Central College students competed in the inaugural Tippie National Impact Case Competition, placing fifth overall. The team had two weeks to analyze a case provided by the host and prepare recommendations, which they presented during the two-day competition.
The Central team shared their ideas on applying triple bottom-line principles to a planned soccer stadium complex in Des Moines, Iowa. Some unique items they presented were permeable pavement, 360 digital viewing area and Pavegen’s energy generating sidewalks.
Ann McDonald, lecturer of business management, coached the four-person team:
- Scott Johnson, Class of 2026, business and psychology double major from Dallas, Iowa.
- John Juszczyk, Class of 2027, business management major from Monmouth, Illinois.
- Mickey Martens, Class of 2027, business management and computer science double major from Villa Park, Illinois.
- Isabella Schlerman, Class of 2026, actuarial science and Spanish double major from Pella, Iowa.
Central’s students researched several different aspects of the project: Turf, water collection systems and a solar power array, including the calculations for the optimal number of panels for a stadium of the planned size and a retractable roof. A unique concept was the students’ plans for the public — to include a community gathering area for outdoor events and food truck parking. They proposed plans for an augmented reality viewing center that would allow fans to virtually attend world-class sporting events in Des Moines, like world cup matches, the Iowa-Iowa State football game or concerts.
The National Impact Case Competition at the Tippie College of Business University of Iowa brought together undergraduate teams from across the country to tackle real-world cases through the lens of business strategy and innovation. Open to students from any academic background, the competition encourages participants to strengthen leadership and problem-solving abilities while exploring ways to create meaningful change that benefits people, the planet and profits.
“This team represented Central so well at the competition,” said Maggie Fisher Schlerman, professor of accounting and chair of the economics, accounting and management department and a 2002 Central graduate. “Central’s team represented the only private liberal arts college to make it to the finals. All of the other teams were from large state schools, and our students were stiff competition at an elite level. I am so incredibly proud of this group of students.”
If you would be interested in supporting next year’s team, gifts are accepted through the Central advancement office. Contact Kathy Cashen Thompson, director of development and 1987 graduate, cashenthompsonk@central.edu.
