Awards
Purchase Shark Tank
Every year, Economic students compete in a competition called “Purchase Shark Tank”, which gives students an opportunity to pitch business ideas to entrepreneurs and investors. The judges and audience determine the winners who receive a grant of up to $7,000 for their business pursuits.
The contest is part of the exciting, new Startup Purchase program, which was initiated and underwritten by the Dr. E. Lawrence Deckinger Family Foundation and its Executive Director, Nancy Deckinger and spearheaded by Assistant Professor of Economics Liya Palagashvili.
The contest is the culmination of a popular course entitled “Entrepreneurship and Finance: Turning Ideas into Startups,” taught by Professor Palagashvili and Vadim Revzin, an entrepreneur-in-residence with GenFKD.
For more information about shark tank, read the full story.
Women in Tech Award
The Westchester County Association annually honors women innovators and visionaries who are improving our lives and moving our country forward, encouraging the next generation of mathematicians and scientists to strive for success.
Past winners, include Esmeralda Michaca ’16 , Camille Rossiello ’18, and April McIlwaine, ’19
Science Entrepreneurship Award
Every year a student is chosen as the recipient of the Student Science Entrepreneurship Award. The student is judged as having the potential to make a scientific contribution to the business world. The award is presented at the Westchester County Association’s annual Health Tech Conference.
Student Award Winners Include:
2019: Georgia Humphries, Class of 2019 (Environmental Studies)
2018: Haley Brown, Class of 2018, (Environmental Studies and Economics)
2016: Max Paulkner, Class of 2016 (Biology and Chemistry)
2015: Anna Palmer, Class of 2015 (Environmental Studies)
2014: Michael Kuepfert, Class of 2015 (Biochemistry)
In addition, to honor local scientists who are striving for excellence, Purchase College partners with the Westchester County Association to recognize a scientist who has made a significant contribution to science innovation in the region. The Purchase College Science Entrepreneurship Award is presented at the Westchester County Association’s annual Health Tech Conference. At this conference, our student award winners will have an opportunity to meet with the local scientist winners who are leading professionals in the field.
Criteria for the award include:
- Scientific excellence
- Business and science integration
- Vision and innovation
- Social responsibility
- Positive role model for future generations
Award Winners Include:
2018: Dr. Nancy Thornberry (Kallyope)
2017: Dr. Judith Dunn (Roche Innovation Center)
2016: Jack Dangermond (ESRI)
2015: Dr. Frances Ross (IBM’s Watson Center)
2014: John Eldridge (Profectus)
2012: Judith Spitz (Verizon)
2011: Dr. David Valenzuela and Dr. Andrew Murphy (Regeneron)
2010: Dr. Andrew Blight (Acorda Therapeutics)
