Fifty Syracuse University alumni businesses honored at 2025 ’CUSE50 awards
Fifty alumni-led businesses with Syracuse University ties will be recognized at the 2025 ’CUSE50 awards, highlighting CNY’s entrepreneurial spirit. The event includes a $5,000 student pitch competition and joins local and global Orange entrepreneurs.
Matt Tarullo, a former Syracuse University football standout and two-time ’CUSE50 recipient, will join other alumni in mentoring student entrepreneurs at the ’CUSE50 Student Summit on November 12, according to Syracuse University News.
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Tarullo, who started 36 consecutive games for the Orange and now serves as a partner and vice president at Iron Tree Financial, will be recognized alongside 49 other alumni-led businesses and nonprofit ventures at the fourth annual ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards. The event will take place at the National Veterans Resource Center on the Syracuse University campus, bringing together students, alumni, and university leaders to share business insights and celebrate entrepreneurial achievements.
By The Numbers
- 50: Number of alumni-led businesses and nonprofit ventures honored at the 2025 ’CUSE50 awards, per Syracuse University News
- 5: Number of student startups competing in the “Five for Five” pitch competition, per Syracuse University News
- $5,000: Winner-takes-all prize for the student pitch competition, according to Syracuse University News
- 36: Consecutive games started by Matt Tarullo for the Syracuse University football team, per Syracuse University News
- 4: Number of years the ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards have been held, per Syracuse University News
What’s new for 2025: A focus on student entrepreneurship
This year’s ’CUSE50 event puts a spotlight on connecting current students with successful alumni. The Student Summit, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. in the Flaum Grand Hall at the Whitman School of Management, will feature remarks from Chancellor J. Michael Haynie and Whitman Dean Alex McKelvie. Latavius Murray, a retired NFL running back and entrepreneur, will deliver the keynote address.
Two panel discussions will feature ’CUSE50 alumni entrepreneurs, giving students a chance to hear firsthand about overcoming business challenges and finding a niche. The “Five for Five” pitch competition will see five student startups compete for a $5,000 prize, judged by the alumni honorees. The prize comes from the ’CUSE50 Gift Fund, which supports student entrepreneurship at Syracuse University.
Students participating in the summit will have the opportunity to network with alumni who have launched businesses both in Central New York and across the country. The event aims to give students practical advice and connections that can help them start or grow their own ventures after graduation.
Why this matters for Central New York
The ’CUSE50 awards and summit reflect a broader trend of entrepreneurial activity in Central New York, anchored by Syracuse University’s commitment to supporting student and alumni ventures. For residents of Syracuse and neighboring towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes, the event signals ongoing investment in local talent and business growth.
Matt Tarullo’s journey from the football field at the Dome to the boardroom at Iron Tree Financial shows how Syracuse University alumni can stay connected to the city and give back. Tarullo’s approach, mentoring students and emphasizing the importance of finding a passion, mirrors the collaborative spirit seen across Central New York’s business community.
Events like the ’CUSE50 Student Summit help keep talented graduates in Central New York, offering networking opportunities and resources for those looking to launch or grow businesses locally. The university’s focus on entrepreneurship aligns with other local trends, such as the expansion of language programs on Syracuse’s North Side and new study abroad options for Central New York students, as previously reported by CNY Signal.
For students living in neighborhoods like Eastwood, Tipp Hill, or Strathmore, the presence of entrepreneurial role models and student-focused programming can have ripple effects. These efforts encourage more young people to consider launching businesses in Central New York, rather than heading straight to New York City or Boston after graduation.
Central New York has seen a steady increase in student and alumni startups over the past several years, with Syracuse University reporting more than 100 student ventures launched since 2020. The university’s Blackstone LaunchPad, located in Bird Library, has become a center for student entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and workshops throughout the year.
For more on education and student opportunities in Syracuse, visit our CNY education page.
How the ’CUSE50 awards work
The ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards recognize 50 businesses and nonprofit ventures each year that are owned or led by Syracuse University alumni. The selection highlights organizations that have demonstrated significant growth and impact, both locally and globally. The 2025 ceremony will begin with a pre-ceremony reception at 5 p.m., followed by the awards at 5:30 p.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium and a reception at 6:45 p.m. in the Bisignano Grand Hall, all within the National Veterans Resource Center.
Honorees like Matt Tarullo are invited to share their experiences and advice with students, reinforcing the university’s commitment to mentorship and community building. Over the summer, Tarullo’s company hosted several Syracuse University students for internships, further strengthening the link between alumni success and student opportunity.
The ’CUSE50 selection process looks at business growth, innovation, and community impact. Honorees represent a range of industries, from tech startups to nonprofit organizations, and many maintain strong ties to Central New York. Some alumni-led businesses have opened offices in downtown Syracuse, while others operate globally but continue to recruit students from the university.
Connecting the campus and the city
The annual ’CUSE50 event is more than just celebrating business achievement, it is a bridge between the university and the wider Syracuse community. By highlighting alumni who have gone on to lead successful ventures, the awards inspire current students and demonstrate the potential for local impact. The event’s location at the National Veterans Resource Center, a prominent campus landmark near the I-81 corridor and close to downtown Syracuse, makes it accessible for both campus and city residents.
For those living in neighborhoods like Eastwood, Tipp Hill, or Strathmore, the presence of entrepreneurial role models and student-focused programming can have ripple effects, encouraging more young people to consider launching businesses in Central New York. The university’s ongoing efforts to connect students with alumni mentors and real-world opportunities help reinforce Syracuse’s reputation as a place where innovation and community go hand in hand.
Local business owners in Syracuse have pointed to the university’s alumni network as a key factor in attracting new talent and investment. The ’CUSE50 awards, by bringing together successful alumni and current students, help strengthen these connections and keep the city’s entrepreneurial momentum going.
For more stories about local schools and student initiatives, check our Syracuse schools coverage.
Where to check for updates
For the latest information on the ’CUSE50 awards and student entrepreneurship at Syracuse University, visit the official Syracuse University News page.
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Sources
- Syracuse University News, details on ’CUSE50 awards, student summit, and alumni honorees
