Palo Alto College students explain their logistics plan to judges at the National Operation Stimulus competition last week.
A hurricane was on the way and the team
had to plan the transportation logistics to support the operations.
That was the scenario that the 18 teams at a national competition last week in Denver, Colo., had to analyze and solve during the 32nd Annual Operation Stimulus Conference and Case Competition.
The team, dressed in their formal presentation attire, posed with Instructor Ronnie Brannon, center.
Lead Logistics Instructor Ronnie Brannon raised funds to send six students and himself to the competition – the first time Palo Alto has competed. Even more impressive: PAC was the only community college at the event. Eighteen teams representing one college (PAC) and 14 universities competed.
Each of the six PAC students had a part in presenting during the 30-minute case study of how to organize transportation during a hurricane, and Brannon said the Penn State University judge gave the Palo Alto team a standing ovation for their efforts on Thursday. After the day’s presentations, the judges – industry professionals – met to determine the five finalists who would compete on Friday.
On Friday morning, the teams were given a twist in the case study they had rehearsed – the hurricane had switched course and they had to adjust how they would change their transportation model. Then the finalists competed with that new information. PAC did not make the finals.
Universities include Missouri State, Wayne State, University of Northern Iowa, University of North Texas, University of Arkansas, Miami University, John Carroll University, Colorado State University, Penn State, Dalhousie University and the University of West Florida.
The winning team was Michigan State followed by Wayne State, second; Dalhousie University, third; and North Texas, fifth.
“Our students had a great spirit and great attitude,” Instructor Brannon said. We are very proud of our Palo Alto College team!
For more information about the national organization, visit Operation Stimulus.
The team’s efforts also received attention from the San Antonio Express-News’ David Hendricks.
PAC participants, from left, were Starla Curtner, Melissa Suarez, Maria Rubio, Ronald Melton, Anthony Asmus and Ernest Herrera.
February 6, 2013 at 2:38 pm
How wonderful to have a team from PAC participating in a national competition. I saw 2 students that I recognized and I am very proud of their accomplishments. Way to go Logistics Students!!!