Entrepreneur of the Year: A passion for innovation.
Established in 1990, this award salutes successful entrepreneurs who, in turn, are important role models for the students of Rensselaer. Those honored with the award bring the world of entrepreneurship into the classrooms and laboratories at Rensselaer, sharing their experience and wisdom with all students. Given the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit in the past, present, and future of Rensselaer, it is indeed a singular honor Rensselaer bestows in selecting the Entrepreneur of the Year.
The award is named for William F. (“Bill”) Glaser ’53, founder and President (retired) of Com Mar, Inc., a wholesaler of communication, navigation, and marine accessory products. Bill was active in Navy ROTC and the IFC. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Bill created the entrepreneur of the year concept with Lally School Associate Dean Mark Rice ’71 in 1989, and the Award was launched in 1990.
Criteria for nominees:
- Must be a Rensselaer graduate who has achieved great success in his/her industry.
- For the purposes of this award, success means having built an enterprise or series of enterprises that have brought value to the marketplace, through either technical or social change.
| Award Recipients | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mark Bernstein ’94, Degerhan Usluel '94, Mark Wilson Ph.D. Watch the video | Founders of Interactive Learning International Corp. (ILINC) | 2019 |
| Tobi Saulnier ’84, ’89, ’94 Watch the video | Founder and CEO, 1st Playable Productions | 2018 |
| Jayant Kadambi ’85, ’86 Watch the video | Founder, YuMe | 2017 |
| Robert L. Godgart ’82 Watch the video | Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of Autotask | 2016 |
| Paul Bleicher ’76 Watch the video | CEO, OptumLabs | 2015 |
| John Delbridge ’91 Jeffrey Stewart ’91 David Uyttendaele ’91 Watch the video |
Founding Members of Mimeo.com | 2014 |
| Karthik Bala ’97 and Guha Bala Watch the video |
Founders, Vicarious Visions | 2013 |
| Harry Ruda ’68, ’69G Watch the video | CEO, Wing Power Energy | 2012 |
| Sean O'Sullivan ’85 Watch the video | Co-founder and Managing Director, Avego Ltd Founder and Managing Director, SOS Ventures |
2011 |
| Jacqueline Novogratz Watch the video Watch the interview |
Founder and CEO, Acumen Fund | 2010 |
| A.P. Parigi Watch the video | Managing Director, Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL) Managing Director and CEO, Times Infotainment Media Limited |
2009 |
| William G. Pomeroy ’66 | Founder and CEO, CXtec | 2008 |
| Brendan L. McKernan ’00 | Co-founder and VP of Operations, Agencourt Biosciences Corp. | 2006 |
| Frederick W. Smith | Chairman, President and CEO, FedEx Corp. | 2004 |
| James Q. Crowe ’72 | CEO, Level 3 Communications | 2003 |
| John J. McDonnell Jr. ’61 | Founder, Chairman and CEO, Transaction Network Services Inc. | 2002 |
| Mukesh Chatter ’82 | Founder, President and CEO, Axiowave | 2001 |
| Curtis Priem ’82 | Co-founder and CTO, NVIDIA Corp. | 2000 |
| Nancy S. Mueller | Founder and President, Nancy's Specialty Foods | 1999 |
| Arthur L. Goldstein ’57 | Chairman, President and CEO, Ionics Inc. | 1997 |
| John H. Broadbent Jr. ’59 | Co-founder, CFO, VP Finance and Treasurer, Arrow International Inc. | 1995 |
| Paul J. Severino ’69 | Founder and Chairman, Bay Networks | 1994 |
| Warren Bruggeman ’46 | VP and General Manager, General Electric's Nuclear Business Operations | 1993 |
| Salvator Alfiero ’64 | Founder, Chairman and CEO, Protective Industries LLC | 1992 |
| Thomas LeFevre ’71 | Co-founder, Intuit | 1991 |
| William Mow ’59 | Founder, Bugle Boy Industries | 1990 |
| Titles and affiliations listed are representative of the positions held at the time the award was given. | ||
View photos of past Entrepreneur of the Year award ceremonies.
Women in Entrepreneurship
New networks and better access.
The Severino Center’s “Women in Entrepreneurship” programs encompass several initiatives designed to communicate the unique experiences of successful women entrepreneurs and to encourage and support entrepreneurial initiatives among women of all ages.
Herman Family Fellowship For Women In Entrepreneurship
Established by Michael ’62 and Karen Herman to advance the interests of women in entrepreneurship, The Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship is awarded to women enrolled in Rensselaer’s Lally School MBA program.
The fellowship supports women in pursuing their entrepreneurial interests with a tuition scholarship. Recipients also join the Herman Family Fellows, a network of professional women entrepreneurs, and have an opportunity to participate in yearly reunions with the Herman Family.
Past Fellows Include:
1996 - 1998 Ms. Elena Quiroz
1997 - 1999 Ms. Mary-Hrachoo Boghosian
1998 - 2000 Ms. Suzanne Callander & Ms. Raona Roy
1999 - 2001 Ms. Carla Chiaro
2000 - 2002 Ms. Renee Rosen Rey
2001 - 2003 Ms. Elizabeth Doran
2002 - 2004 Ms. Elizabeth Allerton
2003 - 2005 Ms. Azmat Ahmad
2004 - 2006 Ms. Jennifer Sins
2005 - 2007 Ms. Heather Johnston
2006 - 2008 Ms. Suzanne Delaney
2007 - 2009 Ms. Cara Jones
2008 - 2010 Ms. Sarah DiNovo
2009 - 2011 Ms. Maile Victoria Kruse
2010 - 2012 Ms. Sandy Johnson
2011 - 2013 Ms. Cathy Wheelock
2012 - 2014 Ms. Virginia Lai
2013 - 2015 Ms. Kimberly Cupicha
2014 - 2016 Ms. Nika Ogievetsky
2015 - 2016 Ms. Andrea Scott
2016 - 2017 Ms. De Andra Salley
2018 - 2019 Ms. Bridget Barrett and Ms. Pinar Gular
2019 - 2020 Ms. Savannah Whitney