(Columbus, OH) – Business Professionals of America, Inc. (BPA) is proud to announce the induction of two new members into the organization’s Hall of Fame for the year 2020; Mr. Gordon Rosploch and Mr. Cedric Bandoh. Awarded annually, the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions at the national level to Business Professionals of America, formerly the Office Education Association (OEA).
The organization’s first Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Gordon Rosploch, has been and continues to be agreat supporter of Business Professionals of Amer
ica and the students that the organization serves. For more than 12 years, he has committed his support not only to his local chapter, but he has also selflessly supported other advisors and local chapters throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Mr. Rosploch has been both a past and current member of the organization’s Classroom Education Advisory Council (CEAC) where he contributed to developing quality contest experiences for all students. Additionally, he has previously hosted the Wisconsin State Leadership Conference at his institution, Lakeshore Technical College, two years in a row, where he facilitated the judges, venue, and hotel. He also coordinated evening activities for students, working closely with the State Officers and the State Director in order to host this large event.
According to his nominator, the Wisconsin BPA State Advisor, Ms. Dianne Carroll, “I am always so impressed by his positive attitude and willingness to do more for the students and BPA organization. He has dedicated over ten years to the Lakeshore Technical College BPA chapter and the Wisconsin BPA organization, and has always believed that BPA is for the students. He encourages all students to join BPA and do their best, and delights in seeing the students’ excitement, energy, anticipation and eagerness when they have been awarded for their accomplishments.”
The organization’s second Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Cedric Bandoh, has been involved with BPA since he was a student member. As a sophomore in high school he was instrumental in chartering a local secondary chapter in Allen, Texas, and served as its Chapter Vice President from 2007-2008, as well as Chapter President from 2008-2010. From these early leadership experiences, he continued his BPA journey by volunteering in many different capacities, including serving as a judge at the Texas State Leadership Conference, Region 3 President, and an active member on the Board of Directors for Texas BPA State Association.
At the national level, Mr. Bandoh has served on the BPA National Board of Trustees since 2016, chairing the Finance Committee, Executive Director Search Committee, and Strategic and Long Range Planning Committee, served as Board Treasurer, was elected the youngest Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2018, and re-elected to serve a second term as Chairin 2019.
According to his nominator, Oklahoma BPA local chapter advisor and National BPA Board of Trustees Treasurer, Ms. Athena Frank, “Cedric’s strategic vision and insight have been guiding forces for the positive movement forward this organization has undertaken toward becoming a global leader in career and technical education. He is a servant leader not simply by words, but by his positive and visionary actions. The first to roll up his sleeves, smile, and step up whenever and wherever there is a need, from supporting our Puerto Rico members during their many recent tragedies, to volunteering as a state and national judge, to serving as a mentor to so many. His contributions and legacy to BPA are truly significant.”