Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University's College of Business has announced Isaiah Garcia and Chloe Hibbler as the winners of the Ethics Essay Award, a recognition named after former Dean David E. Mielke. This award honors students who demonstrate exceptional insight and critical thinking on current ethical issues. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 15.

The $500 prize for each winner is personally funded by Mielke, reflecting his commitment to nurturing ethical leadership in business. The College's Professional Development and Ethics Committee evaluates entries based on insight, research, and critical thinking skills.

This year's essays covered diverse topics such as AI bias, gene editing, global poverty, and the future of work. Isaiah Garcia, a junior majoring in entrepreneurship, focused on affordable housing for low-income families—a subject deeply personal to him.

“As a first-generation college student with a background in low-income living, I understand exactly what it’s like to not have a stable home,” said Garcia. He attributes his interest in ethical business practices to his father's work as a contractor. “I plan to leverage my education in entrepreneurship to create impactful housing solutions that address the critical needs of underprivileged families,” he added.

Chloe Hibbler, a finance junior, addressed how misinformation on social media can affect the stock market by undermining investor confidence and economic stability.

“Misinformation poses a significant threat to society, specifically the stock market,” Hibbler stated. She emphasized that false information can manipulate stock prices maliciously, causing financial losses for investors and destabilizing markets. “To mitigate the negative effects of misinformation," she continued, "companies and regulators must work together to develop effective strategies for combating its spread.”

The Ethics Essay Contest is held annually at Eastern Michigan University for all business students. Each fall semester invites submissions up to 1,500 words addressing contemporary ethical challenges in business.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 and serves nearly 13,000 students across various degree programs through its multiple colleges. National publications often recognize EMU for its excellence and diversity.