Loyalist SIFE team rises to the top

By Jennifer Bowman

Loyalist College created a buzz at the National SIFE competition on Wednesday.

After only two years, the Loyalist team with its 33 members has grown from start-up to competing with schools many times its size.  Loyalist was dubbed “The Little College that Could” when the Loyalist College Students in Free Enterprise team wowed its way into third place.

“To have students competing at that level was just outstanding,” said Maureen Piercy, president of Loyalist College. “We’re third in Canada, after Memorial University and Ryerson University. Competing against institutions many times our size created a lot of buzz. We’re so proud of our students.”

The annual competition was held on the Canadian Idol stage at the Air Canada Convention Centre on Wednesday. More than 45 Canadian colleges and universities competed, and more than 40 top Canadian CEOs judged the final rounds. There was standing room only as 900 people crowded the room to see Loyalist’s presentation.

SIFE is an international program that encourages postsecondary students to undertake projects that will enhance the posterity and wellbeing of their community. Over the past year, Loyalist’s SIFE team has worked with aboriginal youth at the college, branding awareness and community enhancement for the Town of Greater Napanee, entrepreneurship training designed for military families, and an anti-hunger campaign.

In addition to placing third, Loyalist’s SIFE team was also awarded “Most Improved Team” and received the $1,000 Campbell’s Can Hunger award. They will reinvest the money in the team’s Can Hunger project.

“Look out next year, because SIFE Loyalist will be back,” said Piercy.