When entrepreneurs discuss transforming struggling businesses into success stories, it's usually in boardrooms or consulting offices. But on November 12, 2024, that conversation shifted to Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurship education.  

Professor Ken Walsleben, whose Entrepreneurial Turnarounds course has become a cornerstone of Whitman's entrepreneurship program, orchestrated an evening that brought together industry veterans and aspiring turnaround professionals. The event showcased why Whitman continues to rank second globally in entrepreneurship research and education.  

Interim Dean Alex McKelvie set the tone for the evening with a powerful message: "We want to create greatness from something that can use improvement." This philosophy perfectly encapsulates both Whitman's mission and the essence of turnaround management.  

The evening featured a panel discussion with an impressive lineup of industry experts. Scott Bogucki, Chapter President of the Upstate NY Turnaround Management Association (TMA), joined forces with Stephen Donato, a highly regarded bankruptcy attorney from Bond, Schoeneck & King, Anne Sinopoli, a director at Phoenix Management, and Jeffrey Sands an author and celebrated turnaround practitioner at Dorset Partners. The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Walsleben.  Their combined expertise offered students a comprehensive view of the turnaround industry's various facets.  

But this wasn't just another panel discussion. The TMA chapter made a surprise announcement that transformed the evening into something more meaningful, the creation of a scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in turnaround management. This commitment from industry professionals demonstrates their investment in nurturing the next generation of turnaround specialists.  

The mix of undergraduate and graduate students in attendance experienced something rare in many academic settings: direct access to industry leaders who've been in the trenches of corporate restructuring. For students in Walsleben's EEE422/622 course, the theories they've studied in class came alive through real-world perspectives and experiences.  

As the evening wound down, one thing became clear, Whitman's approach to entrepreneurship education isn't just about teaching business principles, it's about creating real-world connections that can launch careers. The school's leadership in combining academic excellence with practical industry exposure continues to set it apart in entrepreneurship education.  

The success of this event signals a new chapter in the relationship between academia and the turnaround management industry. It's a partnership that promises to shape the future of both entrepreneurship education and the professionals who will lead tomorrow's business transformations.  

For Whitman students, this wasn't just an evening of networking, it was a glimpse into their potential future in an industry that thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. And isn't that what entrepreneurship is all about.