A group of twelve students in business casual and professional attire pose for a photo on a wooden pier. They are standing directly in front of the massive grey hull of a ship marked with the number
A group of twelve students in business casual and professional attire pose for a photo on a wooden pier. They are standing directly in front of the massive grey hull of a ship marked with the number

Spring break looked a little different this year for 19 MSU Denver students.

Instead of taking time off, members of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) Eta Upsilon chapter traveled to Norfolk, Virginia to compete at the 2026 National Convention. They didn’t just show up. They showed out.

From day one, these students made it clear they came ready. Competing against top business schools from across the country, MSU Denver students advanced through rounds, earned national recognition, and brought home major wins.

By the end of the competition, the results spoke for themselves:

  • Top Silver Chapter Award
  • 1st Place, Pro-Am Sell-a-Thon
  • Rookie of the Year
  • 7 Scholarship Winners
  • $3,700+ Fundraised
  • Interviews with national employers

This wasn’t just a strong showing, it was a statement.

Six PSE students stand in a row in front of a large purple PSE banner, each holding a framed award certificate. They are dressed in professional business attire and are smiling at the camera in a brightly lit conference room.

Several students stood out with exceptional performances throughout the week.

Nathaniel Allison advanced to the second round of the highly competitive speakers competition, while Genevie Webster advanced to the second round of the Pro-Am Sell-a-Thon, an impressive accomplishment on a national stage.

Nick Russo in a dark suit and blue patterned tie stands smiling in front of a purple and gold Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) banner. He is holding two glass trophies; the one in his left hand reads

One of the biggest highlights came from Nick Russo, who delivered an outstanding performance across multiple categories. He earned 1st place in the Pro-Am Sell-a-Thon, was named Rookie of the Year (Haylei Drope Top Rookie Award), and also placed third overall in the year-long scoresheet rankings. Beyond the awards, Nick was recognized by his peers as a mentor and leader, someone who helped elevate those around him and set the tone for the team’s success.

A group of MSU Denver Students sitting around a table talking

These results didn’t happen overnight. Students spent months preparing, leading sales trainings, practicing pitches, and pushing each other to improve. Leaders within the chapter stepped up to mentor their peers, creating a culture of accountability and growth that showed up in every competition room.

That preparation, paired with strong leadership from chapter president Kally Nguyen and support from faculty advisors; April Schofield, Clay Daughtrey, and Mick Jackowski, alumni, and donors, made it possible to bring a record 19 students to nationals.

While the awards are impressive, the experience goes beyond trophies. Students spent the week networking with employers, building professional skills, and gaining real-world experience that will shape their careers long after graduation. They represented the College of Business with professionalism, confidence, and heart and proved that MSU Denver students can compete with anyone.

If this week is any indication of the future, this is just the beginning for Eta Upsilon.

A group of about 15 students in formal evening wear pose for a group photo in front of a purple banner decorated with a purple and gold balloon arch. In the center, a young man is kneeling and holding a black award plaque, with two glass trophies placed on the floor in front of him.

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Four MSU Denver students stand smiling and laughing together in front of a large inflatable Roadrunners mascot holding a “GET ROWDY!” sign. They are outdoors on a sunny day with a grassy hill and a bright blue sky in the background, celebrating school spirit and camaraderie.