Blackstone LaunchPad Welcomes Graduating Seniors to Founders Circle

Syracuse University Libraries’ Blackstone LaunchPad welcomed 33 graduating seniors as new members of the Founders Circle on May 5 at a reception in Bird Library.

Justin Gulska ’23 (center) was awarded the inaugural 2023 Innovator for Change Award, presented by Linda Dickerson Hartsock (left) and Claire Howard ’23 (right).

They were selected in recognition of launching or leading ventures at Syracuse University while students, as well as contributing to building the Blackstone LaunchPad. Founders Circle members serve as alumni role models and mentors for future student entrepreneurs who exemplify a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. The group was inducted by LaunchPad Founder Linda Dickerson Hartsock, Director Traci Geisler and David Seaman, dean of libraries and interim dean of the School of Information Studies.

The Founders Circle Class of 2023 and their ventures include:

• Jack Adler, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Out2Win
• Sai Krishna Bolla, School of Information Studies, Cognition X
• Raul Chakraborty, School of Information Studies, Athletify
• Season Chowdhury, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Athetify
• Alexandria Cianfarani, School of Information Studies, Clubmatch
• Bailey Davis, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Zeal
• Kelly Davis, Whitman School and Newhouse School, Womanly
• Benjamin Delmarsh, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Afterlife AR
• Adore Amore Ellis, College of Visual and Performing Arts, MadebyAdore
• Benjamin Ford, School of Information Studies, FundWurx
• Justin Gluska, College of Engineering and Computer Science, BusPoint and ChatGPT Promptbook
• Nicholas Graham, Whitman School and College of Law, LaunchPad Venture Associate
• Robert Goldblatt, Whitman School, Tree-Spun
• Sydnee Grosso, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and Maxwell School,  LaunchPad Global Fellow
• Samuel Holland, Whitman School and Newhouse School, Innovator in Residence
• Claire Howard, Maxwell School, LaunchPad Global Fellow
• Murray Lebovitz, Whitman School, Keep Coffee Casual
• Carlos Magdaleno, Newhouse School
• Zebedayo Masongo, College of Law, Grnwood
• Jordan Pierre, Newhouse School, Voice
• Gabriel Ruoff, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Zorse Cyber Inc.
• Alexandra Santangelo, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Launch Star
• Maya Tsimmer, Newhouse School and Whitman School, Bethel Sweet Honey
• Zachary Stahl, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Connor Tarpey, School of Information Studies, Immersive Media
• Alesandra Temerte, College of Arts and Sciences, Pathway Prep

Founders Circle Class of 2023 members who will pursue graduate degrees at Syracuse University include:

• Natasha Brao ’22 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), G’23 (Whitman School), Holy Egg and Natasha Lauren Design
• Noah Mechnig-Giordano ’22, G’23 (Whitman School and College of Engineering and Computer Science, Happy Loose-Leaf Tea
• Vanessa Lora ’18, G’23 (Newhouse School), Vanessa Lora Music
• Aidan Mickleburgh ’22, G’23 (Whitman School and College of Engineering and Computer Science), Intervea
• Kai Patricio ’23 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), Farm Loop and Remend
• Jack Ramza ’22, G’23 (Whitman School), Rubin Family Innovation Mentor
• Rabia Razza ’23 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), Remend

Dean of Syracuse University Libraries and Interim Dean of School of information Studies David Seaman and Alexandra Cianfarani ’23, founder of Clubmatch.

“Syracuse University is proud of these innovative, industrious and successful young people as they go out into the world,” says Seaman. “The Libraries has provided them a space in which to work, staff expertise and a rigorous set of programming to help develop their ideas, and they have created a community of innovation that continues to grow. We look forward to having them come back to campus as young alumni and staying in touch with us–and each other–through the Founders Circle.”

During the program, LaunchPad Global Fellow Claire Howard ’23 introduced the inaugural Innovator for Change Award, in honor of Linda Dickerson Hartsock, to recognize one student who has embodied fearlessness and tenacious in their pursuit of change, disruption or innovation for the greater good. Nominated by their peers, Justin Gluska ’23 was the recipient.