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2024 ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award winners (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Did you cultivate your entrepreneurial skills as a student at ���ϲ����� and either founded or currently own your own business as an Orange alumnus?

If so, you’re encouraged to apply for the University’s third annual , which celebrates 50 of the fastest-growing global businesses owned or led by Orange alumni.

In the first two years of the ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards, honorees have included the heads of global investment firms; the co-founder of a market leader in sustainability impact measurement; an inventor who created smiley-faced sponges for a worldwide cleaning product company; the managing partner of global operations for a leading distributor of high-quality, fresh flowers; and many others.

Applications for the  are being accepted through July 13.

J. Michael Haynie

“T��� is proud to be home to one of the nation’s first academic entrepreneurship programs, and for decades we’ve championed the ambitions of Orange innovators,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “Now in its third year, the ‘CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards continue to celebrate the success of our alumni founders while creating meaningful connections between past and present—between the entrepreneurial leaders of today and the students who will shape tomorrow.”

Alumni of any school or college, graduates of the University’s executive education programs and alumni of entrepreneurship programs operated by the  are eligible to apply.

Tracy Barlok

“T��� ’CUSE50 awards have become one of my favorite ���ϲ����� traditions, because they exemplify our mission to support the academic pursuits and successes of our entire campus community,” says , chief advancement officer. “We’re recognizing the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our alumni who honed their talents at ���ϲ����� and are eager to return and share their knowledge with a new generation of students. It’s a wonderful ‘full-circle moment’ and an excellent learning opportunity for budding entrepreneurs.”

The ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony will occur on campus on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. The next day, during the ’CUSE50 Student Summit, honorees will share insights with current students as part of a series of campus engagement sessions held at the Whitman School.

Rob Long

As the executive director of Uplifting Athletes—a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases—Rob Long ’12, G’14 says it was a thrill for his organization to share the stage with “such an inspiring group of Orange alumni who are leading with purpose and impact” during last year’s awards ceremony. He encourages his fellow Orange business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for this year’s competition.

“Being part of the ’CUSE50 Awards last year was a truly positive experience and an awesome opportunity to return to campus,” says Long, a former punter on the ���ϲ����� football team. “It was a meaningful recognition of the work Uplifting Athletes is doing, and a great opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and changemakers in the ���ϲ����� community.”

Ready to Join the Third Annual Class of ’CUSE50 Awardees?

Review the for the ’CUSE50 awards.

The deadline to apply for recognition is Sunday, July 13. To learn more about the ’CUSE50 awards and nominate your company for recognition, visit  or send an email to cuse50@syr.edu. Past ‘CUSE50 applicants, including previous winners, are encouraged to apply again.

Students engaged with ’CUSE50 honorees during last year’s Entrepreneurship Summit. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)