Shop.org, the digital division of the National Retail Federation, awarded $2,500 scholarships to each of the six students from the winning team of the Intercollegiate Retail Challenge. The students were surprised with the scholarship announcement after making their presentation of their winning strategy to attendees at NRF’s Annual Convention and EXPO on January 11, 2009.
The 2008-2009 Intercollegiate Retail Challenge scenario involved Web 2.0 and social networking tools for online retailing, and students were tasked with creating marketing, merchandising, and technology solutions. Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org, commented, “It is really impressive to see what these students were able to put together with their knowledge of both retail and their understanding of new media like Facebook, blogs, and Second Life.” He went on to say, “If these students are any indication, retail’s future leaders are bright, energetic, and deeply aware of the importance of connecting with customers.”
The Shop.org Ray M. Greenly Scholarship Fund was established in January 2006 to provide financial support to students pursuing careers in the e-commerce industry and commemorates the life of Ray Greenly, a valued online retail industry veteran who passed away in 2005. Ray served as Vice President of Research and Member Services of Shop.org for almost seven years. The Ray M. Greenly Scholarship is funded largely by proceeds from Shop.org’s CyberMonday.com. The Fund has collected more than $900,000 since it was created. For more information about the scholarship and criteria, visit Shop.org.
Picture caption: From left to right: Richard E. Last, VP and Director of New Business, JCPenney and Chairman of the Shop.org Board; Valerie Greenly, the late Ray Greenly’s sister; Maria Greenly, the late Ray Greenly’s wife; Ashley Cline, Florida State University; Samantha Weaver, University of Florida; Alex West, University of Michigan; Sarah Losse, University of Arizona; and Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org. Not pictured: Kyle Bender, University of Wisconsin; and Vikram Madan, University of Pennsylvania.
