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