Marian University’s marketing students made an impressive mark at the 2025 American Marketing Association (AMA) International Collegiate Conference, held April 2–5 in New Orleans. The event brought together more than 1,600 students from over 350 collegiate chapters nationwide, and Marian’s team stood out with several outstanding achievements.
Emma Hendrix earned top honors, winning AMA’s prestigious Undergraduate Research Competition for her project titled “Generative Engine Optimization: An Application for a Professional Selling Program.” She also received a $250 prize.
In a major highlight of the conference, Marian University was named AMA International Student Chapter of the Year, selected from a competitive field of 350+ chapters. This award is a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence in marketing education and student engagement.
Student Eli Givens showcased his skills in the Sales Pitch Competition, placing 7th out of nearly 700 students and earning a $100 prize. Additional honorable mentions go to Mariana Davis and Adam Heitz for strong performances in the Sales Pitch and Role Play competitions. Notably, Adam was one of only 24 students (out of 120) to reach the final round of the Sales Role Play competition.
Marian’s Sales & Marketing program continues to gain national attention under the mentorship of Professor Lori Rumreich, whose leadership and dedication to student success have elevated the program to new heights. Her ability to connect with students and foster real-world skills is a cornerstone of Marian’s mission-driven education.
Other Highlights from the Conference:
- Marian placed in the Top 15 of the Marketing Case Competition.
- Adam Heitz – Honorable Mention, Sales Role Play (Top 24 of 120).
- Adam Heitz – Honorable Mention, Sales Pitch (Top 60 of 700).
- Mariana Davis – Honorable Mention, Sales Pitch (Top 60 of 700).
In addition to competing, students engaged in impactful learning sessions, including a keynote by Martin Nance, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Minnesota Vikings. Several workshops focused on the role of artificial intelligence in modern business, featuring industry leaders from Microsoft and beyond. These insights will help shape Marian’s forthcoming “AI in Business” course.
Congratulations to our outstanding students and faculty for representing Marian University with pride, passion, and professionalism on the national stage.
