(New Orleans)—Loyola University New Orleans Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team was named Regional Champions on Friday, March 23, 2007 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Opryland Convention Center. The SIFE team will travel to Dallas in May to participate in the National Exposition, competing with 250 teams of regional champions from various competitions held around the country.

SIFE is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating citizens in the community about free enterprise. The team emphasizes free market economies, practicing business ethically, financial management skills, communication skills, and technology skills. SIFE is lead by Dalene Jackson, president, and faculty advisor Chandra Schorg, assistant professor of accounting in the College of Business Administration.

SIFE began at Loyola in February of 2002. The team has won a trophy every year, although this was their first win as a regional champion. The students participate in teaching free enterprise projects during the academic year and then prepare an annual report and presentation for the regional competition. A total of approximately 30 teams compete in six leagues, split between four-year colleges/universities and two-year colleges. There are a total of five teams in Loyola’s league, including Jackson State University, North Georgia College & State University, Harding University, Main Campus, and University of North Alabama.

Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a total student enrollment of 4,724 including 800 law students.