School of Business - Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University Celebrates Innovation At First Campus-Wide Pitch Competition Pitch Contest Presented Through University’s Hub For Innovators, Veterans & Entrepreneurs (HIVE)

Shenandoah Celebrates Innovation At First Campus-Wide Pitch Competition Shenandoah’s first campus-wide pitch competition, held in Halpin-Harrison Hall’s Stimpson Auditorium during the spring term, showcased the talent,

The 2026 Legacy Business Class recently gathered in the HIVE for the Legacy Awards Ceremony, recognizing students whose leadership, professionalism, teamwork and commitment helped shape this year’s class and Legacy Golf Tournament.

Throughout the semester, students stepped beyond the classroom to build relationships, support community partnerships, strengthen professional skills and continue the Legacy tradition of “learning business by doing business.”

The ceremony recognized Sales Committee Leaders, Top 10 Sales Leaders, Perfect Attendance Award recipients, peer-voted honors and students recognized for excellence in leadership, teamwork, marketing, client experience and service.

Congratulations to all of our students for helping continue a culture rooted in leadership, accountability and a true .


Chelsea Hawse Hester Given Loranger

Business Resource Fair

“Big ideas. Real resources. Meaningful connections. Join us at the Business Resource Fair on July 29th
Whether you are launching a new business, growing an existing company, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for workforce and career-connected opportunities, this event will provide direct access to resource partners, business support organizations, funding information, networking opportunities, and expert guidance.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:�• Connect with local and regional business resource organizations�• Learn about funding, startup, and growth opportunities�• Explore workforce and career development resources�• Network with entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders�• Discover tools and strategies to support business success

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-resource-fair-tickets-1989312082991

Dreams can change — and sometimes that’s exactly where growth begins.

Ben Boyle of Burke & Herbert Bank recently spoke with students in the Legacy Business Class about “Performing Under Pressure and Finding Your Path.”

Ben shared his experience pursuing professional PGA golf for five years before realizing that although he loved the game, he needed to pivot toward a different future — one that better aligned with the life he hoped to build.

His message was honest, heartfelt and encouraging:
✨ Control what you can control
✨ Stack little wins
✨ Trust your instincts
✨ Be authentically yourself
✨ Become comfortable with change

One quote especially stayed with many of us:
“The battle isn’t on the course — it’s in the mind.”

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your wisdom, humility, faith, and authenticity with our students.


Chelsea Hawse Hester Cathy Given Loranger

Thank you to Cooper's Jewelers owner Mark Cooper for generously donating two beautiful tennis bracelets in support of this year’s Legacy Scholarship raffle.

Throughout the semester, students in the Legacy Business Class sold raffle tickets to help support the Legacy Scholarship while gaining real-world experience in communication, relationship-building, and community engagement through experiential learning.

Judy Morgan of Newport News, Virginia, grandmother of 2026 Legacy Business Class student Braden Hermansky, won the diamond and emerald bracelet, and Shenandoah University Professor of Psychology Rodney Bragdon won the diamond-and-gold tennis bracelet.

Proceeds from the raffle support the Legacy Scholarship for high-achieving, first-generation, regionally located business students at Shenandoah University.

We are grateful for Mark Cooper's continued support of our students and the Legacy Business Class mission.

Chelsea Hawse Hester Given Loranger Jewelers of Wi******er VA

Big dreams often begin early.

Congratulations to Hanniel Osorio Vasquez ’29, a 2026 Legacy Scholarship recipient from the Shenandoah University School of Business.

Hanniel is a first-year student from Stephenson, Virginia, studying business administration with concentrations in accounting, economics, and finance, along with a minor in Spanish. Inspired by family entrepreneurship, she has dreamed of one day owning her own business.

She is already putting what she is learning into action by helping her father’s fruit wholesale business through translation, invoices, introductions, and customer relationships.

Hanniel says legacy is about the positive impact you leave on others through kindness, bravery, and respect. We are proud to celebrate all she has accomplished so far—and all that lies ahead. Congratulations, Hanniel!

Chelsea Hawse Hester Cathy Given Loranger

Talent, hard work and heart deserve to be celebrated.

Congratulations to Serena Hepner ’29, a 2026 Legacy Scholarship recipient from Martinsburg. Serena is pursuing two majors at Shenandoah University: A Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.

She chose business to gain leadership and financial skills that can help her succeed in the arts and beyond.

She defines legacy as the impact we leave through our actions, values, and how we lift others up.

We are proud to recognize Serena’s dedication, compassion, and bright future.

Congratulations!

Cathy Given Loranger Chelsea Hawse Hester Shenandoah University Shenandoah Conservatory

Celebrating students who are building bright futures.

Congratulations to Matthias Rivera ’27, a recipient of the 2026 Legacy Scholarship.

Matthias is a third-year student from Lake Frederick, Virginia, studying business administration with concentrations in finance and economics. He is also part of this year’s Legacy Business Class.

He chose business because he values hands-on learning and wants to understand how decisions and economics shape communities. Matthias also hopes to one day use his education to create economic growth and opportunity in Peru.

We are proud to celebrate his hard work, leadership, and future impact.

Congratulations, Matthias!

Shenandoah University Cathy Given Loranger Chelsea Hawse Hester

Business can be a force for good.

We are proud to thank Grace Care Consulting for supporting Shenandoah University’s Legacy Business Class and Legacy Scholarship.

Grace Care Consulting provides quick access to qualified clinicians and support staff for the managed care industry. Their work also focuses on improving healthcare systems through efficient solutions that reduce fraud, waste, and abuse.

Thank you, Grace Care Consulting, for investing in our students and our community.


Chelsea Hawse Hester Cathy Given Loranger