The annual CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge case competition brought 13 teams from post-secondary institutions across Alberta to Edmonton for the first time in its 18-year history. Teams gathered at the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel for a three-day competition on March 4, 5 and 6 to compete for the top prize of $10,000.
The case competition allows these future business leaders to use what they’re learning in the classroom to solve real-world business problems. Proximity also afforded a unique opportunity to take the teams on a tour of the airport campus to learn about the size and scope of what it takes to operate an international airport. And for those paying attention, it was a great introduction to this year’s case partner: Edmonton International Airport.
After an intense day of strategizing, the student teams presented their solutions to a panel of CPA judges comprised of Foundation Board members, CPAs, and representatives from our case partner.
As in all competition, only one can emerge victorious…and the winners of the 2025 CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge Case Competition are:
University of Calgary -first place
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University of Alberta – second place
University of Alberta – third place
The Foundation congratulates all participating teams for their commitment, creativity and thoughtfulness they brought to this year’s case. Of course, this competition would not be the success it is without the support and keen insight of our volunteer judges:
- Curtis Palichuk FCPA, FCA
- Len Samletzki FCPA, FCMA
- George Coon FCPA, FCMA
- Jennifer Freitas CPA, CA, CIA
- Nathan Petersen CPA, CMA
- Leslie Kwasny CPA, CA, ICD.D
- John Hollmann
- William Wright
- Alan Aburto CPA, CIA
- Michael Burnyeat FCPA, FCA
- Victoria Magpantay CPA, CA
- Jennifer Neal CPA, CMA
And also a special thank you to Leslie Kwasny, John Hollmann, and William Wright for representing our case partner, Edmonton International Airport.
