EUGENE, Ore. — Bushnell University recently hosted its semiannual Academic Creativity and Excellence (ACE) Day, a research colloquium founded by Dr. Tim Bergquist, emeritus professor of quantitative business models. The event featured more than 100 students presenting capstone projects and innovative research, exemplifying Bushnell’s commitment to cultivating wisdom through academic exploration.
Event organizer Dr. Doyle Srader, Professor of Speech and Communication at Bushnell, spoke to the biblical call to seek the prize with perseverance and dedication. “As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9, ‘Do you not know that in a race, all run but only one receives the prize?’ Bushnell Beacons run down court, down field, around the bases, toward the finish line. On ACE Day the audience vote tells us which one ran to victory.” This year’s event brought this mission to life through projects tackling distinctive topics and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
This semester, ACE Day explored a wide range of themes, including the intersection of faith and business ethics, challenges facing the modern Christian church, promoting sustainable practices, fostering meaningful community engagement, and advancing mental health awareness. Presentations ranged from posters on business strategies rooted in Christian values to interactive demonstrations on community-building initiatives, sparking thoughtful dialogue and innovative solutions to pressing issues.
Adding to the excitement of the day, the debate championship tackled the provocative topic, “All non-Christian religious faiths are false.” Sophomore bible and theology major Trevor Angove argued in favor of the statement, while junior interdisciplinary studies major Bobby Byrd represented the negative. Both debaters presented compelling arguments, but in a unanimous decision, Angove emerged victorious and was crowned the 2024 Bushnell debate champion.
Among the standout presentations was a project by students in HIST 207: Exploring Your Community. Building upon their earlier work creating a pop-up museum for Bushnell’s Founders Day, the group proposed establishing a permanent museum to honor Bushnell’s heritage. Their presentation emphasized the importance of preserving history to strengthen connections between the community and the university’s mission, beautifully embodying Bushnell’s core values of wisdom, faith, and service.
Spotlight on Teaching Excellence
The focus of the day expanded at midday with a panel discussion titled “The State of Teaching at Bushnell University.” The session featured the Bergquist Laureates, students nominated for their dedication to treating classes as opportunities for authentic learning rather than simply working for high grades or indirect rewards.
Named in honor of Dr. Bergquist, the award celebrates a passion for scholarly engagement. The panel featured the different student populations at Bushnell, including on-campus undergraduates, online undergraduates, and graduate students, who shared insights into what facilitates learning, the challenges they face, and ways to enhance the classroom experience. This dialogue reflected the diverse perspectives of Bushnell’s student body and their shared commitment to academic growth.
Hands-on Partnerships with Local Nonprofits
ACE Day also highlighted students’ ability to connect academic principles with real-world challenges through collaborations with local organizations.
In MKTG 235: Digital Marketing, students partnered with Main Street Sweets to design websites, create social media content, and develop marketing strategies aligned with the bakery’s goals. The semester culminated in a pitch session on ACE Day, where the bakery owner selected the most impactful campaign for implementation. The Client’s Choice Award was won by freshman music major Isabella Baker and junior music major Savaun Deng. Their campaign featured a visually appealing website redesign and a creative social media strategy that engaged the local community through the bakery’s newsletter, focusing on enhancing what the owner had already established rather than overhauling the business. Their work included weekly newsletter content, social listening, and social media posts. The Visitor’s Choice Award was earned by senior music major Amariah Deschenes, freshman digital media and graphic design major Lauren Sprengeler, and junior digital media and graphic design major Savannah Tomlinson. Their interactive marketing approach emphasized community connection through blog posts and a well-designed website, complemented by promotional materials, such as a flyer and social media posts, included in their presentation.
Meanwhile, students in the MKTG 230: Intro to Marketing course collaborated with SportHill, a performance apparel company, to develop innovative product concepts and marketing strategies. SportHill founder Jim Hill guided students through the brand’s creative process and provided valuable feedback during their ACE Day presentations.
The Client’s Choice Award for SportHill was given to freshmen business major Jacob Horn, sophomore business major Michaux Liyengo, and junior business major Omar Rodriguez for their durable, high-performance hoodie made from recycled materials. The proposed hoodie aligns with SportHill’s commitment to eco-friendly practices while addressing a gap in its product line. It features hydrophobic, weather-resistant fabrics for outdoor use, reflective elements for safety in low light, and a lightweight, packable design ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Visitor’s Choice Award went to senior business major Garrett Vohs and freshman business major Reyn Gaspar for their all-purpose outdoor running vest. This vest includes front pockets for small items, a back pocket designed for SportHill’s signature lighthouse jacket, and a horizontal water bottle holder for easy access. Lightweight and designed with reflective accents for visibility, the vest exemplifies SportHill’s style and brand while offering practical solutions for runners and cross-country skiers.
Best Overall Campaign was awarded to junior digital marketing major Maria Velarde Manzanilla for her innovative athleisure piece—a versatile cold-weather crewneck sweatshirt. Using the same durable material SportHill uses for their cold-weather pants, this product provides warmth without the bulk of traditional layers. Designed for both comfort and performance, it combines the company’s signature durability with a sleek, functional style, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a stylish yet practical garment for cold weather.
Integrating Knowledge and Service
From historical research to marketing ingenuity and student-led discussions, ACE Day once again demonstrated the innovative and collaborative spirit that defines Bushnell University. The event celebrated how students integrate academic knowledge with creativity and service, highlighting Bushnell’s commitment to fostering life transformation in a Christ-centered community. Through opportunities that engage their body, spirits, and hearts, students are empowered to make a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.
For a complete list of ACE Day presentations, visit www.aceday.bushnell.edu. To view the full photo gallery, visit Bushnell University’s Pixieset gallery.