BYU–Hawaii’s Enactus team traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in the 2013 Enactus National Exposition and was awarded second place among more than 150 participating teams. The team first competed in April at the Regional Competition in Seattle, Washington, and was selected to continue on to the National Competition. 156 teams from campuses around the nation were invited to compete in the exposition where BYU–Hawaii was able to secure a spot in the final four and eventually awarded first runner up.
Enactus, formerly known as SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise), is a student-based organization that uses business and entrepreneurial skills to solve real world problems and create sustainable solutions. BYU–Hawaii currently has 166 members, all of which have participated in one of the 16 projects run by BYU–Hawaii student project managers. Enactus students work with faculty, business advisors, and anyone who wants to help to create new ideas and provide solutions to problems.
“This was an incredible year for our team," said Nickolas Bramwell, current president of BYU–Hawaii Enactus and a member of the presentation team. "So much hard work was put into preparing for this event. Our faculty advisors, project managers, club members, and community of business leaders worked tirelessly throughout the year to make our program what it is today. We are so humbled by the amount of people that have been impacted by our projects and the support we received throughout the year."
Kevin Castle, one of the program faculty advisors, said, “Our students work extremely hard to do their best to serve others professionally in their projects. Most of our projects would never happen without extensive support and collaboration with others, we're very grateful to our business advisory board, school administration, and our community for their support.”
Two members of our university were honored for their work and commitment to the program at the opening ceremonies. President Steven C. Wheelwright was awarded Most Supportive University President among all universities in the country and was recognized for elevating Enactus from a club to an academic program. Bill Neal, former BYU–Hawaii Associate Academic Vice President and Enactus advisor, was given the most prestigious award that Enactus can give to faculty advisors as he was inaugurated into the Sam Walton Fellows Hall of Fame. Both President Wheelwright and Bill Neal have been key contributors to the success of the Enactus program on campus and on the national stage.
For those interested in joining the BYU–Hawaii Enactus team, contact head faculty advisor, Richard Tanner, at the Willis Center for International Entrepreneurship.