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, creativity, and courage of Shenandoah students, who delivered impressive pitches that demonstrated strong ideas, thoughtful preparation, and a true commitment to bringing their entrepreneurial concepts to life. The first-place winner received $5,000 to support their future work. 

Real-world pitch experience

“The competition provided students with valuable real-world entrepreneurial experience while adding to their skills in innovation, public speaking, business development, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership,” said Yolanda Shields, Ph.D., Shenandoah’s director of entrepreneurship.

Through mentorship, pitch preparation, and engagement with business leaders, students learned how to develop innovative ideas, communicate solutions effectively, respond to feedback, and build confidence in their ability to create meaningful economic and community impact.” 

Yolanda Shields, Ph.D., Shenandoah’s director of entrepreneurship

Dedicated coaches/mentors invested their time to help each student refine and strengthen their ideas. The coaches, drawn from the area business community, included Dick Eagan, Eric Jorgensen, Chelsea Hester, Dave Shoneman, and Cynthia Schneider. The confidence and professionalism displayed by each student – Abigail Keene ’26, Raquel Anongos ’26, Arizona Fischvogt ’28, Parker Brown ’29, Natalie Pronk ’29 – reflected the quality of their preparation. 

Top-notch mentoring

“The judges were very impressed by the level of innovation, professionalism, and presentation skills demonstrated by the students,” Dr. Shields said. “Several judges shared that they have participated in many pitch competitions and ranked Shenandoah University students among the top presenters they have seen.” This year’s judges were Shenandoah University Executive Director of the Hazel-Pruitt Armory (home of the HIVE), and Industry and Economic Engagement Patricia Young; United Bank’s Pete Warren; Leslie Currle of People, Inc.; and Andy Gyurisin, director of the Small Business Development Center at Laurel Ridge Community College. 

Prizes support new ideas

Keene, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, won first place and $5,000 for their ManuScript AI pitch. Anongos, who earned a music performance degree this spring, took second place and received $2,500 for their Svanendo (Disappearing Music) pitch. Arizona Fischvogt, who is studying for a Bachelor of Science in exercise science, received $1,500 for their third-place Bmore Trained pitch. 

Brown, a business administration student, and Pronk, a contemporary musicianship and entrepreneur development major, are receiving free coaching and entrepreneurship resources to help move their respective ideas – Pacific Calm and the nonprofit Music With Meaning forward, Shields said. 

The pitch competition was a powerful reminder that innovation is already alive on our campus. Our students showed not only great ideas, but the courage, discipline, and vision to bring them forward and that’s where real impact begins.”  

Yolanda Shields, Ph.D., Shenandoah’s director of entrepreneurship

A pitch for the future

“Moving forward, the HIVE Shenandoah University Campus-Wide Pitch Competition can continue to grow through increased interdisciplinary participation, expanded mentorship, stronger community and industry partnerships, and increased donor investment,” Shields said. “Continued support will help strengthen innovation, provide additional student resources, and create greater opportunities for students to turn ideas into impactful ventures.”