Skip to Content

Saint Francis University

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

SFU Students Participate in National Contest

Loretto, PA (10/04/2019) — With the United States' 250th birthday closely approaching, a nationwide contest is being held to help promote each state's contributions to the nation.

Over 20 Saint Francis students participated in the first round of the statewide contest titled, America250PA Innovation Challenge. The goal is to have college students develop ways to brand and market Pennsylvania's contributions to the U.S. for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Six teams entered the contest with one team moving forward to the next round where they will compete against other Pennsylvania universities in round two of the contest later this month.

Saint Francis students submitted marketing plans and shared their ideas about how our state can educate, preserve, inspire, and celebrate PA's proud traditions that will engage with every Pennsylvanian.

All of the teams had exceptional ideas, but the one that stood out above the rest was, "PA: Create Your Happiness". The winning team, consisting of marketing students Josh Blair, Emily Fox, Nick Mauro, and Jarrod Piper, designed a campaign that highlights the unique joys that our state brings to the rest of the country.

Using the hashtag #CreateYourHappiness, this campaign will highlight the contributions PA has already achieved and encourage the public to share their happy memories as well. Whether it's camping at one of our beautiful state parks, eating gobs and cheesesteaks, or cheering on the Steelers and Eagles, this plan allows people to come together by sharing what they love about PA.

Saint Francis University wishes this team good luck as they head into the next round of judging.

The judges included Political Science professor Dr. Joe Melusky, History professor Dr. Denise Damico, Marketing professor Dr. Tricia McFadden, and Mr. Tom Havrilla from the Marketing & Communications Department.

To learn more about about America250PA visit www.america250pa.org.

Media Attachments

Saint Francis students (L to R) Josh Blair, Emily Fox, Nick Mauro, and Jarrod Piper will go on to compete against other Pennsylvania universities in the America250PA Innovation Challenge. The goal of the contest is to have college students develop ways to brand and market Pennsylvania's contributions to the US for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.


JP
Jarrod
Piper
  • Marketing and Management
  • Class of 2021
  • Hollidaysburg, PA
Nicholas Mauro
Nicholas
Mauro
  • Marketing/Management
  • Class of 2021
  • East Freedom, PA
EF
Emily
Fox
  • Marketing and Management
  • Class of 2021
  • Patton, PA
JB
Joshua
Blair
  • Business Administration
  • Class of 2022
  • Matteson, IL

Saint Francis University

Tom Havrilla THavrilla@francis.edu 814-471-1213

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Saint Francis University to Host Aviation Education Center Open House Saturday, June 28, 2025
  • Saint Francis University Celebrates First Graduates of Executive Ed.D. Program
  • Six stand-out educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award
  • Saint Francis University to host will 43rd Annual Red Mass/Law Day on April 25, 2025
  • Saint Francis University Announces a Move from NCAA Division I Athletics to Division III Athletics
  • Saint Francis University Names Jim Brazill as New Director of Athletics
  • Saint Francis University Announces 2025 Summer Academies for High School Students
  • Experience the World Through the Lens of Brother Shamus McGrenra
  • Saint Francis University to hold MLK and Stokes Legacy Week
  • Penn Highlands Community College and Saint Francis University Expand Articulation Agreement to Support Students in Pursuing In-Demand Career Fields
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out