March 19, 2015
Media Advisory -- Accounting Challenge
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 17th annual Accounting Challenge, rescheduled due to inclement weather, will be Friday, March 20. Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the event, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the small gymnasium at the Student Recreation Center. The team competition, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, is an event that lends itself to good stories, photographs and video.
More than 330 students from 22 high schools and four community colleges have registered to participate in the College of Business’ School of Accountancy competition. An academic competition at 9:30 a.m. will test participants’ accounting knowledge and skills. During the team building challenge, competitors will seek to accomplish goals by using creative methods. The challenge itself is a secret until the contest day but past challenges include creating a bridge that will withstand a heavy weight, and building containers that will protect objects within from breaking when dropped from on-high.
Individual students with the highest scores in the three divisions of the academic competition will earn certificates and be eligible for scholarships of up to $500 if they attend SIU and major in accounting. Winners of the team-building contest will claim prizes for their schools and individual team members. In addition, participants can win prizes from local businesses. The awards presentation begins about 1 p.m.