Waynesburg University hosted its yearly Something From Nothing Innovation Challenge Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the auxiliary gym. The challenge spanned over three hours, with no preparation time given to participating students beforehand. At the end of the event, groups of three-to-four students submitted a short informational pitch video for fan voting and external review.
Students were intellectually challenged to transform a surprise item into an entirely new object, utilizing team collaboration, critical thinking skills and communication tactics to create something of value from practically nothing. The event's goal was to cultivate maximum innovation and promote student creativity.
The following student groups were concluded the semifinalists of the 6th Annual Something From Nothing Innovation Challenge:
- Group One: Olivia Kale, freshman forensic accounting major; Mackenzie Monpere, freshman undeclared major; Jaidyn Logue, freshman forensic accounting major
- Group Three: Colton Slaughter, freshman chemistry major; Julia Stewart, freshman chemistry major; Alexis Hepburn, freshman forensic biology major; Ethan Best, sophomore chemistry major
- Group Four: Jacob Brisky, junior entrepreneurship major; Ashton Getz, sophomore entrepreneurship major; Carson Shriver, sophomore sports management major; Isaiah Grenway, sophomore business management major
- Group Five: Ameer Hunter, junior business management major; Randy Ventura, senior business management major; Leah Tillack, junior marketing major
- Group Six: Kalista Friday, sophomore applied business major; Madison Platt, junior business management major; Tori Wesolowski, junior nursing major; Clara-Paige Miller, junior health and exercise science major
- Group Seven: Simbarashe Dube, freshman business management major; Colby Pauley, freshman finance major; Chase Kennedy, freshman sports management major; Isaac Hall, freshman business management major
- Group Nine: Bryn Hannah, senior forensic science major; Emily Lipke, senior digital design major; Rachel Katekovich, senior environmental studies major
- Group Eleven: Madison Bidnuik, freshman health and exercise science major; Addison Blair, freshman nursing major; Chris Fox, freshman sports media major
- Group Twelve: David Brown, freshman marketing major; Richard Christeleit, sophomore biology major; Virgil Doiron, sophomore engineering (math) major
“I can truly say that the creativity, excitement and joy were incredible to see. Students were immersed in what they were making and passionate about their innovations,”
“Our Innovation Challenge helps students gain skills in problem-solving, ideation, and prototyping in a fast-paced, exciting environment. These skills are so important today, as the world needs creative solutions from problem-solvers,” explained Cassy Dorsch, director of the eHIVE and Nest at Waynesburg University.
The event winners will receive $400, the second-place group will receive $300, the third will receive $200 and the winner of fan-favorite voting will be awarded an additional $300. The challenge also allows sponsoring organizations to receive an award, with first place receiving $200, second receiving $150 and third receiving $100. Finalists will be determined Friday, Feb. 28.
Overall, the challenge inspired students to work collaboratively to create something they could be proud of.
“I can truly say that the creativity, excitement and joy were incredible to see. Students were immersed in what they were making and passionate about their innovations,” said Dorsch. “I couldn't be more proud of our students for stepping out of their comfort zones and being willing to try something new.
