Whitman Celebrates and Showcases Orange Entrepreneurs at Homecoming 2025

The Whitman School welcomed alumni and friends back to campus in October for Orange Central Homecoming 2025. Two exciting events gave guests the chance to experience the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is fostered and supported on the Syracuse University campus.

Whitman’s homecoming programming kicked off with the 11th annual Orange Tank business pitch competition where student- and alumni-founded ventures vied for $35,000 in prizes. The competition was followed by the Syracuse Samplings and Orange Entrepreneur Showcase, which featured food, beverages and products from Syracuse University alumni and student entrepreneurs and locally-founded favorites like  The Chocolate Pizza Company,  Funk ‘N Waffles and  Oh My Darling.

For new and growing companies, the Syracuse Samplings and Orange Entrepreneur Showcase is a great opportunity for founders to introduce their offerings to the Syracuse University family. “It was an incredible experience being part of the event,” said Brian Albert ’91 (A&S), who hosted a table featuring his company,  BACK HAT, which he founded in 2024. “Connecting with students, alumni and fellow founders was truly inspiring. It was a privilege to return to campus and share the Back Hat story with the Syracuse community.” 

Brian Albert and products from his company, BACK HAT.

Every year, more than 150 alumni and guests attend the event to taste test new foods and beverages and to experience a bit of nostalgia from their student days with selections from beloved Syracuse establishments, like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Pastabilites, and area breweries and wineries. Guests also get the chance to discover a range of products from Orange entrepreneurs such as apparel, journals, designer storage bags, skincare and more.

Kora-Lynah Abelard ’15 (WHIT/NEW) has been participating in the event and sampling her Orijin Haitian-inspired clean skincare brand since launching the company in 2022. She was recently chosen to be part of the  W.E. Build accelerator program in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“As an entrepreneur, sharing my passion and products with people from all the corners of my life is an important part of the journey,” said Abelard. “Having the opportunity to do so at my alma mater at an event like this not only gives Orijin great exposure, it also gives me great pride in seeing the extraordinary entrepreneurship ecosystem of Syracuse University.”

Kora-Lynah Abelard showcasing Orijin products.

Every year, there are both first-time and returning ventures. In addition to startups, like  Dicey’s Spicy, Smooth Tauker, Wandel and Vees, there are a number of longer-established companies featured at the event, including  Scrub Daddy, Lay-n-Go, Nutsola, 27 Teas,  City Girl Coffee and Dirty Sue. Dirty Sue is a brand of premium bottled olives and juices founded by Eric Tecosky ’91, who was honored at the 2025 ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards. 

Student entrepreneurs are often the show stealers at the Syracuse Samplings and Orange Entrepreneur Showcase. This year, an SU-themed hat from the Happy Duck Co. founded by Whitman senior Jonathan (Jack) Wren ’26 was one of the most coveted items. 

Student entrepreneurs become alumni entrepreneurs, and Whitman offers resources and support for all Orange founders from startup to success. Entrepreneurship and innovation are in the fabric of Whitman, and homecoming weekend is the perfect opportunity to showcase and celebrate entrepreneurs with the entire Syracuse University community.

ALUMNI AND STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS FEATURED AT THE 2025 SYRACUSE SAMPLINGS AND ORANGE ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE:

Orijin—Kora-Lynah Abelard ’15 (WHIT/NEW)

BACK HAT—Brian Albert ’91 (A&S)

Baked By Melissa—Melissa Ben-Ishay ’06 (A&S)

Liberate—Olivia Bowser ’16

Oh My Darling—Ryan Benz ’11 M.S.

Wandel—Stephanie Berlin ’10 (VPA)

Zia Hatch Chili—Nate Cotanch ’12

Lay-n-Go—Adam Fazackerley ’96

Smooth Tauker—Giancarlo Franco ’21

27 Teas—Margaret Gay ’13

Funk n Waffles—Adam Gold ’06 (NEW)

City Girl Coffee—Alyza Bohbot James ’08 (VPA)

Pastabilities and  Hot Tom—Karyn Korteling ’81 (NEW)

Scrub Daddy—Aaron Krause ’92 (A&S)

Nutsola—Adam Kukoff ’12

Dicey's Spicy—Brian Nacht ’09 (HumEc)

The Chocolate Pizza Company—Ryan Novak ’11

Dirty Sue—Eric M. Tecosky ’91

Vees—Vicki Vasil ’97 (NEW), ’20 MBA, ’21 M.S.

Happy Duck Co.—Jonathan Wren ’26