2022 Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge

On December 3, finance students from all over the world gathered at McClelland Hall to participate in this year’s Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC).

The MECC is a chance for university and high school students to improve their Excel and logical thinking skills, have fun and meet like-minded people from all over the world.

The competition began back in October with students competing individually or in teams to complete tasks that they were assigned in two hours. Those who made it through the first two rounds, had the opportunity to travel to Tucson to compete life at the finals.

The final stage of the MECC began Saturday morning at McClelland hall and transitioned to the University of Arizona Esports Arena in the afternoon.

Students, from both Eller and around the world had a great time interacting with each other and with the Excel All-Stars who came in and were so excited to engage with the students.

There were students from all over the world competing—Isaac Lee from Singapore won the individual competition, while a team from Madagascar (Team Kajy) took second in the team competition. Ohio State had the best performance from the U.S., winning the team competition  and Gavin Hartzell from Ohio State was second in the individual competition.  Students from Wharton, NYU, McGill and UT Dallas also placed in the individual and team competitions.

Students who represented Eller in the finals were:

Hayden Boccardo

Prarthana Magon

Samuel Primack

Brandon Jung

Benjamin Cherdak

Tammy Brewer

Rowen Fletcher

Kate Martin

“One of my favorite parts was watching my students yell at the screen because the finalists could have solved a question in a better (quicker) way,” says David Brown, associate professor of finance and Brian and Clara Franke Endowed Chair in Finance. “The enthusiasm of all of the students was evident throughout the day and I only expect the event to be bigger and better next year.”