Towson University’s 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—Shapiro 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 TU 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’ work required them to navigate complex global trade issues—including shifting tariffs affecting the Port of Baltimore—and 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’s most influential manufacturing and cultural brands.

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

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

During his time at TU, recording with a friend’s PRS guitar helped shape one of his early breakout tracks, “Windows Low.” Now performing professionally across genres including reggaetón, hip-hop and R&B, Chipelo returns to TU to perform live with a PRS guitar before the company’s executives—a powerful hometown milestone years in the making.

Event Access

The competition is open to media, and the public can also watch via livestream.

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.