Kettering University DECA Students Excel at Michigan State Conference

Kettering University Collegiate DECA students showcased their skills at the Michigan Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference on February 8 and 9, competing against more than 200 students from 11 colleges and universities across Michigan.

Students competed in individual and team events, demonstrating their strategic thinking, problem-solving, and business acumen. Among them, ten were finalists in individual events, earning two first-place, one second-place, and two third-place awards. In team events, seven of Kettering’s nine teams advanced to the finals, securing one first-place, one second-place, and two third-place finishes.

A total of 16 Kettering students were named finalists, with 11 earning top-three finishes. These 11 students have now earned the opportunity to represent Kettering University at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in San Francisco on April 5-8, 2025.

Top Finishers

Individual Event Winners:
First Place

• Ethan Arun (Computer Science, B-Section DECA President) – Fashion Marketing
• Benjamin Bollman (Mechanical Engineering) – Entrepreneurship Operations

Second Place

• Jack Krugh (Mechanical Engineering) – Travel and Tourism

Third Place

• Harrison Ketchum (Mechanical Engineering) – Hotel and Lodging
• Ria Kapoor (Management) – Restaurant and Food Service Management

Team Event Winners:
First Place

• Emilio Lord (Management) & Adam Quintana (Mechanical Engineering) – Sports Marketing

Second Place

• Adam Meyer (Mechanical Engineering, A-Section DECA President) & Aidan Petras (Computer Engineering & Computer Science) – Entertainment Marketing

Third Place

• Benjamin Bollman (Mechanical Engineering) & Rishika Santhosh Kumar (Computer Science) – Business Ethics
• Ria Kapoor (Management) & Joseph Kowalski (Chemical Engineering) – Business Research

Additional Finalists

• Jack Hernandez (Industrial Engineering) – Hotel and Lodging, International Marketing
• Ryan Hociota (Electrical Engineering) – Entrepreneurship Operations, Entertainment Marketing
• Meadow Loukmas (Mechanical Engineering) – Marketing Management
• Aidan O'Neill (Mechanical Engineering) – Event Planning
• Leopold Richter (Chemical Engineering) – Event Planning

Other Competitors

• Ally Raymer (Mechanical Engineering)
• Jack Sigelko (Computer Engineering)

All students demonstrated exceptional preparation, determination, and professionalism throughout the competition. Their hard work and dedication continue to exemplify the excellence of Kettering University’s Collegiate DECA program.