Eastern Michigan University College of Business honors Isaiah Garcia and Chloe Hibbler with the Ethics Essay Award

Chloe Hibbler and Isaiah Garcia holding their award certificates.
Left to right: Chloe Hibbler and Isaiah Garcia

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University College of Business proudly announces Isaiah Garcia and Chloe Hibbler as the recipients of the Ethics Essay Award, named in honor of former Dean David E. Mielke. The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional insight and critical thinking on current ethical issues. Garcia and Hibbler were celebrated during a ceremony held on Wednesday, October 15.

Mielke personally funds the $500 prize for each winner, furthering his dedication to shaping ethical leaders in the business world. The College of Business Professional Development and Ethics Committee, which oversees the contest, evaluates entries based on insight, research, and critical thinking skills. 

This year's submissions covered various topics, including AI bias, gene editing, global poverty, and the future of work. Garcia, a junior studying entrepreneurship, explored affordable homes for the lower class—a topic close to home for him.

“As a first-generation college student with a background in low-income living, I understand exactly what it’s like to not have a stable home,” said Garcia. “My personal experience has shaped my understanding of the impact that ethical business practices can have on people, especially because my father is a contractor who has made a difference through his work. This has inspired me to dedicate my life to learning about business, leading me to pursue an MBA in entrepreneurship.”

Garcia's essay not only highlighted the ethical dimensions of affordable housing but also reflected his long-term commitment to improving his community. “I plan to leverage my education in entrepreneurship to create impactful housing solutions that address the critical needs of underprivileged families,” said Garcia. “I am grateful for this opportunity.” 

Hibbler, a finance junior, tackled how miscommunication on social media platforms can impact the stock market, undermining investor confidence and economic stability.

“Misinformation poses a significant threat to society, specifically the stock market,” said Hibbler. “By individuals choosing to spread false or inaccurate information, there is often malicious manipulation of stock prices, leading to financial losses for investors and destabilizing the market. To mitigate the negative effects of misinformation, companies and regulators must work together to develop effective strategies for combating its spread.”

The Ethics Essay Contest is an annual event open to all business students at Eastern Michigan University. Each fall, students are invited to submit essays of up to 1,500 words addressing contemporary ethical challenges in business. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

October 23, 2024

Written by:
Melissa Thrasher

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401