In its eighth year, the program gives students the opportunity to operate a real-business venture

Above Photo: Jack Kolodge, CEO of Dr. Find, presents check to a St. Jude’s Children Hospital representative on Dec. 13.

La Verne, CA – Students from the University of La Verne’s Integrated Business Program raised more than $31,000 over the 10-week fall semester through startup businesses aimed at supporting local charities of their choosing.

In its eighth year, the program offers business students the hands-on experience to operate a real-business venture prior to graduation. Students develop a product, a business plan, and identify an affiliated charity to donate all profits.

Donations were presented to representatives from 10 charities during a ceremony at the university’s Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center on Dec. 13.

More than 80 students from 13 countries participated in the course and were among the largest group in the university’s history, according to Rick Hasse, senior adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Public Management.

“It was incredible to watch as 10 teams of business students came together for the benefit of helping their communities,” Hasse said. “The most interesting trend this year was the selection of sustainability products.”

Some of the products sold on campus, online, and at local farmers markets included: reusable straws, a water-resistant speaker, lighted dog collars, magnetic car mounts for mobile phones, and portable breathalyzers.

Team BAC-N-CONTROL, who sold portable breathalyzers, raised $1,000 in donations alone for their charity, Rockers Against Drunk Driving. The team took an innovative approach to raise profits by hosting a Family Feud event at the LaFetra College of Education.

Mariecia Miller, CEO of BAC-N-CONTROL, said the team thought outside the box when it came to driving sales and donations.

“We gave ourselves a high sales goal,” Miller said. “I think we succeeded in our efforts thanks to a supportive team that was driven by innovation.”

During the presentation, Hasse acknowledged BAC-N-CONTROL’s unique business plan with a plaque to be housed in the College of Business and Public Management. This is a first for the university and will continue to honor student teams.

Abe Helou, dean of the College of Business and Public Management, recognized the students and their dedication to the program. He hoped the collaboration with peers and mentorship from faculty instilled a desire in the students to keep giving.

“There are only a handful of students who get the opportunity to experience something like the Integrated Business Program,” Helou told the students. “Cherish the opportunity to work hard and give back to others.”

The student businesses, the charity they supported, and their donations totals are:

Dr. Find, St. Jude’s Children Hospital – $2,120.84
Sh-Boom, Ophelia’s Jump – $3,607.09
BAC-N-Control, Rockers Against Drunk Driving – $5,025.60
Pack, Seal, Repeat, Orange County Coastkeeper – $4,626.91
Power Up, Make-A-Wish – $3,907.01
Pour N’Go, Anthesis – $1,666.22
Solo Straw, Surfrider Foundation – $4,014.38
MightyMount, City of Hope – $1,586.03
eMErgency, House of Ruth – $1,904.01
Collars for a Cause, Inland Valley Humane Society – $2,981.07

About the University of La Verne

Founded in 1891 and located 35 miles east of Los Angeles, the University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution founded on four core values: lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, civic and community engagement, and diversity and inclusivity. The university serves more than 8,100 students on the historic La Verne location as well as across nine regional campuses and online.