students placed.
“Taking half of the spot placements, really exemplifies how much we’ve come together,” Wallner said. “It is a raw domination when a single school takes half the placements.”
Detroit senior Aunri Page received the ultimate experience, receiving second place in his first ever Pro-Am Sales competition.
“Pinch me, I feel like I am dreaming,” he said. “I dreamt of the moment and couldn’t believe it actually happened when they called my name. For our chapter to be recognized and get a second place title speaks volumes to our chapter and advisor Ken Cherry who has helped us grow. “
Page said that whether you are underclassmen or upperclassmen, an opportunity to push you out there, to get tangible real world advice from professionals should always be taken advantage of.
“There is no one standing in the way of your success but yourself. You have nothing to loose but everything to gain,” Page said. “Everyone should get involved with their majors. My freshmen year I was reluctant to become involved. It wasn’t until the spring of my junior year that I rushed for PSE. I have no regrets, but in hindsight it is just a lesson learned for me. It would have been nice to get involved sooner and gain that exposure of the industry itself earlier on.”
The newly encouraged team efforts included preparation work of collective role-plays, sharing sales pitch ideas, viewing past competitions from alumni, and utilizing the resources provided by Faculty Advisor Ken Cherry.
“None of this would have been possible without our advisor, Ken Cherry, he was the one who trained us and devoted his time,” Page said. “He encouraged and motivated us to push harder. He is determined to see his students grow and see them do well.”
Five years ago, Cherry started the Business Fraternity at CMU, and since then PSE has been rewarded with four Regional first place titles, and two National wins.
“These competitions are a good showcase, they get to see students in a real atmosphere, selling a real product,” Cherry said. I am proud of these students; they are putting in twenty plus hours outside of class to reach this level. We went from our first sales competition to becoming a national power.”
