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Susan Sandblom, Scottsdale Community College’s Business Chair, is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Collegiate DECA Lifetime Service Award. She received the recognition during the 2019 Fall Leadership Conference from Dan Kelly, Arizona State DECA Assistant to the State Adviser, and Executive Secretary, on Nov. 3.
Kelly, a former SCC student, spoke to the conference about Sandblom’s impact on the State DECA program and on him personally. “I was insecure, and afraid to speak in front of people. With Professor Sandblom’s leadership as the SCC and Arizona State DECA adviser, I gained confidence, public speaking and leadership skills, and numerous opportunities. I am a changed Dan.”
Kelly also credits Sandblom for saving the state’s collegiate program after the Department of Education withdrew its support. “Professor Sandblom planned conferences, provided opportunities and almost single-handedly led the transformation to the thriving statewide program it is today. She didn’t stop there. She served as event director at ENGAGE and International Career Development Conferences, and chaired the International Collegiate DECA Advisory Council.”
DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is an association of business students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. According to its website, DECA “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.” SCC’s chapter has won numerous team and individual awards including Chapter of the Year, Adviser of the Year, and Student Competitions at international conferences.
Scottsdale Community College’s Business School currently offers degrees and certificates in Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Retail Management, Real Estate and Social Media Marketing. Future programs include Entrepreneurial Studies, Tax Preparation and Human Resources.