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STU Students Gain Hands-On Experience at NASCAR Championship Weekend

Students at NASCAR Championship

By Bruno Diaz

Twenty-eight St. Thomas University STUdents representing the Sports Administration, Esports, and Fashion clubs participated in NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, November 6-8, gaining valuable exposure to one of the nation’s premier motorsports events while raising funds for future student activities.

Throughout the three-day event, students supported hospitality and event operations, working alongside event professionals while experiencing the scale and excitement of a major sports championship. Between assignments, students observed fan engagement activities, corporate sponsorship activations, and the extensive logistics required to produce a world-class sporting event.

“Not every experiential opportunity has to look the same. This weekend was really about students working hard, raising money, and getting exposure to the scale of a major sports and entertainment event,” commented Professor Craig Skilling, Program Director for Undergraduate Sports Administration and Head Coach for STU Esports.

The experience also laid the groundwork for expanding STU’s relationship with Homestead-Miami Speedway, with the goal of creating future opportunities in media, sponsorship, race operations, event production, and other professional areas aligned with students’ academic and career interests.

Funds raised through the weekend will support future club activities and experiential learning opportunities, including potential participation in major sporting events such as Formula 1 and the Super Bowl, as well as international study-abroad programs.

Participating Students

Fashion Club

Adia Seay, Bikeline Biyombo, Daniela Pulido, Dominique Williams, Evan Inraham, Gwendelyn Vargas, Jaeleen Castillo, Jimena Kunigami, Maria Cortez, Sydney Tate, Tayler Simons, and Valeria Jusef.

Esports Club

Alejandro Echeverria, Billy Pierre, Breno Medeiros, Charles Gamble, Errol Lopez, Evan Inraham, Geraldo Laurent, Joseph Escobar, Kade Winters, Lucca Alvim, Pedro Schirmer Colmanette, Rapha Mokgonyane Maxym, Skylar Toston, and Zachary Parent.

Sports Administration Club

Hannah Mejia, Marina Mitians, and Vivia Ma.