Whitman was buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit Nov. 10, 2023, as it welcomed recipients of the University’s inaugural ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards to interact with student entrepreneurs at ’CUSE50 Summit 2023: Conversation and Networking with the 50 Fastest-Growing Alumni Businesses. The award winners were graduates from schools across the University campus. “While the ’CUSE50 awards were created to celebrate the entrepreneurship of Syracuse University alumni, today is about connecting our student entrepreneurs with honorees through insightful discussions,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive Dean at the Whitman School.

The day was coordinated by Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice John Torrens, deputy department chair and program manager for the master’s degree in entrepreneurship program, and Linda Dickerson Hartsock, founder and former executive director of the Blackstone LaunchPad. It included breakout sessions with ’CUSE50 award recipients covering topics on starting, scaling, selling and branding, as well as managing, networking and funding business ideas. Later, students were encouraged to showcase their websites, pitch decks and personal brand materials at a networking eception. “Being an aspiring entrepreneur, it was great seeing those who were once in the same position as we are now be so successful,” says Will Lubowitz ’24, a double major in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, and real estate at Whitman. “The ’CUSE50 Summit was a great success, and we were thrilled to see so many alumni participate and impart their wisdom on up-and-coming entrepreneurs,” says Hartsock. The Whitman School intends to make this an annual event to coincide with the ’CUSE50 awards.

Congratulations to the following Whitman alumni and faculty who were recognized at the inaugural ’CUSE50 awards for the 50 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by Syracuse University alumni:

Paul Murdock ’85: MCG Consulting Services LLC
Robert Hornung ’87: Evo Systems LLC
Robert LaBreche ’87: iGrad Tamekia Ball ’97: Epiphany Blue 
Eric Fleming ’04 (WSM/NEW): Makeout
Joshua Love ’04 (WSM/NEW): Kinema Fitness Inc.
Joseph Holl ’05: National Electronic Transit
Joe Neumann ’06: Tremor Vibration Services LLC.
Brendan Quinlan ’07: Big Dawg Party Rentals LLC
Steve Nadolski ’09: Eurocafe Imports
Matthew Gelles ’10: NEFCO
Nicholas Monzi ’11: Learn Fresh
Eric Factor ’17: CraneTech
Kelsey Davis ’19 (NEW), ’20 M.S.: CLLCTVE
Professor John Torrens G'93 Sprout Therapy Group