Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Cincinnati

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI SPRING 2024 T H E TA D ATA Professional Development Going Strong with Startup Saturday O n Saturday, October 7, 2023, Ohio Theta hosted a professional development event called Startup Saturday at Clifton Court Hall, underscoring its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit among its members. The event was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business challenges, providing a platform for fraternity members to gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey. It attracted a significant number of attendees, eager to learn from the experiences of those who have ventured into the realm of business startups. The highlight of Startup Saturday was the engaging presentations from four distinguished alumni: Judd Weis '87, Kelly Conway '82, Drew Dulle '12, and John Abraham '77. Each of these alumni have successfully founded their own companies. These entrepreneurs shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the highs and lows of starting and running a business. They covered a range of topics, including transitioning from corporate environments, lean processes, entrepreneurship as an engineer, and entrepreneurship right after graduation. Each topic offered a comprehensive overview of the entrepreneurial landscape. Their stories were not only motivational but also educational, providing practical advice and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. Following the presentations Renaissance Brother and Faculty Fellow Ric Sweeney facilitate a question and answer session with the panel speakers and chapter members. This event served as a valuable learning opportunity for Ohio Theta members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. The alumni speakers facilitated meaningful discussions, encouraging participants to think critically about the entrepreneurial process. Furthermore, Startup Saturday fostered a sense of community among the fraternity members, alumni, and other attendees, highlighting the importance of networking and mentorship in professional development. Overall, the event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all those who participated. Brothers Ric Sweeney, John Abraham, Drew Dulle, Judd Weis, Kelly Conway and Jake Michael.

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