CU-Bloomsburg’s Rathman Shows Off Business Chops at Competition

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Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg sophomore Gil Rathman came in first in the nation in business knowledge at the 81st Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) International Business Conference held in Rhode Island in March.

A communication studies major and business minor, Rathman came in first in the conference's Business Knowledge Bowl, besting students from Georgia Southwestern State and Tennessee Tech. The competition format includes a 100-question qualifying exam followed by a live, bracket-style tournament modeled after trivia-based gameplay, requiring both depth of knowledge and performance under pressure.

The competition brings together college students from across the country to compete in a fast-paced, knowledge-driven tournament covering business fundamentals, current events, and applied decision-making.

"I won't lie, I was a bit of an underdog," says Rathman, of Exeter Township. Originally a business major, she discovered a passion for communications through a public speaking class and pivoted to an organizational communication major while keeping a minor in business.

"I found a really big sense of belonging here," she says of the campus. "It's given me a place to grow, and I will forever be grateful for that."

Outside of academics, Rathman mentors her classmates in the Jones Honors College. She also serves as the vice president of the student SAM chapter, the incoming Vice President of the Rotaract Club, and the fundraising chair for Bloomsburg Wishmakers.

Her most personal project is the National Eating Disorder Awareness program she founded on campus. Born from a public speaking assignment, the program is "very near and dear both to my family and me," she explains. Partnering with the Women's Center and the Wellness Center, Rathman organized a week of advocacy that culminated in her serving as a guest speaker, sharing insights on how to support loved ones in recovery.

When she isn't organizing events like the "First Year Experience Fest" - a collaborative event featuring therapy dogs and trivia - Gil leans into her passion for fantasy literature and '70s and '80s rock like Hanoi Rocks or Dio-era Rainbow. Her musical interests are hands-on as well. She recently picked up the flute again, playing the same instrument her mother used during her own school years. "Technically, my flute is a second-generation flute. She's old, but she still works."

"I want to walk away from college not only getting a degree but getting an experience," says Rathman. "The door is only open for so long. As long as you're in a position where you think you can handle the challenge, go for it."

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• Zeigler College of Business

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