History of the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership dates back to 2002. At that time, the concept of an entrepreneurial center at the university level was new and unexplored.

Members of the Bowling Green State University community wanted to create new opportunities for success. As they collaborated and brainstormed, they envisioned a place where BGSU students and alumni could explore and foster entrepreneurial ideas in a safe and mentored way. It would be a revolutionary shift in the way that entrepreneurship was taught.

Bill Dallas and Scott Hamilton were two integral people in the creation of BGSU’s first entrepreneurial center.

Bill Dallas graduated from BGSU in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. He has had several successful entrepreneurial ventures throughout his life, including founding mortgage companies such as First Franklin Financial Corp., Ownit Mortgage Solutions and Skyline Home Loans.

Scott Hamilton is a world-renowned figure skater, sports analyst/commentator and businessman as well as an honorary degree holder from BGSU. After winning a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics, he created his own professional ice revue, The Scott Hamilton America Tour, which evolved into Stars on Ice.

Dallas and Hamilton ended up meeting as neighbors in California and bonded over their shared love for BGSU and entrepreneurship. They began talking about wanting to give back to the community and decided to split a $3 million gift to the University in the form of an entrepreneurial hub.

"Helping these students and this school is one of the great thrills of my life," Hamilton told a crowd in the University's student union

"This is just a passion of trying to help people figure out what they want to do," Dallas said. "I don't think everyone should start their own business, but everyone should be entrepreneurial."

Thanks to their contributions and seed money, BGSU was able to open the Dallas-Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in 2004. It was designed to be a conduit between community and the University, offering resources for both students and businesses alike.

While the Dallas-Hamilton Center was growing and evolving, BGSU alumus Paul J. Hooker ‘75 was staying busy. After graduation, Hooker took his degree in business administration and bought into a partnership in SFERRA, a small Italian fine linen company. Over the years, he grew the company into a powerhouse with more than $40 million in annual sales.

Aside from running a successful company, Hooker has always had a passion for helping others. He founded RallyCap Sports, an organization that helps children and young adults with special needs participate in sporting activities.

Hooker lost touch with the BGSU community over the years while running his business and raising his family with his wife and Falcon Flame, Margo. In 2010, BGSU celebrated its 100th anniversary, and Hooker was notified of his election to the top 100 graduates in BGSU’s history. When he returned to campus to participate in the event, he immediately wanted to reconnect and give back to his alma mater.

He loved interacting with the students and wanted to help them prosper. In 2012, he became an inaugural mentor for The Hatch, a “Shark Tank”-style competition where students pitch business ideas to real investors.  

Dallas eventually decided to step down from the Entrepreneurship Center, and in 2017, it was renamed the Hamilton Center. However, Dallas’ departure created a void in leadership that Hooker was more than happy to fill. Hooker was already working closely with Raymond Braun, dean of the Schmidthorst College of Business, on multiple initiatives, so it was the natural next step for him.

In early 2018, Hooker chose to step up into the role of chairman, and the Hamilton Center was renamed to the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Scott Hamilton now funds professorships and is still an integral member of the entrepreneurial community at BGSU.

Hooker has fully embraced the role of chairmen and has plenty of plans for the future.

“It is a very exciting time for the center as we are working on a new strategic five-year plan and preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hatch,” Hooker said. “My two main goals are to attract and retain students to BGSU. I want to create an environment where entrepreneurship is interesting, fun and competitive. This is a campus-wide initiative. All majors and fields need entrepreneurial-minded individuals.”