Five Susquehanna students presented at the university’s House of Hawks entrepreneurship pitch competition and vied for $1,000 in additional funding for their businesses.
Alexis Kane ’26, a luxury brand marketing & management major from Kulpmont, won over the panel of judges with her presentation. Her business, Elevate, is a women’s gym brand that aims to empower individuals through encouragement and support to prioritize physical and mental well-being.
“I just launched a strength and confidence program for girls,” Kane explained, “and plan to use the funding for new gym equipment. I would love to get a domain name, a webpage, create more online marketing and expand my business overall.”
Financial awards for the competition are made possible through the Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund, which provides seed funding for entrepreneurship & corporate innovation majors’ capstone projects and continued business development and venture growth funding to students across all Susquehanna programs.
“We want to support students who are passionate about an idea by helping them launch their business,” said Jameson Troutman, who served as a judge. “Small business powers what we do every day.”
In addition to Kane’s top prize, Jacob Rodkey ’27, a business management major from Alexandria, Pennsylvania, claimed $500 as the People’s Choice winner, which was determined by an audience poll. Founder of Z-Strike Lures LLC, Rodkey produces hand-painted, custom hard baits designed for durability and performance. He plans to expand his business by offering anglers a personalized alternative to mass-produced lures.
Three other finalists each received $250 to continue growing their businesses.
- Patricia Onoja ’27, a political science major from Nigeria, is the founder of Crave, a food and sweets business inspired by global flavors.
- Jonathan Ulicny ’27, a political science and legal studies double major from Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, isthe owner of Ulicny Lawn, a self-operated landscaping business serving the Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, area with reliable and high-quality lawn care.
- Raphael Wolf ’27, a luxury brand marketing & management major from Mertzville, Pennsylvania, is the founder of ZNS Volare, a purpose-driven clothing accessory brand.
Susquehanna’s Entrepreneur in Residence Annie McCarty provided one-on-one support and mentoring for all finalists. Each pitch consisted of a five-minute PowerPoint presentation expressing a need for their business, profit margins, how it operates, and what additional funding would support, followed by a five-minute Q&A with the judges. Frank Crofchick, director of Leadership & Engagement at Susquehanna, and alumna Sarah Bower ’25, downtown manager for Sunbury Revitalization Inc., rounded out the panel.
The competition was organized by Susquehanna’s chapter of Sigma Nu Tau entrepreneurship honor society.
