Tabor School of Business: Celebrations of Scholarship

Discover. Innovate. Practice. In Tabor, we transform students across business, communication, and technology into highly skilled professionals ready to lead in an evolving world. Through Performance Learning experiences grounded in real risk and real reward, our students are consulting with local organizations, developing strategic plans for regional and international companies, solving complex problems through technology innovation, launching ventures, managing real investments, and honing the communication and leadership skills that drive professional success. These authentic experiences build not only technical competence but also the confidence and character our students need to lead throughout their careers. Seeing their work during Celebrations of Scholarship gives us a glimpse into the entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, communicators, and engaged professionals they're becoming. Let's celebrate their accomplishments and congratulate them on their good work.

RJ Podeschi, M.S., MBA ‘02 
Dean, Tabor School of Business

 

2026 Celebrations of Scholarship Presentations Listed Below

  • Communication Capstone Presentation

    SCO207

    2-2:15 p.m. 

    Presenter(s):

    Zachary Hollis

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Sarah Drake 

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation will be a culmination experience of their time in the communication major at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University.

     

    Communication Capstone Presentation

    SCO207

    2:15-2:30 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Abigail Aquilina

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Sarah Drake 

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation will be a culmination experience of their time in the communication major at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University.

  • MU Performance Consulting: Spring Retrospective

    SCO207

    3:30-4:30 p.m. 

    Presenter(s):

    Sam Busher, Reece Butcher, Jacob Habel, Jallah Kollie Jr., Jackson Pearce, Oakley Tate, Blake Binkowski, Joey Niebrugge, Nicole Wells, Teyla Wendt, Aiden Simmons, Julian Cabanin, Robert Vavrik, Kristen Armstrong, Ciara Collins, Izzy Jones, Luke Kawa, Noah Leichty, Austin Maubach, Madison McMahal, Grace Pelz

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    RJ Podeschi

    Abstract/Description:

    MU Performance Consulting is a tech-focused, multidisciplinary student-run venture. Students work for clients in the community to design and deliver technical solutions to business problems with a primary focus on website development. Student consultants will provide a retrospective on the spring semester, how the venture is evolving, and how they are turning challenges into future opportunities.

  • VITA Tax Practicum: A Performance Learning Reflection

    SCO207

    10-10:30 a.m. 

    Presenter(s):

    Isaac Beasley, Caleb Blair, Mason Corey, Shayla Cullison, Gannon Harshman, Jasleen Kaur, Zach Kohler, Dillon McColley, Taranbir Singh

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Nicole Allen 

    Abstract/Description:

    Students enrolled in the 2026 VITA Tax Practicum will share their experiences and reflections of preparing tax returns for free for the Decatur community.

     

    ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Tabor Consulting: Grants, Growth, and AI-Driven Innovation

    SCO207

    10:30-11 a.m. 

    Presenter(s):

    Guy Gahugu, Beth Portman, Saebra Curl, Bella Griffiths, Ethan Noellsch, Jaron Rittner, Ja'Nyla Swift, Luke Butler, Macie Wright, Nicolas Oettl, Nils Gmelin

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Yuhan Hua

    Abstract/Description:

    ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Tabor Consulting (MTC) is a student-run consulting organization that partners with real businesses and community stakeholders. This presentation will highlight three projects completed this semester: supporting an Illinois state grant application to install an electric vehicle charging station; organizing and promoting a grand opening event for Luka Popcorn, a local small business; and delivering three AI-focused workshops sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship to support students in the startup process. These projects demonstrate how experiential learning connects students with real clients while building leadership, professional skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

     

    Tabor Global Scholars Travel Reflections

    SCO207

    11-11:45 a.m. 

    Presenter(s):

    Kristen Armstrong, Jaskeerat Singh, Abygail Woudenberg

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    RJ Podeschi

    Abstract/Description:

    Tabor Global Scholars is a selective program enabling first-year Tabor School of Business students to study abroad during their first year. During a week-long immersion in The Netherlands and Belgium, three students explored international business, data privacy, and cultural differences while discovering their own travel identities. Through interactions with Belgian faculty at Arteveldehogeschool in Ghent, visits to historic sites, and workshops on GDPR and emerging technologies, students confronted assumptions about global business operations. This presentation shares personal reflections and instances where direct experience deepened understanding of global citizenship and prepared them to mentor future international students.