News, Notes + Nods

This April, the Babson community came together for “Celebrating Achievements in Entrepreneurial Thought & Action.” A highlight of the evening was the annual Alumni Entrepreneur Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which honors alumni who have distinguished themselves in entrepreneurial endeavors across all types of enterprises. The ceremony also recognized Rising Stars, alumni who have founded or co-founded businesses within the past 10 years that are making an impact in the marketplace. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the Babson Entrepreneurial Thought & Action (BETA) Challenge were revealed.—Lindsay Magoon, associate director, advancement communications

Pictured with President Kerry Healey (right) are business partners and serial entrepreneurs Tom Cunnington, MBA’63 (center), and his wife, Laurie, the 2017 Alumni Entrepreneur Hall of Fame honorees. Tom and Laurie are partners at Cunnington & Cunnington, a consulting firm specializing in midsize energy projects. Tom also is the former CEO and Laurie the former president of Ward Williston Oil.

Professor Candida Brush, P’14, vice provost of global entrepreneurial leadership, speaks with (far left) Rising Star honorees Michael Kasseris, MBA’11, and Karim El-Gamal, MBA’11, co-owners of eateries The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. and New City Microcreamery.

Rising Star Jamie Kent ’09, musical artist and founder of record label Road Dog Music Group, opened the evening with a performance of his song Look Up.

Enrico Palmerino ’11 (second from left), founder of botkeeper, which automates bookkeeping, was the alumni winner of the 2017 BETA Challenge. Enrico is shown with (from left) wife Carlie Palmerino; Louie Balasny, managing director of botkeeper; and mom Christina Palmerino.

Abby Speicher Carroll, MBA’15, co-founder of DARTdrones, was honored as a Rising Star. DARTdrones offers training and support to beginner drone operators so they can become safe and licensed pilots.

For photos and more information about the evening’s celebrations, visit Celebrating Achievements in Entrepreneurial Thought & Action.