Entrepreneurship Inspires Gift

“There is such promise in students connecting to a business idea and seeing that idea come to life.” –Suzy Ganz

Suzy Ganz’s journey as an entrepreneur has provided her with a sense of purpose, fulfillment and accomplishment. But, she is quick to add, “It’s not about me.” For her it has always been about having a vision and leading a talented team. And it’s about being grateful, for a purposeful, engaged career and her life as an entrepreneur. So, it would stand to reason that when she considered giving to TU, supporting entrepreneurship was an easy choice.

The CEO and chairman of Lion Brothers, Inc. and former chair of the Board of Visitors at TU, Ganz’s $100,000 gift supported the launch of programming at StarTUp at The Armory, TU’s one-of-a-kind community hub where venture dreams become reality for budding entrepreneurs. In October, the Susan Ganz University Speaker Series, which invites successful business creators to share their stories with students and the larger TU community, featured Undercover Billionaire star, Glenn Stearns ’87.

Ganz’s gift also funds the College Cup Innovation Challenge, a university-wide competition that encourages students to develop new social or commercial ideas and innovations that positively impact the world. The final piece of the entrepreneurship trifecta funded by Ganz, is the Builders-in-Residence/Venture Creation Interns where graduate and undergraduate students partner with Accelerator Fellows (industry talent) for real-world learning experiences. “It’s real wisdom that encourages anyone with a great idea to take the next step,” says Ganz. “Entrepreneurship is a team sport.”

Ganz sees great promise in TU students, connecting them with business ideas and watching them come to life. She hopes the StarTUp programs will jumpstart their own journey. “Entrepreneurship can change the trajectory of individuals, communities and even states, like Maryland. Our next generation of entrepreneurs starts right here at Towson.”