SHU Students Take Top 10 Spots in Excel Contest

Students' achievements are reflection of courses, professors

Sacred Heart University students took the top 10 spots in the Excel category of the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship spring qualifier.

Danielle Como ’25 placed first, Jordan Leon ’25 placed second in the spring qualifier and Lucca Conigliaro ’25 placed third. John Esteves ’26, Sean Moro ’25 and Maxwell Jacobsen ’24 placed fourth, fifth and sixth. Joseph Bonsignore ’25, Emily McNulty ’25, Joshua Champion ’25 and Evan Scribner ’25 placed seventh through tenth, respectively.

The students, representing SHU’s accounting, finance and business economics programs, competed against others from throughout Connecticut. Their scores on the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel certification exam earned them a place in the qualifier.

Bridget Lyons, finance professor at SHU, said being proficient in Excel enables students to perform well in internships and jobs. “By building the Microsoft Excel certification into the finance major, we ensure every student has key skills. While many people may note on a résumé that they are proficient in Excel, our students’ certification is from Microsoft, providing validation.”

The participating students credited SHU for honing their knowledge of various business applications. “I truly feel SHU’s business program has elevated my understanding of specialized applications and their importance in a world of advancing technology,” said Leon. “The professors at SHU are dedicated to preparing us for success, and I am eager to apply my knowledge in my future career.”

Seeing SHU students take the top 10 spots did not surprise Sean Heffron, assistant dean for student success. “It is a reflection of the strength of our finance program and the amazing and thorough instruction of Professor Lyons and her Excel team,” Heffron said. “It also shows the caliber of SHU students. They understand what the industry needs from them, and they work hard to achieve and learn those skills.”

Top, from left: Danielle Como, Jordan Leon, Lucca Conigliaro, John Esteves and Sean Moro. Bottom, from left: Maxwell Jacobsen, Joseph Bonsignore, Emily McNulty, Joshua Champion and Evan Scribner.