The Virginia Tech chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), the nation’s premier professional business fraternity, made an unforgettable mark at the 2025 PSE National Convention recently held in the greater Cincinnati area.

Represented by 20 outstanding student members, the chapter demonstrated exemplary professionalism, leadership, and innovation, earning high praise from national stakeholders and peer universities alike.

“From the moment the convention began, our students were all-in,” said Brian Collins, faculty advisor for Virginia Tech PSE, Director of the VT Sales Center and a faculty member in the Department of Marketing. “Whether they were attending professional development sessions, competing, or networking, Virginia Tech was always present and engaged.”

That commitment did not go unnoticed. Recruiters, PSE national staff, and alumni all highlighted the students’ professionalism and standout performance. One corporate representative, after judging a competition featuring Virginia Tech students, shared with their recruitment team, “Be on the lookout for Virginia Tech – they’re doing some innovative things… I was impressed.”

Award-Winning Performance

The chapter’s excellence was recognized on the national stage, with Virginia Tech PSE taking home multiple top-tier awards at the National Awards Program on Saturday night:

  • Sustained Excellence Award – 4th Consecutive Year
  • Top Chapter Recruitment – 1st Place
  • Top Gold Chapter – 3rd Place (Gold is the highest honor a chapter can receive; Virginia Tech placed among legacy chapters with decades-long histories in the category.)

Additionally, two students were recognized as Emerging Leaders at the Scholarship Dinner on Friday night:

  • Chloe Cole
  • Jonathan Cedeno-Lopez

“These two students are incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said Collins. “The future is bright for them and for our chapter.”

Leadership & Mentorship: The Virginia Tech PSE Way

The leadership team played a key role in the chapter’s success, with current Chapter President Neal Shah, Vice President of Administration Caroline Krezel, and former Chapter President Rishi Bawa leading the charge. Their guidance helped shape a highly engaged and prepared team.

Ron Poff, Assistant Department Head of Management and the newly inducted President of PSE, shared Virginia Tech’s mentorship culture also stood out. After one event, representatives from the University of South Carolina personally thanked the chapter for mentoring them during their onboarding journey.

“That’s what this is really about,” said Poff. “These students aren’t just competing—they’re developing as professionals, supporting others, and setting a standard of excellence.”

Celebrating Success

A Welcome Back & Congratulations Breakfast was held on April 9th at the University Club of Virginia Tech to honor the students’ achievements.

“To say that I was proud of these students would be a huge understatement,” Collins said. “They represented Virginia Tech to the highest level possible.”

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