University of Baltimore Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards
Role models, living examples of success, UB alumni and entrepreneurs, those that embrace the double bottom line of doing well and doing good – these things were the impetus of our Distinguished Entrepreneur Award. The evolution of entrepreneurship reached new heights and permanence in the 1990s and the transition to the 21st century created an opportunity to both reflect on this phenomenon and encourage its continued growth. Honoring distinguished alumni, inspiring prospective and current students, heightening the university’s image in the boardrooms and living rooms of Baltimore, celebrating it annually and building critical mass are an invaluable contribution to the University’s mission of corporate citizenship.
Recently, the University of Baltimore recognized Joseph A. Cooper, B.S. '55 and president of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. as the 2009 University of Baltimore Distinguished Entrepreneur honoring his expansive growth, revenue and philanthropic engagement. Cooper Auctioneers is a Baltimore icon with revenues in excess of $200 million.
To see pictures, videos and the Awards magazine, click here.
Edward Attman, B.S. '42, founder and president of Acme Paper & Supply Co., Inc., was honored as the 2008 University of Baltimore Distinguished Entrepreneur. With the assistance of his wife Mildred and later his sons and grandsons Mr. Attman built and still manages an empire that supplies products across the Mid-Atlantic area with clients that include the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.
To see pictures, videos and the Awards magazine, click here.
In 2007, the University of Baltimore honored Claire Rosse, B.S. '75, M.B.A. '77, founder of FutureHealth. Formerly a vp with CareFirst, Rosse founded FutureHealth in 1992 which she later sold to Nationwide Mutual Insurance in 2006. Ms. Rosse has helped in creating a number of comprehensive health programs that have assisted those in need as well as health providers and practitioners.
To see pictures, videos and the Awards magazine, click here.
Edward "Jerry" Kelly, B.S. '73, M.B.A. '80, former CEO of Union Memorial Hospital founded Total Image Care with his wife Marianne in 1996. Since then Mr. Kelly and his wife have been assisting cancer patients with a variety of products and services that help restore their confidence as well as their outward appearance.
To see pictures, videos and the Awards magazine, click here.
An entrepreneur’s entrepreneur, Frank Adams, B.S. ’67 and J.D. ’72, and co-founder of Grotech Capital Group, received the 2005 award for his leading efforts in fostering and funding early-stage companies in the mid-Atlantic region.
In 2004, Irwin Sternberg, B.S. ’68, the founder and CEO of Stonehenge, was recognized for his visionary efforts of providing philanthropic support through the sale of affinity and cause-related neckwear (e.g., Jimmy Valvano and Jerry Garcia branded ties). Proceeds from this effort now are measured in seven figures.
The acclaim of taking a start-up enterprise to a firm that is publicly traded on the NASDAQ was surpassed when William H. Thumel, Jr., B.S. ’69, our 2003 awardee, honored his father and alma mater for the lasting value of his UB education by providing a lasting gift to the Merrick School of Business. In turn, the school named its building after the elder Thumel.
Richard N. Pridgeon, CERT ’58, received the 2002 honor for his unselfish, decades long record of contribution to the field of public accounting, as well as to the leadership role that he and the firms he created have earned over time.
In 2001, the inaugural award acknowledged James Morgan, B.S. ’61, not only for the stellar growth and performance of Heritage Financial and the many offspring companies that he has mentored, but also for his extraordinary long-term support for those afflicted with dyslexia.
To see the Winners of the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award from 2001-2005 click here.
All of these Distinguished Entrepreneur Award recipients have supported their communities, their employees, and exemplified the true meaning of entrepreneurial success – doing well and doing good. They are a credit to the University of Baltimore, and willing, approachable role models for our students, faculty, our alumni and their employers.