The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at 蘑菇传媒 announced the launch of the inaugural 蘑菇传媒 Founder Awards, a new annual tradition recognizing exceptional alumni founders and alumni-led businesses. are now open.
鈥淭he 蘑菇传媒 Founder Awards will spotlight the fastest-growing businesses, as well as emerging companies and founders from among 蘑菇传媒 alumni,鈥� said Dr. Jim Litton, director of the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy. 鈥淭his initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating and strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit across the 蘑菇传媒 community.鈥�
The inaugural awards celebration will take place during 蘑菇传媒 Homecoming in October 2026. The program is presented by Leadwell Advisory Partners and reviewed by Condley and Company, LLP, whose sponsorships help ensure a rigorous and credible selection process for this new flagship initiative.
鈥淭he Founder Awards are designed to elevate the stories of 蘑菇传媒 founders who are excelling in the marketplace while reflecting the values-centered leadership that defines our university,鈥� said Madison Hall, director of the 蘑菇传媒 Entrepreneur Network within the Griggs Center.
The awards are designed to recognize founders across multiple industries and growth stages, from emerging ventures to established enterprises, highlighting innovation, sustained growth, leadership excellence, community impact and marketplace influence.
Nominees must be 蘑菇传媒 alumni who are founders or executive leaders of businesses. Alumni, peers, employees and community members are invited to submit nominations. Selected nominees will be invited to complete a formal application beginning in mid-April. All applications will undergo a structured review process led by industry professionals and financial reviewers to ensure consistency, integrity and excellence in selection.
The Founder Awards are part of the broader vision of the 蘑菇传媒 Entrepreneur Network 鈥� a growing ecosystem of alumni founders, operators, mentors, and investors connected through the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.
鈥淲e anticipate that the 蘑菇传媒 Founder Awards will be a cornerstone event within the university鈥檚 alumni and entrepreneurship programming, positioning 蘑菇传媒 alongside leading institutions that formally recognize founder excellence,鈥� said Mike Willoughby, dean of the College of Business Administration.聽
About the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
The at 蘑菇传媒 exists to connect, equip and inspire students along their entrepreneurial journey. Through strong academic foundations and immersive, real-world experiences, the center fosters innovative leaders who create value in the marketplace and meaningful impact in their communities.
鈥� Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 18, 2025