Business students Stephanie Hillier and John Whelan were the undisputed winners in their Labour Arbitration case held at Queen's University last week. The two bachelor of commerce (co-op) students were competing in the Labour Arbitration event of the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC).

The pair earned the privilege of competing in the final round after spending four weeks developing a business case analysis that was submitted to the ICBC in mid-October. During this preliminary round, 31 universities competed in seven different subject areas (accounting, business policy, ethics, finance, labour arbitration, management information science and marketing) for a spot at the finals in Kingston.

“John's eloquent debating skills and Stephanie's intelligence and balance positioned the team for their first place finish,” said coach Heather Skanes. “Their focus, hard work, and dedication enhanced their natural talent.”

This represents Mr. Whelan's fourth ICBC crown, a distinction that is held by very few students from across the country. He had three previous victories as part of Memorial's debating team.

Finishing second to Memorial was the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business while hometown favourite Queen's University placed third. Memorial has been competing at ICBC since 1981 and is the third highest placing university in the history of the competition behind Calgary and Queen's.

Memorial's team was coached by Dr. Alex Faseruk and Heather Skanes and was assisted by Dr. Travor Brown and Carol King.