BGSU business student wins prestigious leadership award

By Alexander Sciranka

Every year, the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) chooses one student to receive its prestigious Student Voluntary Service Award. Of more than 6,000 applicants in supply chain and operations management nationwide, the 2018 recipient is Bowling Green State University’s Greg Wobser.

“I still cannot believe they chose me,” said Wobser, a College of Business senior, specializing in supply chain management with a focus in aviation. “Our Supply Chain Management Association discusses nominating a student every year, and this year my colleagues wanted to nominate me.”

He received the award at the APICS 2018 Supply Chain Annual Conference on September 29 in Chicago. The conference brings together thousands of professionals from around the world to present, discuss and enhance the nuances of the supply chain industry. Greg is the sixth BGSU student to receive this award since 2009: Katherine Eboch (2016), Robert Everard (2015), Chelsea Folk (2014), Elizabeth Albers (2013) and Amanda Braddock (2009).

APICS, a professional association for operations management, chooses one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to volunteering to their local supply chain management association chapter and the community. Wobser has an impressive list of volunteer service experiences. He has completed a summer internship with Sunshine Communities in Maumee, Ohio, and has assisted with purchasing and receiving needs. He also has gained valuable knowledge of the organization’s mission of serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

“It does not take much to make a meaningful impact,” said Wobser, who is interning with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. “Even the smallest efforts can make a world of difference.

“Working with these groups has afforded me the opportunity to learn just how important volunteers are to local service organizations. Seeing everyone work together to support a good cause really puts life into perspective.”

For Wobser, who is from Bowling Green, volunteering is a way to better appreciate the opportunities he has been given. 

“Giving back to the community has been a very humbling experience,” he said. “It takes a compassionate individual to understand the social issues that exist in our region, and a proactive person to take initiative to make a change.”

Proactive definitely describes Wobser, who is active in BGSU’s Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA), having served as assistant director of marketing for a full academic year, and currently transitioning into the vice president role. Through the SCMA at BGSU, he has organized marketing and recruiting programs, spoken to entry level supply chain management courses and has assisted in promoting local chapter events in Bowling Green and Toledo.

Wobser has a private pilot certificate, so his interest in studying the business of aviation has always been apparent. Seeing a lack in student focus on the business behind general aviation operations, he founded and established the Young Professionals in Business and Aviation (YPB&A) Student Organization. Not only was he instrumental in establishing the student organization, he also created the foundation for YPB&A to be affiliated with the American Association of Airport Executives.

“I wanted more students to be able to engage outside the traditional classroom,” Wobser said. “YPB&A helped raise awareness of the benefits of aviation and business working together beyond the cockpit of the aviation industry as a whole.”

Greg will graduate in December and is actively looking for full-time employment. While he admits the job market in business is competitive, he is confident that his experiences and achievements at BGSU will set him apart as an applicant, just as they set him apart for the APICS award.

“The renowned reputation of BGSU’s College of Business has prepared me well to succeed in the field, while my work in the community has helped me better understand the complex needs of the public.”