Three BGSU Alumni Inducted into the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame

BGSU has been developing entrepreneurial leaders for many years and the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership is a driving force for public good and expanding entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among students and community members.

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame recognizes BGSU graduates, honorary degree holders and members of the regional community who have achieved excellence in founding, leading or building a new business enterprise for five years or more. These individuals have demonstrated their determination, entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create positive change that has helped shape our economies and improve our world.

Named in honor of alumnus, Paul J. Hooker ’75 in recognition of his support of the center. To date, more than 50 world-class entrepreneurs have been inducted into this elite group of innovators and thought leaders. This year’s honorees showcased how curiosity, creativity and determination can help pave the way for success.

Our 2023 Honorees included:

• Tony Drockton '88, '96, founder and chief cheerleader at Hammitt, America’s fastest growing handbag brand
• Dr. Jennifer Higdon ’86, ’14 (Hon.), the first classical composer to successfully own and manage her own publishing company and winner of a Pulitzer Prize and three Grammy Awards
• Damon Ragusa ’89, founder of five businesses at the intersection of software and data science and current chief data and technology officer at PatientPoint, a healthcare education, media and technology company

Watch our honoree videos to learn more about their accomplishments and impact