Colgate’s campus buzzed with energy as alumni, students, founders, and funders came together to celebrate and support the next generation of changemakers during Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.
Inspiration from a World-Renowned Entrepreneur
Even before the showcase and pitch competition on Saturday, innovation and entrepreneurship took center stage Friday night during a fireside chat between Netflix co-founder and former CEO Marc Randolph and President Brian W. Casey, as part of the Kerschner Family Global Leaders at Colgate. Randolph spoke about the origin of Netflix, his own journey from being a liberal arts major to serial entrepreneur, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Immediately following the fireside chat, Randolph met with a group of student entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators in a small group Q&A facilitated by director of entrepreneurship and innovation Carolyn Strobel-Larsen. Students asked incisive questions about Randolph’s experiences, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, and his perspective on leadership.
Spotlight on Student Ventures
Colgate’s entrepreneurial spirit came alive Saturday afternoon at the Hall of Presidents in James C. Colgate Hall, where student passion and creativity took center stage.
At 1 p.m., the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase Pitch Competition kicked off. Before hearing from the competing teams, the audience got to know this year’s judges in a panel discussion moderated by Gus Coldebella ’91, partner at True Ventures and former vice chair of the Board of Trustees and president of the Alumni Council.
Coldebella began with a question to Mike Ellenbogen ’86, P’26, this year’s Colgate University Entrepreneur of the Year, who spoke about his journey as a serial entrepreneur in the physical security space, motivated to use technology to keep people safe. Fellow entrepreneurs Kate Foster Lenyel ’99 and Megan Curtin McKenna ’06 both talked about their paths from climbing the corporate ladder to striking off on their own as startup founders. Savneet Singh had the audience nearly in tears recounting his journey becoming CEO of a foundering tech company he was tasked with turning around, while Caroline Danehy ’19 reminisced about standing on the same stage with her brother, Jake Danehy ’16, to pitch their company, Fair Harbor Clothing, exactly 10 years ago.
Four standout student ventures—Trust Beverages, Students Helping Students, Wags and Wings Dogs Rescue, and The Vitalize Alarm—then pitched their idea to the judges, each presenting for five minutes and fielding Q&A for three minutes. With a $10,000 grand prize on the line, the students delivered more than just business plans—they demonstrated purpose, resilience, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
After much deliberation, the judges awarded the top prize to Students Helping Students—co-founded by Nathan Walsh ’28—a college application support service for international students.
“It felt like a lot of unattainable goals suddenly came in reach,” Walsh reflected. “It was truly amazing.”
Judges Megan McKenna and Mike Ellenbogen were so inspired by all four of the pitches that they contributed additional funding on the spot, giving each team an additional $2,000 toward their ventures.
Immediately following the pitch competition, the Hall of Presidents transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation during the Venture Showcase. Over 20 student-led businesses, nonprofits, and campus initiatives engaged with alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff, Attendees received “investment” tokens to support their favorite ventures, resulting in an average of $500 in grant funding for each team.
“Attending the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase was an incredibly inspiring experience,” said Avery Johnson ’25 of Hami-Down, a sustainable fashion exchange initiative. “Watching the teams in the Shark Tank competition was truly impressive, and it was equally rewarding to table and engage with alumni, parents, mentors, and students about my venture. The feedback and ideas we received about our future direction were invaluable. We made countless connections and had meaningful conversations that will help shape the path forward. It was a weekend full of learning, growth, and excitement for what’s to come!”
Mckenna Dalton ’25 has been engaged with Colgate E&I for the past three years, first as a team member of the venture Raider Rides and now as the office’s lead communications and engagement intern:
“I had so much fun being on the other side of the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase this year. We had so many hands on deck, which helped the day run smoothly. Thanks to the creativity and ambition of our team, we introduced new ways to highlight the program, like the E&I table and our photo booth with a branded backdrop. It was a great learning experience and a wonderful way to wrap up the school year.”
Celebrating Colgate Entrepreneurship
The TIA Entrepreneur Showcase is a celebration of Colgate entrepreneurs—and a celebration of possibility. The weekend reflects the university’s commitment to helping students turn ideas into action, dreams into ventures, and passion into purpose. Through mentorship, funding, and a supportive community, Colgate is not just launching startups—it is cultivating visionary leaders ready to shape the future.