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Photo of Zach Ribas with his lifeguard team

Lifesaver

Lifesaver

Not all heroes wear capes – some wear whistles. 

Take Chambers College student Zachary Ribas. This past June, while working as a pool manager at Krepps Park in Morgantown, Ribas and his colleagues saved the life of an 11-year-old boy who had an unexpected seizure and nearly drowned.  

“June 8th was one of the most eye-opening moments I have ever had,” Ribas said. “It showed me how precious life is." 

Ribas and his team credited the pool’s emergency action plan with helping them quickly and calmly react. In recognition of their bravery and quick thinking, the City of Morgantown recognized the lifeguards for their lifesaving efforts. 

A Divine Business Plan

Religiosity can help turn believers into entrepreneurs, according to Nancy McIntyre, associate professor of management at the Chambers College. A study by McIntrye found that when religiosity is more than attending a place of worship — “when it’s a commitment to religious principles and activities” — it strengthens the desire to create a business with a conscience. 

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The Future is Innovative Females

In an effort to reach innovative and entrepreneurial females throughout the state, the WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab hosted its Second Annual Women Innovate Pitch Competition. Ten women entered the virtual competition in October in hopes of winning prizes up to $5,000 to turn their idea into a reality. The contestants had to consider every aspect of their pitch – everything from production to advertising – and field questions from the all-female panel of judges. First place went to Anna Cummings, a business management major and entrepreneurship minor from Ashburn, Virginia, whose pitch identified an unaddressed need for a device to help earring-wearers attach their earring backtracks. “The Women Innovate Pitch Competition is an important opportunity for women entrepreneurs,” said Carrie White, executive director of the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab. “The LaunchLab is here to provide support to all student innovators. However, historically we have seen fewer female clients as compared to male. This event is designed to level that field. The first year we held it, we saw our female entrepreneurs increase by 20 percent. We want to provide encouragement to all WVU students who wish to create something new!” 

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Front of the House

Frank DeMarco, teaching associate professor of hospitality and tourism, recently received the Excellence in Tourism Education Award from the West Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. 

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Clothes-Minded

“The future is unpredictable so I focus on the ‘how’ and not the ‘what.'’”

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February Research Successes

Our roundup of Chambers College research publications, media appearances, awards, achievements and other noteworthy tidbits.

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