Strome Entrepreneurial Center Dedication Sept. 25 Highlights Week of Entrepreneurship Events at Old Dominion
September 15, 2014
Mark and Tammy Strome
From its founding in 1930, Old Dominion University has been inventive and daring.
Throughout the University's history, visionary leaders have taken bold, entrepreneurial steps. They created the state's first engineering technology program. They took ownership of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. They created a center for entrepreneurship 25 years ago, long before entrepreneurship was widely recognized as a true engine for economic growth.
That entrepreneurial approach is something that Mark and Tammy Strome wanted to grow and nurture. Mark Strome, a 1978 ODU graduate in civil engineering, is chief investment officer for the Strome Group and Strome Investment Management, L.P., based in Santa Monica, Calif.
An $11-million gift to ODU from the Strome Family Foundation has helped to bring to fruition the goal of an innovative co-curricular program that will empower ODU students to create economic and social value in the Coastal Virginia region and beyond.
The Strome Entrepreneurial Center will have its dedication on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 4:30 p.m. The opening is the signature event of a week dedicated to entrepreneurship at ODU. Many events are planned.
In addition to the Entrepreneurial Center launch, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim will attend a dedication ceremony for the Strome College of Business, which has been renamed in honor of Mark and Tammy Strome.
"Old Dominion University has always been entrepreneurial and innovative in its approach to education and service," said ODU President John R. Broderick. "Thanks to the gift from Mark and Tammy Strome, the school can continue its legacy of innovation, and contribute to economic growth in Hampton Roads and beyond."
The Strome Entrepreneurial Center will open in a storefront location on Kaufman Mall, adjacent to Constant Hall, home of the Strome College of Business. Its location outside of the business college is reflective of the fact that the entrepreneurial initiative stretches university-wide. Entrepreneurship courses will be offered in every ODU college, and all students will have access to the Strome Entrepreneurial Center.
The week of programming leading up to the Strome Entrepreneurial Center dedication provides striking proof that the desire to have a business start-up mentality stretches across campus. Here is a list of the campus events that celebrate entrepreneurship scheduled for that week.
Entrepreneurial Panel Discussion
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Center Lobby, Webb University Center
Alumni from the hit ABC show Shark Tank will participate in a panel discussion, moderated by Bob Batcher, director of communications for the city of Norfolk. The entrepreneurs who presented their business ideas to the "Sharks" on the popular television show will speak about their experience in starting a business.
Panelists include Leslie Crews of Kombuchick Tea Company, a drink catering and tea bar business; Mary Beth Lugo of KaZAM, who runs a recreation business known as Balance Bikes; and Carter Kostler, a 10th grade student who runs a water bottle company, Define Bottle.
Monarch Physical Therapy Dedication
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m., Goode Theatre
Monarch Physical Therapy, a clinic owned by Old Dominion University and staffed exclusively by ODU personnel, has a mission to enhance movement and function across the lifespan of individuals in the community, to aid in the education of students at ODU and advance clinical research.
The clinic dedication, attended by Provost Carol Simpson and Dean Shelley Mishoe of ODU's College of Health Sciences, will introduce the clinic to the campus and surrounding community.
Entrepreneurial Roundtable Discussion
Thursday, Sept. 25, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Center
Old Dominion University students will have an opportunity to hear from some of America's top entrepreneurial minds and ask questions about their own business passions. The panelists - University benefactors Mark and Tammy Strome; Susan Amat, founder of Venture Hive, which recently partnered with ODU to license its innovative entrepreneurial education program; and Amy Cosper, editor of Entrepreneur Magazine - will share insight about their experiences in business start-ups.
Strome Entrepreneurial Center Dedication and Hall of Fame Induction
Thursday, Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m., Kaufman Mall
Entrepreneurs will be the true job creators in the 21st century economy, and Old Dominion University plays a pivotal role in empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs to fuel our economy. The Strome Entrepreneurial Center will guide student entrepreneurs across the entire life cycle of the entrepreneurial process - from idea through the planning, research, analysis, startup and initial operations stages.
President Broderick will welcome the Stromes and the inaugural class of inductees for Old Dominion University's Entrepreneurial Center Hall of Fame Induction at the dedication. The Hall of Fame inductees are: William E. Lobeck, EO, Vanguard Rental USA Car; Jamie Grooms, CEO of the Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research; Ting Xu, Founder of Evergreen Enterprises; and John Lawson, CEO of W.M. Jordan Company. Lobeck, Grooms and Xu are Old Dominion University graduates.
President's Lecture Series Address
Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., North Café, Webb University Center
Amy Cosper, vice president and editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, knows what it means to drive a business idea forward with passion, creativity, savvy, and yes, even a little moxie. Having been in the entrepreneurial trenches with her media consulting business, Cosper has an in-depth understanding of what entrepreneurs want and need. She knows that without the right information, tools and resources, small businesses stay small.
Cosper will deliver the first President's Lecture of the 2014-15 school year. The ODU President's Lecture Series brings to campus speakers who share their knowledge, experiences, opinions and accomplishments. Past speakers have included scientists, writers, educators, historians, Pulitzer Prize winners and other prominent figures. All President's Lecture Series speeches are free and open to the public.
Strome College of Business Dedication
Friday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m., Kaufman Mall
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim will attend the dedication ceremony for the Strome College of Business. The college was formally renamed by Old Dominion University's Board of Visitors in June. All faculty, staff and students of the Strome College of Business are invited to attend.
To RSVP for events celebrating entrepreneurship at Old Dominion University, please visit www.odu.edu/conference/strome.