Announcing the 2017 Entrepreneurial Fellows

A collage featuring pictures of each of the 2017 Entrepreneurial Fellows.

25 applicants.

12 student-run ventures.

Eight pitches.

Four 2017 Entrepreneurial Fellows.

This year’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship application process was the most competitive to date, with ideas ranging from innovative apps to startups that elevate a career interest or hobby.

Check out who this year’s fellowship recipients are, or watch the video on Youtube.


Each of the fellows have received the first installment of their $10,000 seed money, and are already working with a team of alumni and parent mentors to get their business off of the ground.

Organization and management studies major Rahmi Halaby ’18 is working with Lauren Celano ’00, Paul Haldeman ’67, and Eric Malawer ’96 to launch Only Positives, an urban lifestyle brand and apparel company.

Rahmi Halaby poses with apparel sold by Only Positives.

Mathematical economics major Ethan Murphy ’20 and globalization studies major Karan Shrestha ’18 are working with Jason Maltby ’88, Charlie Martin ’83, and Tim Stauning ’78 to launch BuBoard, a campus communication and information sharing app.

KKaran Shrestha and Jason Maltby sit outside while working on a laptop.

Economics major Joe Scaglione ’18 is working with Bob Allen ’89, Tom Azelby ’86, and Nick Johnson ’90 to launch Mulletz Garage, a specialty car shop.

Joe Scaglione shows off the back of a promotional t-shirt for Mulletz Garage.Biology major Michael Karchner ’19 is working with Bill Heyman ’74, Bill Huss ’75, and Paul Nix ’74 to launch Pet Viser, an app providing pet owners with important veterinary information and services.

Michael Karchner walks two dogs across campus.This year’s fellowship comes on the heels of a successful crowdfunding campaign, spearheaded by Bob Allen ’89 and Bill Heyman ’74, and an increased emphasis from the College to elevate entrepreneurial programming as part of the new strategic plan.

Read more about the significance of alumni and parent mentors to the Entrepreneurial Fellowship in the latest edition of the College Magazine, or view the story online.