Horn Entrepreneurship recently honored Dave Raymond with the 2024 Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Nasir Young with the 2024 Student Award at a private dinner and award ceremony. The Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership recognizes exceptional individuals who have not only shown themselves to be stewards of innovation through significant contributions to the leadership ecosystem, but have also made a significant positive impact on their communities and industries.
UD alumnus Dave Raymond was the first Phillie Phanatic and transformed the mascot industry. Dave founded the Raymond Entertainment Group nearly 20 years ago and has helped Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and universities reimagine character brands. Beyond his work with mascots and branding, Dave's dedication to teaching how fun fuels genuine well-being is what truly sets him apart. Dave donated his $10,000 award to the Tubby Raymond Foundation.
Nasir is a 2021 Siegfried Fellow alumnus and a 2022 graduate of the University of Delaware where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is currently a second-year graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, where he is completing his master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. Nasir received a $2,500 award in recognition of his achievements and entrepreneurial vision.
Prior to the Award dinner and ceremony, selected UD students were invited to a workshop on entrepreneurial leadership featuring Dave Raymond, Nat Measley, Rob Siegfried, and Johann Ducharme. The speakers discussed different aspects of character. Below are highlights from the workshop.
Dave is a highly respected speaker, author, and brand consultant. He has been recognized on ABC, ESPN, and The New York Times, among many other nationally recognized stations.
Rob Siegfried is an entrepreneur, innovator, motivational speaker, and leadership advisor. His higher purpose is “To inspire transformation in myself and others”. He has been recognized in Accounting Today as “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” and by University of Delaware Lerner College of Business & Economics with a Alumni Award of Excellence.
Key Takeaways From This Workshop:
Johann has held many respected positions in leadership theory. He is also a trained researcher working to generate new empirical theories.
This year marked a special anniversary - 10 years of the Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership Workshop and Dinner. A heartfelt thank you to Rob and Kathy Siegfried for their generosity and vision in hosting the 2024 Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership event. This day was an extraordinary opportunity for students, faculty, and distinguished entrepreneurs to come together and celebrate the spirit of innovation and leadership. By partnering with Horn Entrepreneurship, Rob and Kathy have not only made this memorable evening possible but have also fostered an environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights, connect with mentors, and deepen their understanding of entrepreneurial leadership.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
About The Siegfried Group
Siegfried is an entrepreneurial, relationship-based organization that provides Fortune 1000 financial executives with a powerful combination of talent delivery, leadership advisory, and financial advisory support services. Through this strategic bundle of services, leaders and financial decision makers can better clarify the best path forward and we can assist them with getting their most important work done right.
For 35 years, Siegfried has worked with their clients to deliver more than just success. Their higher purpose is to help people transform themselves into better leaders to exponentially improve their lives.