Submitted Photo Pictured are the Fredonia Enactus presenters who traveled to Kansas City for the Enactus National Expo.

Fredonia returned from the Enactus National Expo held in Kansas City with a trophy in hand representing their placement, once again, in the top 32 schools across the country. The trophy, earned by presenting the outcomes of this year’s 13 projects to business leaders represents recognition of the over 5,800 hours of work on projects. Fredonia Enactus has 100 students bringing creativity and talent from 22 different majors to make a social, economic or environmental impact in our community. Bernie Milano, president KPMG US Foundation noted. “SUNY Fredonia has a terrific Enactus Team, I witnessed their presentation at the Enactus U.S. Exposition in Kansas City last month. Their students are truly making a positive difference in their communities while learning teamwork, project management and presentation skills.”

Economic projects included work on Catch 18, the restaurant located at the Dunkirk Boardwalk specializing in seafood created by Rich Harvey. Fredonia Enactus assisted with start-up planning and strategic marketing. Also highlighted was the on-going project with Carrie Rhinehart, artist and small business owner of Rusterior. Carrie is developing a business and marketing plan to expand her screen printing business.

Besides economic projects, Enactus works with the Boys and Girls Club in Dunkirk to provide mentoring and program support, teaching entrepreneurial skills to youth for a social impact. Another social impact that was shared reflected the work with Girl Scouts on leadership, college readiness and cookie sales. The third impact, environmental impact, was highlighted with their work to recycle ink cartridges and the eco-fair held on Earth Day in Dunkirk.

Project management is at the heart of Enactus’ focus on action. At this year’s National Expo, the Fredonia team was recognized for having 20 students, the most in the country, successfully certified in PMD — international Project Management in Development. The Executive Team of Luke Bartone, David Even, Jordan Cuozzo and Marianne Faivre took their training one step further and developed a customized Fredonia process. They integrated what they learned with input from Enactus alumni, Benji Soto and Josh Moreno, experts in Walmart’s Agile system, into a customized project management approach called Template for Cultivating Growth.

Fredonia students came home with job offers and opportunities in additional to their trophy. ADP hired four Fredonia graduates, Dan Siracuse, Trevor Smith, Luke Bartone and Becky Leichter and Latrell Tyson was offered an internship opportunity with Walmart. Fredonia students were coached by our alumni who were in Kansas City with their employers, Cora Abraham with ADP and Benji Soto, Josh Moreno and Marissa Scozzaro with Walmart.

Luke Bartone, Fredonia Enactus CEO (’16-’17) summarized his experience at this year’s Nationals saying “What a truly inspiring experience every year. This annual showcase allows you to represent who you are, where you come from, and what you mean to your community. There is a great sense of pride that resonates in every room with that bright yellow symbol. To share experiences with others who may never understand your home, but who share the same worldwide mission, opens your eyes to endless possibilities.”

“Enactus is continuing its work throughout the summer,” noted Jane Garrity the 2017-18 CEO. Nick Arcoraci is exploring an international water project, Alex Czechowski is leading the effort to provide web and marketing services for local churches and organizations and Rachel Painter is leading the effort to bring more than 100 Enactus students from regional colleges for a training day in the fall. Stay tuned for more updates. For more information about Enactus, contact Dr. McNamara at susan.mcnamara@fredonia.edu.