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K-State Today Student Edition

October 16, 2018

$1,000 scholarships available for 30 K-State students to take first entrepreneurship course

Submitted by Brent Fritzemeier

College of Business

A new scholarship program in the College of Business Administration will award $1,000 scholarships to 30 K-State students who take their first entrepreneurship course next semester.

The Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship provides students with the opportunity to both major and minor in entrepreneurship. Students from all disciplines across campus are invited to apply for the scholarships. A sampling of the courses offered include technology and innovation management, entrepreneurial consulting and social entrepreneurship, among many others.

"The principles of entrepreneurship can be applied not only to starting your own business, but in any individuals' professional or work environment," said Chad Jackson, director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "Taking an entrepreneurial mindset into your career, no matter the field, will have a positive impact on your ability to be successful in pursuit of your goals."

The scholarships were made possible by a gift from John and Lisa Kuenzi, whose passion for education and entrepreneurship were instilled by their parents. John's father and grandfathers were all business owners and entrepreneurs, while Lisa's father was an educator with a doctorate in entomology.

"Most individuals don't really appreciate how big of a role entrepreneurship plays in all careers," John said. "I believe the minor in entrepreneurship should be seriously considered regardless of the field students wish to enter — at the height of your profession, you will likely need to think like an owner. Having a tool kit that teaches future generations how to be entrepreneurial is the best gift we can provide."

The scholarship program is part of a larger donation from the Kuenzis, which is intended to support the growth and development of entrepreneurship as a whole at K-State.

"This gift from John and Lisa provides funding to take our entrepreneurship program to new heights," said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley Family Dean of the College of Business Administration. "We are extremely thankful for their support, and know this gift will have a lasting impact on students and entrepreneurs for years to come."

Scholarship applications are available now, with the first round of scholarships being awarded for spring 2019. To apply, fill out the Kuenzi Entrepreneurship Scholarship application form.