Entrepreneur of the Year

A passion for innovation.

Established in 1990, this award salutes successful entrepreneurs who, in turn, are important role models for the students of Rensselaer. Those honored with the award bring the world of entrepreneurship into the classrooms and laboratories at Rensselaer, sharing their experience and wisdom with all students. Given the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit in the past, present, and future of Rensselaer, it is indeed a singular honor that the Institute bestows in selecting the Entrepreneur of the Year.

The award is named for William F. (“Bill”) Glaser ’53, founder and President (retired) of Com Mar, Inc., a wholesaler of communication, navigation, and marine accessory products. Bill was active in Navy ROTC and the IFC, and is a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Bill created the Entrepreneur of the Year concept with Lally School Associate Dean Mark Rice ’71 in 1989, and the Award was launched in 1990.

To nominate a candidate, please email eship@rpi.edu.

Criteria for award nominees

  • Must be a Rensselaer graduate who has achieved great success in his/her industry.
  • For the purposes of this award, success means having built an enterprise or series of enterprises that have brought value to the marketplace, through either technical or social change.

View photos of past Entrepreneur of the Year award ceremonies. 

Award Recipients
Check back at the beginning of the school year to see who the 2023 honorees will be. 2023
Mark Bernstein 94, Degerhan Usluel '94, Mark Wilson Ph.D.  Watch the videoFounders of Interactive Learning International Corp. (ILINC)2019
Tobi Saulnier 84, 89, 94 Watch the videoFounder and CEO, 1st Playable Productions2018
Jayant Kadambi 85, 86  Watch the videoFounder, YuMe2017
Robert L. Godgart 82  Watch the videoSerial Entrepreneur, Founder of Autotask2016
Paul Bleicher 76 Watch the videoCEO, OptumLabs2015
John Delbridge 91
Jeffrey Stewart 91
David Uyttendaele 91 Watch the video
Founding Members of Mimeo.com2014
Karthik Bala 97
and Guha Bala Watch the video
Founders, Vicarious Visions2013
Harry Ruda 68, 69G Watch the videoCEO, Wing Power Energy2012
Sean O'Sullivan 85 Watch the videoCo-founder and Managing Director, Avego Ltd
Founder and Managing Director, SOS Ventures
2011
Jacqueline Novogratz Watch the video
Watch the interview
Founder and CEO, Acumen Fund2010
A.P. Parigi Watch the videoManaging Director, Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL)
Managing Director and CEO, Times Infotainment Media Limited
2009
William G. Pomeroy 66Founder and CEO, CXtec2008
Brendan L. McKernan 00Co-founder and VP of Operations, Agencourt Biosciences Corp.2006
Frederick W. SmithChairman, President and CEO, FedEx Corp.2004
James Q. Crowe 72CEO, Level 3 Communications2003
John J. McDonnell Jr. 61Founder, Chairman and CEO, Transaction Network Services Inc.2002
Mukesh Chatter 82Founder, President and CEO, Axiowave2001
Curtis Priem 82Co-founder and CTO, NVIDIA Corp.2000
Nancy S. MuellerFounder and President, Nancy's Specialty Foods1999
Arthur L. Goldstein 57Chairman, President and CEO, Ionics Inc.1997
John H. Broadbent Jr. 59Co-founder, CFO, VP Finance and Treasurer, Arrow International Inc.1995
Paul J. Severino 69Founder and Chairman, Bay Networks1994
Warren Bruggeman 46VP and General Manager, General Electric's Nuclear Business Operations1993
Salvator Alfiero 64Founder, Chairman and CEO, Protective Industries LLC1992
Thomas LeFevre 71Co-founder, Intuit1991
William Mow 59Founder, Bugle Boy Industries1990
Titles and affiliations listed are representative of the positions held at the time the award was given.
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