By Matt Browning
For 18 years, Jeremy Willig has been teaching business and working with the Campus Business Leaders and it’s an experience that has meant the world to him.
“One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing students discover their strengths and passions,” Willig said. “Whether it’s public speaking, finance, digital communication, or leadership, BPA gives them a platform to shine. Watching them succeed at competitions or return years later to say how BPA shaped their careers is incredibly fulfilling.”
Willig hasn’t always been in education, however. He owned and operated a Project Management and Estimation company, specializing in glass and glazing. He also worked in his family’s glass and glazing business until it was sold in 2002.
“These experiences gave me a strong foundation in both technical and entrepreneurial aspects of business, which I now bring into the classroom and BPA program,” Willig said.
What makes the Campus Business Leaders program so unique is that is gives the students hands on training in many different fields.
“Our Campus BPA chapter stands out because of the strong culture of student leadership and innovation,” Willig said. “Many of our students are involved with our student ran coffee shop, Valley State Bank, Colt Branded, AVID, IB, National Honor Society, and many other student organizations and athletics. Students take initiative in planning events, leading service projects, and preparing for competitions.”
There have been so many memories that stand out to Willig, but here are just a few:
-One of his students becoming a National Champion in Cybersecurity
-His Network Design Team winning National Champion titles, along with another team earning third place at Nationals
-A remarkable seven-year streak of state championships in Network Design Team,
-State champions in Web Design Team, as well as numerous top 3 finishes across a wide range of events at both the state and national levels.
“Beyond the awards, the late nights preparing for competition, the growth in confidence, and the camaraderie among students have made this journey incredibly rewarding,” Willig said.
