Students and campus community members connected in Mellor Auditorium last week for the highly anticipated Entrepreneur Forum, where three accomplished alumni business owners shared their journeys from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduates to successful entrepreneurs.
The March 20th event connected current students with alumni who have transformed their technical education into thriving businesses, showcasing the College’s mission as an architect of opportunity through hands-on technical education.
“Seeing our graduates return to campus as successful business owners exemplifies everything we stand for at Thaddeus Stevens College,” said event organizer Beth Valentin. “Their stories demonstrate how our industry-focused education creates pathways to not just employment, but business ownership and community leadership.”
Panelists included Danielle DeGroft (Graphic Communications & Printing Technology, Class of ‘06), Kevin Leonard (Plumbing Technology, Class of ‘06), and Shawn Pettis (Business Administration, Class of ‘14). Each shared their unique entrepreneurial journeys and practical advice for students considering business ownership.
Danielle, a Senior Graphic Designer at The Restaurant Store who also runs her own freelance design business, emphasized the importance of building relationships. Danielle received the 2011 Alumni Service to the College Award for her continued contributions to the community.
Kevin, recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Entrepreneur Award, described how his decade of experience working for multi-million-dollar companies prepared him to launch his own successful plumbing business. “The technical foundation I received at Stevens gave me credibility from day one,” Leonard told attendees.
Pettis, who serves as Vice President of the Thaddeus Stevens College Alumni Association, shared insights from growing his parents’ small business into a multi-million-dollar company and later launching several of his own enterprises. His passion for mentoring was evident as he fielded questions from students eager to learn.
The forum covered essential topics including leadership challenges, technology integration, time management strategies, mentorship opportunities, and common startup struggles. Students particularly appreciated the candid discussion about balancing entrepreneurial aspirations with family life and community involvement.
Attendees received resources featuring valuable connections to SCORE mentoring, the PA Business One-Stop Shop, and the PA Chamber of Commerce Directory. A QR code provided access to an alumni networking platform, allowing students to continue meaningful conversations with the panelists and other entrepreneur-minded graduates.
The Entrepreneur Forum represents the College’s commitment to providing complete college experiences that extend beyond technical education. As the event concluded, several students remained to exchange contact information with the speakers, demonstrating the Bulldog community’s dedication to supporting fellow members on their path to success.
To learn more about entrepreneurial resources available to students and alumni, contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@stevenscollege.edu.