UConn Today – Michael J. Zacchea, a decorated military hero and the founder and director of UConn’s highly successful Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), has died at 53.
Veterans
Retired Professor Offers $100K Matching Gift to Save Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Program
UConn Today – United States Marine Corps veteran Tony Audette builds custom motorcycles for celebrities, business titans, and other enthusiasts who want a bike that’s unlike any other. His exclusive motorcycles sell for upwards of $130,000.
After two years in business, Audette Motorcycles, in Canton, is thriving. Audette credits much of his business knowledge and expertise to the School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV). The startup accelerator steered him away from several costly business mistakes, he said.
Business Leadership Series: Retired Coast Guard Admiral Says Respect Must be Earned
KeyBank Gives $75K to UConn Program for Veteran Business Owners
The KeyBank Foundation on Thursday presented a $75,000 grant to UConn in support a School of Business program that helps U.S. military veterans become small-business owners.Continue Reading
EBV Alum: ‘To Do What You Love is Priceless’

Imagine a young child wandering alone in the woods on a frigid afternoon, with each passing minute decreasing the likelihood of a successful rescue.
UConn alumnus Jason Otrin would like to encourage emergency responders in Connecticut, and across the nation, to adopt the use of drones for such public-safety emergencies. Continue Reading
EBV Prepares Veterans for New Jobs as Business Owners

Shaun Anderson ’16, a retired Navy petty officer first class, started a sound, lighting and audio-rental company in his garage in Vernon, Conn. Now “Off the Ground Sound” has moved to a storefront, and he’s considering expanding to more locations. Continue Reading
UConn to Hold First-Ever Giving Day from April 4-5

UConn Gives. 36 Hours, All Paws In.
For the first time in history, UConn Nation is putting all paws in to support the University during a 36-hour online giving event.
UConn Gives will begin on April 4 and continue through April 5, encouraging supporters to make a gift of any amount to their UConn passion project: from student scholarships, to groundbreaking research, and beloved schools, colleges, and academic programs. Continue Reading
Students Prepare Almost 800 Tax Returns—For Free

VITA Volunteers Eliminate Frustration, Expense of Taxes
Yvette Eley, a native of the United Kingdom, had to file U.S. taxes for the first time this year and just the thought of it was daunting.
Eley, a post-doctoral fellow in geosciences, turned to UConn’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which helped her prepare her return for free. Adjunct faculty member Leanne Adams spearheads the program. Continue Reading
‘Like Building an Airplane in Mid-Flight’

UConn’s Mike Zacchea Describes Many Challenges He Faced as First U.S. Military Adviser to New Iraqi Army
In his new book, “The Ragged Edge,” set for release on April 1, U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea ’12 MBA shares the staggering hardships and unique challenges of the U.S. mission to build an Iraqi Army virtually from scratch. Continue Reading
EBV Graduates 22 Veteran Entrepreneurs

‘I Can’t Believe How Lucky I Am!’ Veterans’ Plans Include Cookie Business, Animal Shelter, Counseling Center
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Damone “D” Garner has a secret weapon for his post-military career.
Hailing from a family that boasts three generations of talented bakers, Garner has a collection of secret, family-cookie recipes that will make other bakers quake in their aprons. Continue Reading