Last Saturday saw the second running of the Grossman Dean’s Cup; a one-day business case competition organized by the Grossman Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) for UVM undergraduate students to hone their business and consulting skills. Students are tasked with applying what they have learned within the classroom to solve real-world business challenges.

This year saw the number of competing teams more than double, with students signing up from across campus with majors as diverse as Religion, Environmental Science & Economics, Neuroscience, Geography, Biology, Political Science, and Community and International Development. In all, more than fifty students participated as competitors and organizers; who were joined by judges drawn from graduate students, alumni, faculty and prominent community members and business leaders.  

After a preliminary, and finals round, a Grossman freshman team comprising Matthew Richardson, Joe Consorti, Connor McCormack and Tyler Laroche emerged as the winners.

The winning team said “We decided to compete in the Dean’s Cup last fall after developing an interest in case competitions throughout our first semester here at UVM. We viewed the Dean’s Cup as a method of developing our communication and critical thinking abilities; all the while getting our foot in the door for future case opportunities through UVM.”

They continued “In the weeks leading up to the case, we carefully pored over our analysis and presentation; we're thrilled our preparation shone through during the competition. We are indebted to GSAC and the judges for holding a spectacular event, and we look forward to participating in the future."

Participation in case competitions is encouraged for all Grossman students, as they allow students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a pressure-cooker environment. This type of experiential learning develops problem solving and analytical skills, improves confidence and teamwork, and public speaking and communication abilities; all attributes vital to success in today’s workplace.