Presentation College hosts First Innovation Challenge

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – The Innovation Challenge was held on Jan. 22-23 and was designed to have students collaborate in teams to solve a dilemma that an organization in the local community faces.

This year, Presentation College collaborated with Aberdeen Fire and Rescue to develop a method in which rescue teams can better aid bariatric patients.

The competition spanned 24 hours, with students being presented the scenario at 7 PM Friday, working with their team throughout the night and the next day, and collaborating with Aberdeen Fire and Rescue as they worked to solve the problem. Some of the innovative approaches focused on redesigning the current equipment used by fire and rescue while others came up with new equipment ideas that would aid in rescue. Teams submitted their proposals by 6 PM on Saturday, followed by a presentation to a panel of judges.

A total of 37 students in 12 teams competed in this year’s challenge. Students were judged on their ability to develop and present an innovative proposal that effectively met emergency responders’ and the patient’s needs. Congratulations to the following winning teams!

1st Place: Josephyne Clemens, Aimee Campbell, Brooke Heairet

2nd Place: Nimish Gounder, Alexandra White, William Putman

3rd Place: Rodney Axson, Kelsey Smith