FRANK SCHOLARS
Monthly Review
Current
News
RECRUITMENT OF THE
2019-2020 FRANK SCHOLARS
Beginning in August, the Frank Scholars started recruiting the incoming cohort. The current cohort visited individual classrooms in each college to recruit smart and talented individuals with backgrounds in engineering, business and communications. Members of the cohort will be selected through an application and interview process performed by the 2018-2019 Frank Scholars. The incoming cohort will begin activities related to the Institute in January 2019. The Frank program looks forward to the new ideas and experience the incoming cohort brings.
SILICON VALLEY TRIP RECAP
The 2018-2019 cohort traveled to Silicon Valley in May to tour start-up companies and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. The Frank Scholars visited companies including Google, Lockheed Martin, Rocket EMS, Intel Sports, Whipsaw, Proofpoint, Zoox, and more. The Scholars also attended conference-style meetings with companies including Facebook and Navis. During their time in the Valley, the Frank Scholars learned a great deal about what it takes to build a company from the ground up. It was a privilege to speak with some of the best entrepreneurs and WSU alumni in the Valley and receive feedback and insight that will contribute to the success of this year's business plans.
WSU BUSINESS PLAN PREPARATION
Students from the 2018-2019 cohort are hard at work developing business plans for the April 2019 business plan competition. Teams have been working closely with mentors from both inside and outside of the university to create strong and innovative products and services. Next semester, the Frank Scholars will focus on refining their business plans in preparation for the competition. The incoming cohort will begin forming teams and developing their business plans in January 2019.
PROGRESS TO YEARLY GOALS
1. Cultivate relationships between board, students, and alumni through better communication & events
The student cohort has been holding monthly all-cohort meetings which have involved topics such as networking etiquette, resume tips, and what to expect as a Frank Scholar. This past meeting the 2018-2019 cohort learned about what to expect during their time at WSU as a Frank Scholar. The 2017-2018 cohort members answered any questions the incoming cohort had about the program. Be on the lookout for more great things to come from these groups! This newsletter also represents an effort to connect students, alumni, and board members and increase communication. If you have any feedback or suggestions, or if you would like to volunteer as a mentor please contact Lars Neuenschwander at lars.neuenschwander@wsu.edu
​
2. Create structure
The student cohort held its elections for the executive student club positions during the summer, and the new executives are now transitioning into the current year. The student club is considering a change to fill a larger, and broader need on campus by facilitating entrepreneurship and innovation throughout all colleges and departments. The aim is to provide all students who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship the tools, student support, and resources they need to be successful.
​
3. Measure success and advertise accomplishments of students and teams
The student cohort is working to determine metrics which can be used to measure the success of the student club. These metrics include job placement after graduation, placing in business plan competitions, and the number of companies successfully launched by students. The accomplishments of students and teams are being advertised via social media, through the university, on campus promotional campaigns, and through publications such as this newsletter. This year the cohort took it upon themselves to provide feedback about the Silicon Valley Summer trip to ensure that the program improves year to year.
SEATTLE START-UP & ALUMNI VISIT
The Harold Frank Engineering Entrepreneurship Institute scholars will be visiting various start-ups and alumni in Seattle, Wash., during the first week of September 2018. The scholars will be visiting companies like Rover, Amazon, SkyTap, Microsoft, OfferUp, and Tableau. In addition to industry visits, the Frank Scholars and alumni will get to know one another more at a Frank Scholar Alum Reception at Lucky Strike. This event is an opportunity for Frank Institute alumni to meet members and for the Frank Scholars to reconnect and network with fellow Frank alums.
KIERA RUST
Director of Outreach
LARS NEUENSCHWANDER
Presdient
My main goal for the club and the Washington State University community is to increase awareness about the entrepreneurial opportunities that Washington State University and the Harold Frank Entrepreneurship Institute can provide for students. Contrary to popular belief, an entrepreneurial skillset can be applicable in any field or job, and can benefit students from any major. There are so many invaluable resources that WSU offers to students that aren’t being fully utilized, I would like to change this.
IAN MCDONALD
Director of Finance
My goal for this year is to fund two events per semester which bring together both cohorts. Ideally these events will serve as a bonding opportunity for the new cohort and a chance for newer Frank Fellows to take advantage of the experiences of the older cohort.
HANNAH ZMUDA
Director of Internal Affairs
I am excited and honored to sit on the executive board for the Frank Fellows Program as the Director of Communication. In this role, my goal is to continue to build upon relationships with our alumni and raise awareness about the institute. To accomplish these goals, I will be assisting our President and Vice President in scheduling and facilitating meetings with alumni. Additionally, I will be publishing a monthly newsletter to keep the Frank community updated on events and progress within the cohorts.
My executive role as Director of Outreach is to promote the program and increase student involvement. I want to ensure communication among scholars (past, present, and future) is simplified and fluid.
CONTACT
US
OUR ADDRESS
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
