University News

WNE Students and Area Entrepreneurs Inducted into Sigma Nu Tau

Published: June 23, 2021 | Categories: All News, Business
Sigma Nu Tau pin on green and yellow tassels.

Western New England University's College of Business announced that the Western New England University (WNE) chapter of Sigma Nu Tau has inducted two students and two honorary entrepreneurs into this prestigious organization at the annual induction ceremony held virtually on April 21.

Sigma Nu Tau is a national, academic honor society for Entrepreneurship majors who perform well academically, and possess the traits of honor, integrity, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Sigma Nu Tau's mission is to promote, recognize, and reward academic excellence in entrepreneurship and to encourage and recognize the practice of principled entrepreneurship.

Student members inducted were graduating senior Kyle Crowley from Leominster, MA and junior Ethan Valdes from Coventry, CT. Crowley is a Finance major with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Valdes is an Entrepreneurship major with a minor in Health Sciences. He is also the President of the Entrepreneurship Club at Western New England University. In addition to their academic achievements, Crowley and Valdes have both developed several entrepreneurial innovations during their time at WNE.

Commenting on the students' induction, Dr. Mary Schoonmaker, director of the WNE Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship said "It is important that these deserving students, who worked hard to achieve this distinction, be celebrated, especially during these difficult times."

Honorary entrepreneurs inducted into Sigma Nu Tau were Bill Cole, founder and owner of Tiger Web Designs and current president of Living Local, a grassroots movement in Western Mass that promotes and educates people on how and why they need to eat, shop and live local; and Thom Fox, business consultant to small businesses and non-profit organizations, and executive producer of WHYN NewsRadio 560's The Engine, specializing in interviews with business owners, politicians, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers.

Sigma Nu Tau Honorary Entrepreneur members are those who have contributed to the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University and greater Springfield area. Schoonmaker recognized the important contributions that both Cole and Fox have made in sponsoring the University's Digital Marketing Class where student teams work with local businesses on digital marketing projects; and assisting in the University's startup weekends where students are encouraged to solve the world's problems through innovation and creativity. Honored students and entrepreneurs were awarded with a congratulatory letter and certificate of life-long membership from the national organization, and the Sigma Nu Tau honor society lapel pin.