UNOH Launches “Fuel the Future” to Celebrate Alumni Entrepreneurs and Inspire Student Innovators

The University of Northwestern Ohio proudly announces the launch of Fuel the Future: UNOH Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards + Student Pitch Competition, a dynamic new event designed to celebrate the achievements of UNOH alumni entrepreneurs while inspiring the next generation of student innovators.

The inaugural event will take place Friday, March 6, 2026, at Racer’s Station on the UNOH campus, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and business leaders for a day dedicated to innovation, mentorship, and community.

“Fuel the Future is about celebrating the entrepreneurial drive that defines our alumni and empowering current students to think creatively and boldly about their own futures,” said Melanie Barnas-Simmons, Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations. “We’re excited to highlight the success stories of our graduates while providing a platform for our students to showcase their business ideas.”

The Fuel the Future program will feature two main components:

• Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards – Honoring outstanding UNOH alumni who have launched or led successful businesses, demonstrated creativity and perseverance, and made a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.
• Student Pitch Competition – Providing UNOH students the opportunity to present innovative business ideas to a panel of alumni, faculty, and community leaders, gaining real-world feedback and connections.

The day’s agenda will include a networking breakfast, panel discussions, the student pitch competition, and an awards luncheon recognizing the selected alumni honorees and winning student team.

Nominations for the UNOH Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards opened Monday, October 6, 2025, and close Friday, December 5, 2025.

To be eligible, nominees must:

• Have completed a certificate or degree program from The University of Northwestern Ohio, Northwestern College, NBC-Tech, Northwestern Business College, or Northwestern School of Commerce.
• Be in good standing with the university.
• Be available to attend the Fuel the Future event from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 6, 2026.

Nominations and supporting materials need to be submitted through the UNOH website under the Alumni Office heading at www.unoh.edu/alumni 

Corporate and individual sponsorships are available to support this event and help expand resources for UNOH’s entrepreneurial programs. Sponsors will receive recognition in event materials and during the awards ceremony.

For more information on nomination criteria or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@unoh.edu.