Scanning the Horizons 2024

By Dr. David Penn

Our Scanning the Horizons Student Showcase Scholarship Competition began with 120 high-achieving integrated business (IB) students with some of the best presentation skills, nominated by every faculty member of the Department of Integrated Business. The theme was Scanning the Horizons: Emerging Issues in Business.

The 120 students presented over two rounds in the competition regarding issues they addressed before various IB alumni and faculty members in January. Fifteen finalists advanced to the final round, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in partnership with the Dean’s Advisory Board meeting and the Hall of Fame gala, on Tuesday, March 12th. The final event was facilitated by Drs. Jim Gilkeson, David Penn, Eric Litton, and Elizabeth Yost.

With research-oriented poster board demonstrations, each finalist addressed a forward-looking issue of importance to the Central Florida business community, written by various Dean’s Advisory Board members and faculty members. Topics ranged across political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions. The final competition was in a round-robin format with small teams of judges asking various questions of the finalists in 15-minute intervals. Over 65 judges, including several members of the dean’s advisory board, various business community executives, and several IB alumni evaluated the 15 finalists.

Katherine Beltre, a junior IB major, was selected by the judges as the 1st place presenter and winner of a $1,000 scholarship. Katherine presented on future infrastructure projects and related development management aspects that most critical in facilitating the success of Central Florida’s businesses. She was nominated by Drs. David Penn and Troy Pounds, and coached by Dr. Ray Eddy.

Christopher Forges, a senior IB major, was selected by the judges as the 2nd place presenter and winner of a $750 scholarship. Christopher presented on what roles the State of Florida, the Central Florida business community, and individual consumers can play in ensuring the success of the Brightline rail system. He was nominated by Drs. Jim Gallo and Carlos Valdez, and coached by Dr. Gallo.

Ralph Balderamos III, a senior IB major, was selected by the judges as the 3rd place presenter and winner of a $500 scholarship. Ralph presented on the use of virtual reality and how it can compete with, threaten, and enhance theme parks in Central Florida. He was nominated by Dr. Carole Ann Creque and coached by Dr. Eddy.

Our fourth and fifth place winners were Reyvan Demesmin, Hayley Crews and Christy Miller (tied), respectively. They presented remote work issues, updates needed for four-year degrees in business by the community, and how artificial intelligence can be used to improve medical care in Central Florida, including the treatment of older adults, respectively. They were nominated by Drs. Cristian Alecse, Gordon Henry, Eric Litton, and Dr. Penn, and coached by Drs. Gallo, Henry, and Litton. They were provided $100 gift cards and special certificates.