Deal of the Year Award
The Enterprise Center at Calvin (EC) is a winner .... once again. At the Business Journal's annual "Deal of the Year" event, the EC was given an award in the Higher Education category. The competition included Grand Valley State University for its new environmental studies program and Baker College for its new $11 million culinary school. Ron Lubbers accepted the award presented by the President of Western Michigan University and was congratulated by several Calvin Alumni present at the black tie affair.
First Provisional Patent Filed
After much work and very little fanfare, the first provisional patent to come through the EC was filed on October 13, 2008. Dr. Matt Heun and recent graduate Jordan Wanner, spent significant time on its preparation and attorney Karl Ondersma, Calvin '92, coached them and filed the patent. The Innovation Works at The Right Place along with West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative will be providing assistance in marketing the medical device. Marge and Tom Hoogeboom, Business Advisory Board members, have once again volunteered to guide the EC in this marketing initiative.
Projects Underway with the Biology Department
A Calvin supporter approached Dr. David DeHeer, Chair of the Biology Department and EC Faculty Advisory Board member, for development of a patent pending product. Calvin, with its biology and engineering expertise, is well positioned to "partner" with this well financed group to bring their device to the point where a third party can do the FDA approval testing.
Dr. David DeHeer and the EC are also putting the finishing touches on a research contract with a local company. This contract is a continuation of the work in which Dr. DeHeer has been involved over the past several years. It will support several experiments providing students with an education and employment.
New Director Search Underway
The search for a new Executive Director is underway. The initial, and current, director's job was to establish the Enterprise Center over the past 18 months. The new director will build on this foundation taking the Center into the next phase of growth. Resumes have been reviewed and interviews are in process with the expectation that a new director will be identified by mid-December.
