Local BW accounting students win Intercollegiate Ethics Case Competition
Student teams from BW have a long track record of success in the annual high-pressure competition, often placing first or second since the IECC's inception in 2018.
Berea, OH (03/20/2025) — A team of accounting students from Baldwin Wallace University has claimed the top prize at the 2025 Intercollegiate Ethics Case Competition (IECC) hosted by Cleveland State University.
Led by faculty advisor Dr. Jacqui Wukich, the winning team of Ted DeMarco of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Natalie Moscarino of Strongsville, Ohio, and Dennis Ritlinger-Nirider of Grove City, Ohio, demonstrated ethical and critical thinking mastery over two rounds of timed competition.
A panel of judges from public accounting firms and area corporations evaluated each team as they presented solutions to a unique and thought-provoking ethics case study.
The IECC featured nine teams from Case Western Reserve, John Carroll, Cleveland State, Kent State, University of Akron, Tiffin and Heidelberg.
Building skills and industry connections
Citing research that indicates "80% of young professionals encounter significant ethical dilemmas early in their careers," the IECC website notes, "Developing the ability to recognize ethical actions and demonstrate ethical courage in any situation is essential to preparing future professionals to uphold and protect the public interest."
"This experience expanded my knowledge in the field of accounting and helped to improve my collaboration skills," shared Moscarino, a senior accounting and finance double major.
"Over the course of about two months, we worked diligently on the case, gaining a deeper understanding of the accounting world while advancing our teamwork abilities. It was nice to work with people I have never had the opportunity to work with before and, at the event, meet many others either pursuing or already in the accounting industry."
Learning from the brightest minds
Moscarino's teammates agree that the competition develops collaboration, public speaking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while offering real-world experience, professional development and networking opportunities.
"I benefited by not only furthering my knowledge of my future career field but also in networking with individuals already in the field," noted Ritlinger-Nirider, a junior accounting and finance double major.
DeMarco, a junior accounting and finance double major, added, "I gained career and industry insights from some of the brightest minds in the profession, improved my presentation skills, and made meaningful relationships with fellow students and faculty."
While taking home the top prize for BW was a thrill, clearly the IECC is an experience that has much deeper impact and meaning for the student competitors beyond the win.
Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 3,200 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 65 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.
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BW's winning IECC team, left to right, Ted DeMarco '26, Natalie Moscarino '25 and Dennis Ritlinger-Nirider '26.
