College of Business Excellence Awards
The College of Business Excellence Awards are given annually to alums and business innovators whose distinguished careers exemplify the local, national, and international impact of the College of Business and our community. Awards are presented annually in partnership with Business First and the UofL Family Business Center.
2024 Awards Line-Up
Congratulations to the 2024 College of Business Excellence Award winners! We present these awards in five areas to recognize the leaders and companies that give back to our College. We want to thank these individuals and organizations for supporting us in providing the most significant academic opportunities for tomorrow’s aspiring business leaders!
Entrepreneurship Circle of Fame Award
The Entrepreneurship Circle of Fame Award is presented annually to a College of Business/University of Louisville alum and business innovator whose distinguished entrepreneurial career exemplifies the local, national, and international impact of the College of Business. These alums have demonstrated significant success as entrepreneurs and their names are permanently added to a granite monument at the College to serve as an inspiration for all students.
Tendai Charasika, MBA, Chief Strategy Officer of Saling Wealth Advisors
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to a volunteer/individual who has provided extraordinary service to the UofL College of Business over time.
Robert Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance for DHL
Distinguished Corporate Partner
Presented to a corporate partner of any size who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the success of the school’s students, faculty, and programs through monetary donations, internships, job opportunities, or involvement to increase the experience for the student body.
Accepted by: Gina Tobin, President of Texas Roadhouse
Rising Star in Entrepreneurship
Presented to a UofL alum or a member of the Louisville entrepreneurial community who shows promise, has made an impact early in their careers, and embodies the spirit of a true innovator, exhibiting a sense of pride in the Cardinal community.
Jack Manzella, Chief Operating Officer, SoFab Inks
Positive Leadership Award
Presented annually to an individual in our local professional community who has performed an exceptional act of courage, compassion, honesty, humility, generosity, resilience, curiosity, or another virtue in the workplace and has inspired others to build, imitate, or follow that virtue. This award is given by the UofL Center for Positive Leadership.
Lisa Dischinger, Co-founder of LDG Development, LLC
Scott Koloms, President of Facilities Management Services pbc and founder of Canopy Kentucky
The View Previous Entrepreneurship Circle of Fame Recipients