case alumni association 125th anniversary Symposium Session Speakers
Karl-Heinz Schofalvi G’89 President, Stanton Advanced Ceramics, Inc. Mr. Schofalvi has become a serial entrepreneur and technology innovator in the field of advanced materials. His philosophy: to help create technology that produces energy efficiency in existing manufacturing systems and helps transition the planet to a non-fossil fuel energy base. He has founded or co-founded several companies including Stanton Advanced Materials, Inc. (1993); Terraco Technologies, LLC (1995); Apex Advanced Technologies, LLC (1996) and Stanton Advanced Ceramics, Inc. (2001). Mr. Schofalvi has a B.A. in chemistry from Miami University and an M.S. in macromolecular science from the Case Institute of Technology of Case Western Reserve University. Q: What are the most important tools young entrepreneurs need in today’s economic climate? “Direct guidance. If you are under 30 and considering a start up, you will need some laser focus guidance from someone who has ventured into your commercial space and lived to tell about it.” ~ Karl-Heinz Schofalvi
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Tim Schigel ’89 Founder and CEO, Share This Mr. Schigel’s company is the world’s largest sharing network, with over 200 million users across 130,000 websites. The company is changing the economics of online publishing by creating a market of influence across the Web by allowing users to share content from anywhere to anyone. He previously was a director with Blue Chip Venture Company, where he led the firm’s investment in technology. In addition, Mr. Schigel was an entrepreneur and international consultant leading innovative projects for Apple Computer, Hitachi, Hallmark Cards, Motorola and Procter & Gamble. He received his B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the Case Institute of Technology of Case Western Reserve University. Q: How does having an entrepreneurial mindset fit in today’s demanding job market? “This country has a long, treasured legacy of innovation and the pioneering spirit. There’s a strong argument that the current economic conditions are perfect for taking a risk and creating a new company or market opportunity. Results matter more than ever in a down market.” ~ Tim Schigel
Myra Dria ’76 President and CEO, Opal Resources LLC Myra Dria founded Opal Resources in July 2007, in partnership with Goldman Sachs. The company is focused on acquisition, development and exploration of oil and gas resources located in onshore basins in several mid-continent states. As a professional engineer, Dr. Dria has more than 30 years of oil and gas experience in North and South America including executive positions in BP America and Amoco. Dr. Dria graduated from the Case Institute of Technology of Case Western Reserve University with a B.S. in polymer engineering and holds a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Q: How do we foster an entrepreneurial mindset in the nation’s colleges and universities? “One of the most dramatic improvements in academia today is the introduction of team efforts as part of the learning process. We learn from interaction with others and the team approach, when constructed with a view of skills and personalities, can be a powerful learning and innovative environment.” ~ Myra Dria