Towson University鈥檚 College of Business and Economics (CBE) will host its fall 2025 Susan Ganz College of Business & Economics Capstone Competition Awards on Fri., Dec. 5, where senior business students will compete for $10,000 in scholarships before executives from two major Maryland companies鈥擲hapiro and PRS Guitars. Media are invited to attend this live, high-energy event highlighting student innovation, industry collaboration and a full-circle, homecoming performance by 撸先生 alum and local artist Chipelo.

Student presentations to Maryland industry leaders

In this semester-long capstone project, students were challenged to develop a customer-facing technology and innovation strategy for Baltimore-based international logistics provider Shapiro to better support its longtime client PRS Guitars, headquartered in Stevensville, Md.

Students鈥� work required them to navigate complex global trade issues鈥攊ncluding shifting tariffs affecting the Port of Baltimore鈥攁nd to evaluate the growing role of AI in supply chain management. During the competition, top teams will present their strategic solutions live on stage, answering rapid-fire questions from an executive panel representing both companies.

Founded in 1915, Shapiro is a historic logistics and customs brokerage firm supporting small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. PRS Guitars, known globally for its craftsmanship and artist roster that includes Carlos Santana, Mark Tremonti and John Mayer, remains one of Maryland鈥檚 most influential manufacturing and cultural brands.

Chipelo, 撸先生 alum and professional artist, returns for full-circle moment

The event also features a special performance by Chipelo, a 撸先生 business alum and emerging Latin Pop Urbano artist whose story reflects the resilience of many 撸先生 students. A first-generation Salvadoran American, Chipelo worked multiple jobs while earning his degree鈥攁ll while building his sound with a single acoustic guitar he repeatedly repaired himself.

During his time at 撸先生, recording with a friend鈥檚 PRS guitar helped shape one of his early breakout tracks, 鈥淲indows Low.鈥� Now performing professionally across genres including reggaet贸n, hip-hop and R&B, Chipelo returns to 撸先生 to perform live with a PRS guitar before the company鈥檚 executives鈥攁 powerful hometown milestone years in the making.

About the Susan Ganz College of Business and Economics Capstone Competition Awards

The Susan Ganz College of Business and Economics Capstone Competition Awards honor the top-performing students in the Towson University College of Business & Economics Capstone Competition. These awards recognize exceptional academic achievement, analytical and strategic thinking, innovative real-world business problem-solving, effective team collaboration, and professionalism in presentation and communication.