Experiential Learning Accelerators

UConn Receives $22.5M Gift for Entrepreneurship, Innovation

Posted on by Tiffany Ventura Thiele
Peter J. Werth speaks at an event to announce his $22.5 million commitment to the University on Dec. 4, 2017.
Peter J. Werth speaks at an event to announce his $22.5 million commitment to the University on Dec. 4, 2017. The pledge from Werth, an innovator in generic prescription medication, is the second-largest in University history. Seated is President Susan Herbst. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

The UConn Foundation has received a $22.5 million commitment from Peter J. Werth, ensuring a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship for generations of students to come.

“Peter’s transformative and historic commitment cements his legacy as a most generous friend to UConn,” said Josh Newton, President and CEO, UConn Foundation. “As a steadfast UConn supporter for many years, Peter has previously given very generously to our athletic programs. We’re grateful that his generosity has expanded to include academics, especially into an area that supports the economy of our state: entrepreneurship and innovation. We hope he will inspire others to follow his lead.” Continue Reading

Women Top Men in Entrepreneurship, Says Girls With Impact Report

Posted on by Melissa Ferrigno

EDGE Media Network – While only 17.8 percent of participants in college venture competitions are women, according to a new report by Girls with Impact, women win most of the prize money.

The report, “The Entrepreneurship Talent Gap,” released on International Girls Day, underscores the importance of early education and the opportunity for colleges and business leaders to prepare the next generation of female leaders.

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Military Family Finds Entrepreneurship Offers Healing

Posted on by Melissa Ferrigno

Hartford Business Journal – While U.S. Marine Gulaid Ismail was serving in Iraq last decade two of his friends committed suicide. Later, Ismail suffered a nervous breakdown and was honorably discharged. If it weren’t for Davina Ismail, his wife and caregiver, he said he’d be in jail or in a grave.
“She gave me purpose to live,” Gulaid Ismail said.

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Newman’s Own Grant Fortifies UConn’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program

Posted on by Claire Hall
The EBV hosts up to 25 U.S. military veterans during an annual, 10-day program that prepares them to become entrepreneurs. Pictured above, EBV Class of 2017 veterans in class. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
The EBV hosts up to 25 U.S. military veterans during an annual, 10-day program that prepares them to become entrepreneurs. Pictured above, EBV Class of 2017 veterans in class. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

“They Consider Us Elite”

Newman’s Own Foundation has awarded a $135,000 grant to the School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), one of only 26 non-profits nationwide to receive financial support. Continue Reading

Newman’s Own Foundation Commits $6.7M to Veterans Causes

Posted on by Melissa Ferrigno

Associated Press – Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, honored Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole for their commitment to public service and especially their devoted leadership and support of veterans. An announcement was made at a special reception held in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC and attended by members of Congress, veterans, and organizations supporting veterans.

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Is Your Blood ‘Sticky’? Researchers Invent Simple Test to Detect Cardiac Risk

Posted on by Claire Hall
Kostyantyn Partola, an engineering Ph.D. candidate, poses for a photo with adviser Thomas Geer prior to the start of the Wolff competition. Missing from photo is Professsor George Lykotrafitis from the School of Engineering. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
Kostyantyn Partola, an engineering Ph.D. candidate, poses for a photo with adviser Thomas Geer prior to the start of the Wolff competition. Missing from photo is Professsor George Lykotrafitis from the School of Engineering. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

Wolff New Venture Competition Prize Winner: Eir Medical Devices

Everyone knows that smoking, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol are key risk factors for heart disease.

But what about “sticky” blood? Continue Reading

MBA Candidate Tackles Challenging Internship to Benefit Medical Patients

Posted on by Claire Hall
Enuma Ezeife (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
Enuma Ezeife (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

Undeterred: Enuma Ezeife ’18 MBA

Enuma Ezeife cringes when she talks about some of the older methods of harvesting bone graft for surgery.

Not only are the procedures excruciating, but they can have numerous unintended consequences, including fracture of a patient’s femur, she said. Continue Reading