Student Aniqa Feerasta Wins Second Place in Worldwide Competition

Akron, Ohio, May 6, 2008 ― University of Akron student Aniqa Feerasta has won second place in worldwide competition for the prestigious St. Gallen Wings of Excellence Award sponsored by the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

A junior honor student majoring in marketing and economics, Feerasta won 6,000 Euros ― approximately $10,000 ― for her essay, “Rising from The Rust: Reinventing the Manufacturing Cities of the Industrialized World.”

She is the daughter of Jamal and Almas Feerasta of Fairlawn.

Feerasta's composition was among 1,000 entries from students around the world. She will present it during the 38th St. Gallen Symposium May 15-17 in Switzerland.

“My essay is based on the city of Akron and the collaborative efforts between local governments and organizations to deal with the decline of manufacturing and to help the city compete globally as a high-tech, knowledge-based economy,” Feerasta says. She based her research on secondary data and interviews with city and Greater Akron Chamber economic development officials.

“Based on what is happening in Akron, I proposed a model that I believe would be useful in helping other cities in the industrialized world in similar situations to adapt and compete in the global knowledge economy,” she says.

“Aniqa is an accomplished, remarkable young woman who has the passion, creativity and intellect that will truly make an impact,” says Dr. Deborah Owens, Feerasta's honors adviser.

“Global Capitalism – Local Values” is the theme of the symposium. Authors of the 200 best contributions are invited to join 600 entrepreneurs, top managers, politicians and scientists from more than 60 nations to exchange ideas about economic and societal issues.

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