A Decade of DECA

At the 2025 International Career Development Conference, held in San Francisco, California, Stonehill College’s Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter was named one of the top 10 largest and most active chapters internationally. This recognition marks the culmination of 10 years of remarkable growth for the organization, which prepares Skyhawks for business careers through case study-based competitions and other leadership development opportunities. 

“Our dedicated students have transformed this chapter into something truly special,” said Associate Dean of the Meehan School of Business Michael Salé, chapter co-advisor. “While it’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since Stonehill DECA was founded, what isn’t hard to believe is that our chapter has expanded in so many meaningful ways.” 

Assistant Director of Career Development Renee Bernier ’13, who also serves as a co-advisor for the chapter, noted that the Meehan School provides students with a wealth of resources and support that enable them to thrive as campus leaders, particularly through organizations like DECA.

“The generosity of alumni, along with the presence and attentiveness of Dean John Duggan, encourages students to seek out and realize their full potential," she said. "It’s rewarding to see students think, act and lead impactfully because of an opportunity like DECA."

In celebration of a decade of DECA, we recently caught up with some of the campus community members who played a key role in the chapter’s extraordinary development.

Humble Beginnings, Big Ambitions

The origins of Stonehill DECA trace back to a 2015 visit that Domenic Dellamano ’19 and Maddie Fernbach ’19 made to the office of Debra Salvucci, then chair of the Business Administration Department. The students, who both competed in DECA as high schoolers, approached the administrator wondering if there was a chapter on campus. Though Salvucci informed them that there wasn’t one, she immediately pledged her support in helping the students establish the group.

“The students were so excited and enthusiastic, not only about starting the chapter but competing seriously against other collegiate teams,” Salvucci recalled. “I appreciate students who not only decide to move forward with an idea but also want to excel in what they are doing.”

In its first year, the chapter included only 15 members, though like many student organizations at Stonehill, the cohort was full of heart. 

“What began with just a few students practicing their presentation skills grew into something far beyond what I could have imagined,” Fernbach said. “Some of my favorite memories from those early days involved organizing our first on-campus conference. Seeing so many students from other colleges visit Stonehill to compete and having community members serve as guest judges made it all so special. Watching everything come together was a privilege.”

A True Team Effort

The chapter’s evolution is reflected in the accolades it has earned in recent years. Between 2019 and 2025, Stonehill students won DECA Glass seven times. This honor recognizes the top global performers in DECA’s competitive events.

Additionally, during the 2024-2025 academic year, the chapter—which at the time included 40 active members—was recognized as the eighth largest globally.

“Our progress was the result of a true team effort, driven by advisors, executive board leaders, alumni and members working together to build the organization into what it is today,” said Michael “Keiran” Leary ’25, who served as DECA chapter president from 2023 to 2025.

Beyond receiving awards and bolstering its membership, the chapter has also strengthened its contributions to Stonehill over the last several years. When Leary took over leadership, he set out to inspire DECA’s members to positively engage with the campus community, especially within the Meehan School. 

“After receiving mentorship from chapter leaders during my first year with DECA, I was determined to pay it forward,” he said. 

To do so, Leary introduced a service requirement for all DECA members, which they fulfill by participating in public speaking workshops, fundraising programs and more.

“These initiatives have strengthened members’ leadership skills, helped alleviate their financial burdens by supporting participation in conferences and made a positive impact on the broader community,” Leary said.

One service opportunity that the alumnus believes to be particularly noteworthy is the Meehan Ambassador Program, through which DECA members volunteer at Open House and Admitted Student Days to share their Stonehill experiences with prospective students. Following these events, Meehan Ambassadors offer contact cards to help continue their connection with campus visitors.

“This program highlights not only the spirit of our organization but also how welcoming the College community is as a whole,” Leary said.