Mayville State Collegiate DECA students take top honors at International Career Development Conference :: Mayville State University

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Students and advisors who represented Mayville State at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in San Francisco, Calif. April 5-8 were (left to right) - Back row: Advisor Rob Johnston, Jacob Brend, Thompson, N.D.; Davis Bengson, Cooperstown, N.D.; Josh Dixon, Casselton, N.D.; Sam Preston, Hillsboro, N.D.; Jack Bradner, Portland, N.D.; Connor Fields, Thompson, N.D.; Kadyn Helde, Hazen, N.D.; and Advisor Dustin Olson. Front row: Isabel Helde, Minot, N.D.; Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn; Leighton Wolfgram, Thompson, N.D.; Andrea Hoyme, Kindred, N.D.; Samantha Passa, Barnesville, Minn.; Ethan Schnerch, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Brock Jungels, Buchanan, N.D.; Reid Strand, Portland, N.D.; and Logan Maus, Thompson, N.D.

April 11, 2025

From April 5 to 8, 2025, 16 talented students from Mayville State University’s Collegiate DECA chapter demonstrated their exceptional skills and dedication at the International Career Development Conference held in San Francisco, Calif. This prestigious event brought together 1,300 students from around the globe to compete in various business-related challenges, showcasing their abilities in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. MSU students had to qualify for the San Francisco conference by participating in the state competition held in Fargo, N.D. this past February.

At the San Francisco conference, the MSU team achieved remarkable success, earning the prestigious Chapter Leadership Passport Award. This honor was bestowed on only 24 chapters among the 180+ active chapters worldwide this year. This recognition highlights the chapter’s commitment to leadership and excellence.

Adding to this achievement, 24 Mayville State students were honored with the Individual Leadership Passport Award during the opening ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Ballroom. Among more than 4,000 Collegiate DECA members worldwide, only 208 individuals earned this distinction. Of all colleges and universities from around the world represented, Mayville State had the most students receiving the award.

“This is a testament to the dedication and talent of our students,” said chapter co-advisor Rob Johnston.

The Collegiate DECA Leadership Passport Program challenges chapters and individual members to participate in activities that build personal and professional skills. By fostering academic preparation, community engagement, professional responsibility, and leadership experience.

“MSU Collegiate DECA continues to empower its members to thrive as future leaders and innovators,” said Johnston.

Results from the competitions are as follows:

Stock Market Simulation
2^nd Place - Jack Bradner and Sam Preston
4^th Place - Logan Maus and Connor Fields

Professional Sales
5^th Place - Sam Preston

Business to Business Marketing
Top 10 - Ethan Schnerch & Brock Jungels

Travel & Tourism
11^th Place - Connor Fields

Financial Accounting
11^th Place- Logan Maus

Marketing Communications
11^th Place - Samantha Passa and Josh Dixon

Restaurant & Food Service Management (Exam)
Top 10 - Davis Bengson

“Our chapter extends its heartfelt gratitude for the generous financial contributions and unwavering encouragement provided to our organization,” said Rob Johnston. “This support has been instrumental in empowering our students and helping them take full advantage of the opportunities available through Collegiate DECA.”

DECA’s mission is to “prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” MSU Collegiate DECA welcomes students from all majors and provides an environment focused on fostering growth, leadership, and opportunity.

Stay in touch with Mayville State’s Collegiate DECA chapter on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MayvilleStateDeca or Instagram @decamayvillestate.

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