The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno, is celebrating 10 years of developing entrepreneurial capacities among the University’s students and faculty.
The Ozmen Center was established in 2014 by a gift from Eren and Fatih Ozmen, owners of , a global leader in aerospace and national security headquartered in Sparks.
Eren Ozmen, the company’s chairwoman, earned a master’s degree in business from the University. Her husband, Fatih Ozmen, SNC’s chief executive officer, earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University.
Since its creation, the Ozmen Center has undertaken a wide variety of initiatives, said Mehmet Tosun, a professor of business who serves as director of the center.
Entrepreneurship now is the third most-selected minor among business students. The Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition overseen by the center draws student teams from across the university who compete for an annual $50,000 prize. The center’s recent International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium featured 40 speakers and nearly 1,000 participants in a virtual, global event.
Tosun also said the center works closely with the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Governor’s Office of Economic Development on global initiatives and supports important research on entrepreneurial activity.
The Ozmens are pleased with the growth of the center into an important element of the University.
“The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno catalyzed our true American Dream story and holds incredible meaning for both Fatih and me,” Eren Ozmen said. “When we established the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship 10 years ago, our hope was that it would become a hub for entrepreneurship, drive new ways of learning and fuel new programming that inspires the next generation and encourages them to also chase their dreams. The Ozmen Center has done all that and so much more. We congratulate the Ozmen Center and University on an incredible first 10 years.” 
The Ozmens bolstered their support of the Ozmen Center with a recent $1.13 million gift to establish the Aerospace & Defense Academy in the center. It will develop a skilled workforce through unique and creative educational approaches and will support small and woman-owned businesses through resources and turnkey business platforms.
The couple also has provided funding to establish the Ozmen Institute for Global Studies in the University’s College of Liberal Arts.
Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business, said the center is a key element in the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs across ÁùºÏ±¦µä.
“The Ozmen Center has played a central role in helping establish the College and University as a nexus for entrepreneurship across the community and region.  The Ozmens’ support launched us along a critical path in developing our robust programs in this area,” Mosier said.
