Students from the Westminster Entrepreneurship Center (WEC), through the Entrepreneurship Practicum course, presented the results of a feasibility study at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) Symposium held Dec. 6-7 in Arlington, Va.

Seven Westminster College students attended the symposium, representing the 26 students who participated in the research. They shared their findings with fellow students, leaders from the Appalachian Regional Commission and community leaders from the region.

Student presenters included:

• Brody McGuinness, senior environmental studies major from Heber, Utah
• Shea O’Donnell, senior environmental studies major from Hatfield, Pa
• Eva Semieraro, sophomore accounting major from Pittsburgh
• Alex Shaughnessy, senior sports management major from Canonsburg, Pa.
• Jalen Washington, junior finance and business administration double major from Orlando, Fla.
• Ron Whitehouse, junior business administration major and finance double major from Maryville, Tenn.
• Dante Compagni, junior finance major from Eighty Four, Pa.

Over the course of the semester, students conducted a feasibility study on the potential for developing an Amish shop and cultural center in New Wilmington’s business district. The project, called “New Front Porch,” symbolizes the way Amish often run businesses from their personal property. As part of the research, students visited Amish business owners to learn firsthand about their operations and business practices.

The research was part of a grant from ACRI, an applied-research initiative that provides Appalachian college and university students the opportunity to earn college credit while conducting field research and designing economic development solutions for their communities. Westminster College is one of 16 institutions across eight Appalachian states participating in this year’s program, which culminated at the ACRI Symposium.

“It was inspiring to witness the impactful economic development work being done through the ACRI program,” said Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science and faculty fellow for community engagement. “ACRI fosters meaningful town-gown collaborations throughout Appalachia.”

The feasibility study was mentored by Eric Gaber, WEC director and entrepreneur-in-residence from the School of Business, and Dr. Boylan.

“It was an amazing opportunity to watch our students showcase their social entrepreneurial project through innovation and resilience on a national stage. Watching their ideas resonate with policymakers and thought leaders affirmed the power of young changemakers to shape a better future,” said Gaber.

The project involved collaboration with community partners including Wilmington’s Economic Development Committee (EDCOM), the New Wilmington Area Business Association (NWABA), and Forward Lawrence, Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation.

During their trip to the D.C. area, the student-faculty team also visited with U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, toured iconic landmarks along the National Mall, including the United States Botanic Garden and the National Gallery of Art, and enjoyed a dinner with alumni Richard Sterba ’95 and Carl Carpenter ’18.

Pictured from left to right are Shea O’Donnell, Ron Whitehouse, Jalen Washington, Alex Shaughnessy, Brody McGuinness, Eva Semieraro and Dante Compagni.

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