At many Polish universities, learning has traditionally been more faculty-centered and less experiential, Werner said. Introducing student-focused experiences have been vital to student development, helping bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

“The GAME Forum stands out for its student-driven structure,” Werner said. “Participants not only attend professional panels and industry discussions, but also take active leadership roles in organizing the conference, managing programming and engaging directly with finance professionals.” 

Earlier this year, two Quinnipiac students traveled to Poland to present at a student finance conference.  

For many attendees, like Robert Margiotta ‘25, MBA ‘26, it was their first time engaging with a more student-centered model of education.  

“My experience at the student finance conference in Poland significantly boosted my college career,” Margiotta said. “It gave me the opportunity to see how students from different countries analyze financial markets and how their economic environments and regulatory frameworks influence their investment decisions.”

In 2025, the GAME Forum welcomed students from two Polish universities.  

“What initially began as an opportunity for a small group of students to observe and participate quickly evolved into a more structured academic initiative,” Werner said.  

This exposure opened the door to a different style of learning, emphasizing collaboration, real-world application and global perspective, he said.

Participation has continued to grow this year, with three Polish colleges and universities attending the GAME Forum, along with a panel of venture capital and private equity investors.  

Kamil Kamecki, a faculty of economics and sociology at the University of Lodz in Poland, said he hopes to bring a European approach to student-led research and financial-market analysis to the GAME Forum. This highlights the region's growing impact in the global market.

“The scale of the event and the opportunity to interact with top-tier financial experts and institutions,” he said. “The bridge that Quinnipiac University builds between academia and the real-world financial industry is truly impressive.”

This year, the GAME Forum strengthened international collaboration and expanded professional development opportunities for students.  

“Students who attend the GAME Forum consistently describe the event as transformative, not only academically but also personally,” Werner said. “The opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in a supportive yet dynamic environment helps students build confidence, refine their professional identity and expand their aspirations.”