Dave Stachowiak, one of our business advisors, traveled with a group of students to observe the SIFE National Exposition in Chicago, IL. Matt Ross and Amira Barger were both thrilled to get to head to the windy city and to see how other teams succeed in the competition and in making a difference in their communities.

Both Matt and Amira are fired up about Vanguard's SIFE team for 2008 - 2009 and believe that we have a real shot at surpassing previous year's successes. Both Amira and Matt have been involved with SIFE for more than a year, making them eligible to take Vanguard's SIFE class in the Fall, for academic credit. They're excited to have been able to see some terrific teams in action at the competition and to bring this learning back to the SIFE class this Fall. Check out the photos under 2007 - 2008 / National Exposition.

“It was such a good idea for us to attend the National competition.

We gained so much insight and new ideas for our own SIFE chapter have already started brewing! I so appreciated Harriet and Gene Stachowiak for hosting our team visit and showing us the city while we were there. This is gonna be a great year for VU SIFE. National competition 2009 here we come...”

“What a great opportunity we had in Chicago meeting new people, networking with well-known companies and listening to the competing teams. We were amazed to see what a SIFE chapter can accomplish in one year.  The range and magnitude of the projects presented were inspiring. I am confident that this opportunity will help our SIFE chapter grow, mature and change the world! I was able to get information from a SIFE chapter in Tennessee and we at VU SIFE will look forward to working with them on a project in the future. Thank you for this opportunity SIFE!”