More than 60 alumni, faculty members and supporters of the School’s Entrepreneurship Program celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Eugene M. Lang Center for Entrepreneurship at a reception at the Metropolitan Club.
A. Lorne Weil ’71, CEO of Scientific Games Corporation and a member of the School’s Board of Overseers, hosted the June 5 event. Guests included the center’s founder and Board of Overseers member Eugene M. Lang, MS ’40, recent graduates of the program and business professionals who have served as mentors to student entrepreneurs.
“What started as an offer from Gene Lang of $1 million dollars to invest in student businesses has developed into a comprehensive and multifaceted program,” said Murray Low, associate professor of management and executive director of the center. “We’re proud that entrepreneurship has become a central part of the student experience at Columbia.”
Guests were treated to products created by alumni entrepreneurs, including a fruit and nut mix from Peeled Snacks (Noha Waibsnaider ’02), a facial mask from Juara Skincare (Tami Chuang ’06), a bottle of wine from Schneider Vineyards (Bruce Schneider ’00) and a gift certificate from XO Blow Styling Salon (Julie Klingenberg ’99).
“At Columbia Business School, entrepreneurial thinking is an essential part of the learning experience,” Dean Glenn Hubbard said in his opening remarks. “Evaluating and capitalizing on opportunities — taking initiative and ownership — are important characteristics for success in any business career.”
The Lang Center offers specialized courses, labs, workshops and funding opportunities for student entrepreneurs. The center recently launched an online survey for alumni aimed at strengthening the mentor network available to student and alumni entrepreneurs.
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