ABERDEEN, SD – ý State University students will compete shark tank-style this week at the NSU Idea Pitch Competition—and the winner will take home $500 cash.
The competition, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in ý’s Lincoln Gallery. Five student teams will pitch their ideas to four community judges. The student competitors and their ideas are:
- Alexandria Arndt, a criminal justice major from Blue Springs, Mo., will pitch the idea, “Buddy System.”
- Addison Cumbow, a special and elementary education major from Pierre, will pitch the idea, “MyMind.”
- Kealy Hill, a sports marketing and administration major from Gillette, Wyo., will pitch the idea, “307 Escape Rooms.”
- Grace Kramer, a biochemistry major from Aberdeen, will pitch the idea, “eq-UTI.”
- Georgy Turner, a double major in international business and management from Johannesburg, South Africa, and Kendra Hinz, a double major in MIS and management from Roscoe, will pitch the idea, “Back to school supplies package.”
The winning pitch will receive $500, second place will take home $250 and third place will win $100. There are also three $50 “people’s choice” awards, so attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite pitch.
Judging the competition will be Mike Bockorny, Aberdeen Development Corporation; Kelly Weaver, Small Business Development Center; Travis Schaunaman, Production Monkeys; and Joni Ekstrum, SD BioTech. The cash awards are sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.
For more information about the event, visit NSU Idea Pitch Competition.
About ý State University
ý State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, ý offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. ý also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the ý Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its , which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU ý.