When the University of Dayton School of Business Administration student Paige Kremer ('27, marketing major with digital marketing concentration) arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 National Collegiate Digital Marketing Competition, she had no idea what company she would analyze, what data she would receive or what questions judges would ask.
A National Challenge
Within an hour of receiving the competition prompt, Kremer and her Marketing Club teammates had to develop a digital marketing strategy, present it to professional judges and defend their recommendations under pressure.
Months later, those same skills helped Kremer step confidently into her marketing co-op with Ferguson Construction.
That opportunity was made possible through the generosity of University of Dayton alumni and donors.
"That means so much," Kremer said. "We truly would not have been able to go to this competition without donors. I gained this huge experience that expanded my marketing opportunities. I can now talk about it in interviews for jobs and use it throughout my career."
After receiving last-minute donor support through Flyer Funder to attend the competition, Kremer and three classmates had only a few weeks to prepare. Despite the short timeline, the Flyers advanced to the Elite Eight, outperforming teams from larger universities.
The experience challenged Kremer to analyze unfamiliar data, develop marketing strategies on tight deadlines, collaborate with teammates and adapt to feedback in real time—skills she quickly applied in the workplace.
From Competition to Career
This summer, Kremer stepped into a fast-paced marketing role, helping a lean team manage proposals, advertising campaigns, social media, photography and other marketing initiatives while balancing competing deadlines and growing her professional confidence.
"The competition definitely helped with my prioritizing skills and multitasking," Kremer said. "I came back for the summer ahead because of those experiences."
The competition also reinforced what she learned in MKT 350: Digital Marketing course taught by Lissa Cupp, senior lecturer of marketing. After completing classroom simulations focused on paid search and digital advertising, Kremer immediately recognized those same concepts as her supervisor demonstrated how Ferguson Construction develops Meta advertising campaigns.
"It was really cool to know that what I'm learning at school and through the competition can actually translate into the real world," Kremer said.
Learning that Lasts
Beyond technical skills, Kremer built relationships with students from universities across the country, connected with industry professionals and strengthened relationships with faculty mentors who continue to support her career.
She sees those experiences as part of something bigger: a Dayton community that continues investing in students long after graduation.
"It makes my heart so full knowing that when I graduate, there's going to be this whole community of alumni there to support me," Kremer said. "Donors’ generosity makes opportunities possible that simply wouldn't happen otherwise."
Powered by Philanthropy
For alumni and donors, that investment is measured in more than competition results. It is reflected in the confidence students gain, the careers they launch and the experiences that prepare them to make an immediate impact in the workplace.
Thanks to philanthropic support, one competition became more than a national experience. It became a defining step in Kremer's journey from the classroom to her career.
Gifts to the School of Business Administration help fund experiential learning opportunities like the Marketing Club’s participation in national competitions, empowering students to challenge themselves, build real-world skills and graduate career-ready.
