Past Events – Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

Events

Past Events

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Women in Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is about more than starting companies—it’s about vision, creativity, and the courage to turn ideas into impact. In this panel, hear from women founders across industries who have built initiatives, ventures, and organizations that challenge norms and create change. They’ll share their stories—the hurdles, the breakthroughs, and the lessons learned—and offer insights for students at every stage of exploring their own ideas. All over some delicious Chipotle catering! Our panelists for this are: Geraldine "Gerry" Laybourne '69, President of Nickelodeon (1984-1996) and Co-Founder/CEO of Oxygen Media (1998-2007) and Co-Founder of DAY ONE Early Learning Community Pari Forood '80, Founding Executive Director of Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Elisa Strauss '98, Founder of Confetti Cakes This event is co-sponsored by the Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE) Program, Women's Center, and the Center for Career Education (CCE).

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Student Innovation Fund Application Deadline

The Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE) Program launched the Student Innovation Fund on September 15th, and we are now accepting applications! This new funding opportunity supports students at all stages of the innovation process. The deadline to submit an application is November 15th, 2025.

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SUNY New Paltz MBA 4+1 Program

Vassar has partnered with SUNY New Paltz to offer a new 4+1 MBA program, letting you earn your B.A. and an MBA in just five years. Explore flexible learning options, concentrations in Healthcare Management or Business Analytics, and opportunities in social entrepreneurship through the Hudson Valley Venture Hub. Join the info session to learn more and score cool swag!

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Student Innovation Fund Info Session 3

Have an idea, project, or passion you’d like to explore—but not sure where to start? The Student Innovation Fund can help. Join us for an info session to learn how you can apply for funding to support early-stage exploration, one-off costs, or to give your project the momentum it needs. We’ll walk through the application process, share examples of past projects, and answer your questions. Open to all students, at any stage.

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Product Management and You ft. Mike Goos ‘89

Interested in product management but not sure exactly what it is or how to break into the field? The Vassar CCE and VC++ invite you to join a virtual career chat hosted by Mike Goos '89, founder of MentorPM.site, a sliding scale mentorship and advisory service for tech product managers of any experience level. In tech, product managers - PMs - work closely with customers, design and engineering to define a valuable product and bring it to market. Mike will outline the required hard and soft skills that make PM is an important role at all software, AI and internet companies and explain why Product Management is a great fit for liberal arts grads of any major!

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Student Innovation Fund Info Session 2

Have an idea, project, or passion you’d like to explore—but not sure where to start? The Student Innovation Fund can help. Join us for an info session to learn how you can apply for funding to support early-stage exploration, one-off costs, or to give your project the momentum it needs. We’ll walk through the application process, share examples of past projects, and answer your questions. Open to all students, at any stage.

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Nicholas Platt '87

A Coffee Chat with Nicholas Platt '87

Students will have the opportunity to sign up for 20-minute one-on-one conversations with Nick Platt '87 for personalized advice and mentorship.

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Nicholas Platt '87

Pathways into Asset Management & Finance

Join Nick Platt, Jr '87, a seasoned professional and entrepreneur in asset management, for an engaging career conversation for students interested in finance and entrepreneurship. During this session, he will break down what it takes to build a successful career in the field, from key skills, preparation and mindsets, to the academic choices that will build a strong foundation.

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2025 Hacks Night

Are you an aspiring programmer eager to build your first project? Or a seasoned coder chasing referrals and ready to flex your skills for that sweet FAANG summer internship interview? Either way, this is your chance. VC++ proudly presents Hack Nights Vassar 2025, sponsored by VIE (Vassar Innovation & Entrepreneurship), MLH (Major League Hacking), and Google Gemini. Come with friends and form a team of up to 4—or meet new teammates at the event. Prefer to code solo? Totally fine too! Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Exclusive prizes sponsored by Google Gemini. Certificates of participation for all attendees. Delicious catered food to fuel your hacking! Seats are limited to the first 50 participants.

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From Problem to Prototype Designing Your Next Big Idea

We'll help you identify a problem you care about—from global issues to personal challenges—and then use methods like empathy mapping and “How Might I?” brainstorming to map the needs of those impacted and generate creative, actionable ideas. This session is open to all Vassar students (so bring a friend too) and ideal for anyone exploring an entrepreneurial idea, feeling uncertain about what they can do with their major, or simply looking for new ways to approach one of life's challenges.

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Student Innovation Fund Info Session 1

Have an idea, project, or passion you’d like to explore—but not sure where to start? The Student Innovation Fund can help. Join us for an info session to learn how you can apply for funding to support early-stage exploration, one-off costs, or to give your project the momentum it needs. We’ll walk through the application process, share examples of past projects, and answer your questions. Open to all students, at any stage.

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Stuart Weitzman

Mentoring Dinner with Stuart Weitzman

Following his 5:00 p.m. campus talk, renowned designer and entrepreneur Stuart Weitzman will join a small group of 6–12 students for an intimate mentoring dinner. This is a unique opportunity to connect with one of fashion’s most influential voices and gain personal insight into creativity, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career. Open to all class years and majors. Students interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, design, business, or creative careers are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to share a resume and respond to short questions about their interests, goals, and experiences. As Stuart puts it, “I like to know who they are, what their hopes and dreams might be, and the activities that have filled their lives so far.”

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Stuart Weitzman

A Designer’s Entrepreneurial Journey on the Road Less Traveled

What does it take to build a globally recognized luxury brand - and then pivot toward a new chapter? Legendary shoe designer Stuart Weitzman joins us at Vassar for an energizing conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of reinvention. Weitzman will reflect on taking risks, learning from failure, and what it means to truly serve the community you’re designing for. His talk will be shaped by questions submitted by Vassar students in advance, offering a tailored and engaging conversation for anyone curious about fashion, business, or creative leadership. Free and open to the Vassar community. Co-sponsored by the Center for Career Education, Contrast, Vassar Business Club (VBC, TBD), and Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE).

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Johnson Lin '21

AI, Advancements, Algorithms & Apples

Enjoy some cider, donuts and a chat with Johnson Lin '21, Co-Founder of FSH Tech and technology development expert. You can book a 15-minute slot with Johnson between 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

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Student Innovation Fund Applications Open

The Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE) Program launched the Student Innovation Fund on September 15th, and we are now accepting applications! This new funding opportunity supports students at all stages of the innovation process. The deadline to submit an application is November 15th, 2025.

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Ransome

Fall Kickoff: Open House, Open Minds

Join the Vassar Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VIE) Program on September 12th from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Villard Room for our Fall Kickoff, a celebration for the curious, creative, and changemaker! Learn about our latest resources and opportunities, (re)connect with peers and our advisors, and hear from local artist Ransome while eating some delicious food from MOD!