CoT students in Anderson plan annual Academic Bowl

Seven students at the College of Technology at Anderson are coordinating and hosting the 2nd Annual Academic Bowl for high schools April 16.

The event serves several purposes, according to project manager Joe Upsal, an organizational leadership and supervision student. First and foremost, the competition celebrates the academic achievements of area high school students.

There are two other benefits, he says.

“It creates awareness, letting them know that Purdue is here in Anderson,” Upsal said. “Also, the members of our team are using skills we learned in our classes while earning credit.”

The members of the coordinating team are enrolled in either the professional development course (taught by Abe Walton), the project management course (taught by Darrel Sandall), or both.

“Every single thing we’ve learned is being employed in this project,” Upsal says.

Their duties include planning the logistics of the competition day, soliciting sponsors, creating the bracket, writing questions, working with media and creating feedback surveys for the participants.

“It’s just been a totally new experience for me, but very enriching. It’s been worth it,” Upsal said.

The rest of the Academic Bowl team includes Sheryl Thayer, Sam Hollies, Jeff Hovermale, Danny An and Ben Kelly. In addition, Upsal says, the team has received great support from Barb Alder, location director; David Riegle, student services coordinator; and Lorri Barnett, temporary lecturer.