BYU-Hawaii’s Enactus team took second place, losing out on first place by tenths of a point, at the national Enactus exposition held in Kansas City, Mo., against the top 200 universities across the country. “Our students, consistently over the years, are the favorites of the corporations and audiences that watch the event,” said BYUH Enactus’ team Advisor Kevin Castle. “Our students have a special spirit about them that radiates and sets them apart. Not only do they represent world-class capabilities and the quality of BYUH students to the sponsoring corporations as potential employees, they also represent the wholesome values and integrity of our church and school.” Twelve project managers and six student presenters traveled to Kansas City for the exposition. Nickolas Bramwell, current BYUH Enactus president, attended the competition as a member of the presentation team. The team came up a mere point behind Flagler College, a university in Florida. “When BYU-Hawaii received 2nd place, I was at first heartbroken,” said Bramwell. “So many people have given thousands of hours towards these projects, and we had prepared all year to win the exposition. However, my opinion changed the very next day as we presented our projects to our extended BYUH ‘ohana in Salt Lake City. The combined efforts of our student teams have impacted 99,000 people, improving their quality of life,” Bramwell said. According to Castle, the main goal of the team is to “align our activities to fulfill the core mission of the university.” He added, “We believe by using professional processes and proven principles in how we serve, we not only serve more effectively, but also we become more effective leaders ourselves.” Last year the team, previously operating under the name of SIFE, came in third nationally. In response, they revamped their strategy coming up with a 17-minute presentation that contributed to their win. Bramwell said, “This year’s efforts expanded upon the momentum and groundwork laid by previous year’s students and advisers. I am so grateful for the many years of training and leadership provided by previous students, advisers, and business advisory board members. This year was definitely different, but at the core, the BYU-Hawaii Enactus chapter has always been passionate about serving others through creative business.” The presentation itself wasn’t the only thing that was rethought, but the actual projects themselves. Gauging the needs of local as well as international communities, BYUH’s Enactus team was able to focus on the greatest needs, said participants. “We asked probing and challenging business-related questions to our team to understand our team’s true capabilities and understanding of effective business principles in relation to our projects,” Castle said. The presentation team was able to showcase the progress and “creative business” BYUH Enactus has made in the past year by presenting some of their best projects. SWATT, Cambodia Orphanage, Congo Entraide, Akin, Tuvalu Preschool, Dream Navigator, Fiji Vibes, Hawaii Oceans, Hukilau Aquaponics, and IIPP were among the projects shown in the competition. Besides the accolades given in respects to their projects, a couple of ‘ohana members who supported the BYUH Enactus team also received high honors. Bramwell said, “Our projects represent wise stewardship of what has been given to us. Additionally, I felt truly humbled and grateful to be among such mentors and students who represent a global Zion, who partner with each and give of their time and resources for the benefit of others. So in retrospect, the national exposition is a unique competition, in which ‘we all win,’ regardless of how we are ranked.” Dr. Bill Neal, a BYUH Enactus faculty advisor, was given the most prestigious and rare award Enactus can bestow to faculty advisors as he was inaugurated into the Sam Walton Fellows Hall of Fame. “More importantly than winning first place was the influence on the various lives of children,” Neal said. “The projects have been a huge impact on individuals involved, as well as the growth of our own team.” BYUH President Steven C. Wheelwright was also awarded with being the most supportive university president among all universities in the U.S. for his support for BYUH Enactus. According to Castle, President Wheelwright and the administration’s support in elevating Enactus from a club to a fully funded academic program have made positive strides. The team also received $5,000 for receiving the OB Ocean Pollution award. Neal commented on BYUH Enactus’ rise to fame on the national spotlight, saying, “It’s so gratifying to see the reputation gained over the last few years and see how that room filled and people saying, ‘That’s the team to beat.’” Neal continued, “Over 90 percent of our project managers are hired at graduation. There are 200 jobs available just this [past] week from the corporate sponsors here at the national event. Most of our 18 students who traveled here to Kansas City already have job interviews and meetings with real employers at a career fair.” “Although there are several personal benefits students get from Enactus, the motivating factor for most students is seeing the measurable and sustainable impact they make in the lives of those they serve,” Neal said. For those interested in joining the BYUH Enactus team, they can contact head faculty advisor, Brother Richard Tanner, at the Willis Center.
Writer: Dylan Wilcox & Jennifer Herrera~ Journalist
