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 severinocenter@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.
| Past Award Recipients | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vikash Agrawal ’98 and Vikram Agrawal ’02 | Founders of Levrx Technology and Etransmedia | 2023 |
| Mark Bernstein ’94, Degerhan Usluel '94, Mark Wilson Ph.D. Watch the video | Founders of Interactive Learning International Corp. (ILINC) | 2019 |
| Tobi Saulnier ’84, ’89, ’94 Watch the video | Founder and CEO, 1st Playable Productions | 2018 |
| Jayant Kadambi ’85, ’86 Watch the video | Founder, YuMe | 2017 |
| Robert L. Godgart ’82 Watch the video | Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of Autotask | 2016 |
| Paul Bleicher ’76 Watch the video | CEO, OptumLabs | 2015 |
| John Delbridge ’91 Jeffrey Stewart ’91 David Uyttendaele ’91 Watch the video | Founding Members of Mimeo.com | 2014 |
| Karthik Bala ’97 and Guha Bala Watch the video | Founders, Vicarious Visions | 2013 |
| Harry Ruda ’68, ’69G Watch the video | CEO, Wing Power Energy | 2012 |
| Sean O'Sullivan ’85 Watch the video | Co-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 Fund | 2010 |
| A.P. Parigi Watch the video | Managing Director, Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL) Managing Director and CEO, Times Infotainment Media Limited | 2009 |
| William G. Pomeroy ’66 | Founder and CEO, CXtec | 2008 |
| Brendan L. McKernan ’00 | Co-founder and VP of Operations, Agencourt Biosciences Corp. | 2006 |
| Frederick W. Smith | Chairman, President and CEO, FedEx Corp. | 2004 |
| James Q. Crowe ’72 | CEO, Level 3 Communications | 2003 |
| John J. McDonnell Jr. ’61 | Founder, Chairman and CEO, Transaction Network Services Inc. | 2002 |
| Mukesh Chatter ’82 | Founder, President and CEO, Axiowave | 2001 |
| Curtis Priem ’82 | Co-founder and CTO, NVIDIA Corp. | 2000 |
| Nancy S. Mueller | Founder and President, Nancy's Specialty Foods | 1999 |
| Arthur L. Goldstein ’57 | Chairman, President and CEO, Ionics Inc. | 1997 |
| John H. Broadbent Jr. ’59 | Co-founder, CFO, VP Finance and Treasurer, Arrow International Inc. | 1995 |
| Paul J. Severino ’69 | Founder and Chairman, Bay Networks | 1994 |
| Warren Bruggeman ’46 | VP and General Manager, General Electric's Nuclear Business Operations | 1993 |
| Salvator Alfiero ’64 | Founder, Chairman and CEO, Protective Industries LLC | 1992 |
| Thomas LeFevre ’71 | Co-founder, Intuit | 1991 |
| William Mow ’59 | Founder, Bugle Boy Industries | 1990 |
| Titles and affiliations listed are representative of the positions held at the time the award was given. | ||