Syracuse University News Encourages Alumni Entrepreneurs to Apply for ’CUSE50 Awards

Syracuse University Celebrates Alumni Entrepreneurs with ’CUSE50 Awards

For the second consecutive year, Syracuse University is set to honor the achievements of Orange business leaders worldwide at the ’CUSE50 awards. This annual event showcases 50 of the fastest-growing businesses founded or owned by Syracuse alumni. The inaugural honorees included a diverse range of entrepreneurs, from a marketing agency CEO to a party rental company owner and a creative event production company founder.

Applications for the ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards are currently being accepted. Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie of Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management expressed the university’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial aspirations of its students. The ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur program serves as an extension of this tradition, providing a platform for alumni entrepreneurs to connect with current students and faculty.

Alumni from any school or college, graduates of Syracuse University executive education programs, and alumni of entrepreneurship programs offered by the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families are eligible and encouraged to apply for the ’CUSE50 awards. Tracy Barlok, Syracuse University’s chief advancement officer, highlighted the significance of recognizing the business acumen developed by Syracuse alumni and the opportunity for honorees to share insights with the next generation of Orange entrepreneurs.

The honorees will be celebrated on campus on Thursday, November 14, at the National Veterans Resource Center in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. As part of the ’CUSE50 Symposium, honorees will engage in campus sessions on Friday, November 15, where they will share their experiences and insights with current students.

To be considered for the ’CUSE50 awards, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be Syracuse University alumni and either be a majority owner or hold a C-suite level leadership position in the company. The business must have been founded at least three years prior to the application date and have achieved verifiable revenues of $100,000 or more in 2021, increasing to $250,000 or more in 2023.

Additionally, the company must meet certain ownership and leadership criteria, demonstrating a commitment to integrity and alignment with the values of Syracuse University. Prospective and past honorees are expected to uphold high standards of personal integrity, equality in human relations, adherence to the law, and positive contributions to the university and the broader community.

The deadline to apply for the ’CUSE50 awards is Sunday, July 14. To learn more about the awards and nominate a company for recognition, visit the official ’CUSE50 website at cuse50.syr.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Syracuse University alumni and inspire the next generation of business leaders.