Competing against large public schools and other private institutions, a Duquesne University team of students walked away with the top spot in Michigan State University’s sixth annual Donald J. Bowersox Undergraduate Supply Chain Challenge.

The team, advised by Dr. John Mawhinney, assistant professor and director of supply chain management programs, was ranked No. 1 in a comprehensive supply chain management global simulation requiring forecasting, planning, supply management, distribution and employment of supply chain management strategies.

“The knowledge and skills displayed by the team of Duquesne students who won the Supply Chain Challenge competition at Michigan State is yet another validation of the excellent education we provide in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business and our supply chain management program,” Mawhinney said. “Thanks to our top-notch faculty and a dedicated advisory council of experienced executives, we continue to offer a world-class education to more than 200 students majoring in supply chain management.”

The Duquesne team, in only its second year of participating in the competition, captured the $2,000 first-place prize after facing a dozen challengers, including Ohio State University, West Virginia University, Arkansas State, Michigan State, the University of Dayton and Miami University, Ohio.

The seniors comprising the winning team were Julie L. Wetzel, David J. Eich and Joshua Lang.

“This terrific win underscores what an outstanding supply chain management program we have in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business,” said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the business schools. “Our students were up against some of the best in the nation and outperformed them all. We are very proud of them, our program and our supply chain faculty who have created a phenomenal learning environment.”