• Skip to Content

Saint Francis University

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

Saint Francis University Students Win State Marketing Competition

Loretto, PA (12/04/2020) — Congratulations to Shields School of Business students, Urska Medvesek, Hunter Longenecker, and Yanessa Shabbick, on winning the 2020 America250 PA Direct Effect Innovation Challenge in the final state round.

Under the direction of Dr. Tricia McFadden, the students competed against ten universities and colleges across the Commonwealth of PA and presented a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign, "Small Businesses Build Big Dreams" #BuyPA. The students were each awarded a stipend and internships with the American250PA Commission.

About America250PA

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future. America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from all 67 counties, bring the Commonwealth's history into the conversation so Pennsylvanians can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth & nation today, use history to encourage and inspire future leaders, celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvanians to our Commonwealth's history but also to our Nation's history.

The Direct Effect Innovation Challenge is an annual statewide collaborative project that allows students from across PA to compete and design solutions to issued challenges.

Media Attachments


Hunter Longenecker’s headshot.
Hunter
Longenecker
  • Management Information Systems and Marketing with a Digital Media Concentration
  • Class of 2022
  • East Freedom, PA
Urska Medvesek’s headshot.
Urska
Medvesek
  • Digital Media and Strategic Communications
  • Class of 2021
  • Maribor, Slovenia
Yanessa Shabbick’s headshot.
Yanessa
Shabbick
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Class of 2022
  • Heilwood, PA

Saint Francis University

Marie Young (814) 472-3127 myoung@francis.edu, Erin McCloskey (814) 472-3938 emcccloskey@francis.edu

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Stand-out educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award
  • Saint Francis University Launches Bachelor of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Management
  • Saint Francis University Announces Commencement Plans for 2026
  • Saint Francis University named 2026-27 Military Friendly School
  • Saint Francis University to host Annual Red Mass/Law Day on April 24, 2026
  • Saint Francis University Invites Prospective Students to Nursing Reception at Curry Innovation Center
  • The M Factor: Let's Talk Perimenopause and Menopause Public Film and Discussion
  • Saint Francis University Invites Future Red Flash Student-Athletes to Campus for March Visit Days
  • Saint Francis University Students Apply High-Impact Practices in Global Conservation Field Experience in Namibia
  • Saint Francis University Highlights Three Historic $1 Million Commitments Affirming Institutional Vision and Momentum
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out