Startup That Recycles Toxic Sludge Wins UConn’s Wolff Competition

Posted on by Scott Slater III

UConn Today – A startup that could rid the earth of vast cesspools of toxic sludge won UConn’s annual Wolff New Venture Competition, and a $20,000 prize, on Monday night.

The entrepreneurial competition honors some of the strongest startup programs with a UConn affiliation. All five of the teams that participated have spent at least a year refining and developing their business plans under the guidance of the School of Business’ Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.Continue Reading

Auriemma Leadership Conference: ‘Do the Brave Thing’

Posted on by Claire Hall

Lucy Gilson (left), Associate Dean of the UConn School of Business and Geno Auriemma (right), Head Coach of UConn Women's Basketball, speak during the first day of the Leadership Conference. This year's program focused on leading through complexity and uncertainty. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
Lucy Gilson (left), Associate Dean of the UConn School of Business and Geno Auriemma (right), Head Coach of UConn Women’s Basketball, speak during the first day of the Leadership Conference. This year’s program focused on leading through complexity and uncertainty. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

Embrace disruption or be left behind.

That was one of the powerful messages shared by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Co-President George Barrios ’87, ’89 MBA, one of the keynote speakers at the Geno Auriemma UConn Leadership Conference in Stamford, Conn.Continue Reading

Former NBA Executive Says Diversity is the Key

Posted on by Claire Hall

Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) returned to UConn this week to speak about diversity at the Rosenberg-McVay Business Leadership Luncheon, as well as to address students from UConn’s Scholars House. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) returned to UConn this week to speak about diversity at the Rosenberg-McVay Business Leadership Luncheon, as well as to address students from UConn’s Scholars House. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

As a 10-year-old boy, Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) cried when he realized his dark skin prevented him from being served at a Woolworth lunch counter in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

But the racial discrimination he encountered didn’t derail his spirit for long. He went on to become one of the most powerful executives in the NBA, as Vice President, CFO of the Los Angeles Lakers.Continue Reading

Promotional Games at Retail Stores Increase Consumer Spending

Posted on by Scott Slater III

UConn Today – Shoppers who win retail discounts through scratch-off tickets or other games of chance are more likely to make a purchase, and spend more money, than customers offered standard discounts that apply to everyone, according to a new study led by the University of Connecticut.Continue Reading

Two Veteran Professors Promoted to Associate Business Deans

Posted on by Claire Hall

Jose M. Cruz (left) and Lucy Gilson (right) have been named associate deans in the UConn School of Business. Gilson has taken on the mantle of associate dean for faculty and outreach, while Cruz is now the associate dean for graduate programs. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
Jose M. Cruz (left) and Lucy Gilson (right) have been named associate deans in the UConn School of Business. Gilson has taken on the mantle of associate dean for faculty and outreach, while Cruz is now the associate dean for graduate programs. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

The School of Business has announced the appointment of Professors Lucy Gilson and Jose M. Cruz as new associate deans. They join Professor Bob Day in rounding out the three-person team reporting to Interim Dean David Souder.Continue Reading

Members of the Class of 2017 – Where Are They Now?

Posted on by Claire Hall

UConn students pose on a lawn, spelling out the word UConn in large block letters.
(Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

(From New York City to Budapest, Hungary, to Missoula, Montana, our recent alumni are forging interesting and meaningful careers. Below, some of the members of the School of Business’ Class of 2017 share updates on their career highlights and the key aspects of their UConn education that have helped along the way.)Continue Reading

State venture capital and mentors drive entrepreneurship and private investment

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Hartford Business Journal – As a millennial in his early 20s, Thomas Cotton may not be the most likely candidate to be thinking about senior citizen healthcare or building a business around it, but when Cotton’s grandmother fell in a rehab center a couple of years ago and was unable to access her room’s push button communication system, the recent UConn graduate not only saw an opportunity to help vulnerable seniors; he saw a market opportunity as well.

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