Among the distinguished honorees of 2024 ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards are literacy expert Maria Murray G’96, G’09 and disability services entrepreneur John Torrens G’93, two Syracuse University School of Education alumni whose career journeys exemplify the spirit of the awards.
The annual ’Cuse50 awards celebrate the success of Orange business leaders across the globe. The program recognizes the 50 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by Syracuse alumni from all schools and colleges. The awards recognize alumni who have not only achieved remarkable business success but also have demonstrated a commitment to community service and social impact.
The award ceremony takes place on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at the K.G. Tan Auditorium and Bisignano Grand Hall, located in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, home to the National Veterans Resource Center. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at 7:30 p.m. Visit the Syracuse University Alumni Association for registration and more information.
The following day—Friday, Nov. 15, 2024—the ’CUSE50 Entrepreneurship Summit will be held at the Whitman School of Management from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This summit will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss trends, share insights, and foster networking opportunities.
Maria Murray holds a master’s degree in Learning Disabilities (1993) and a Ph.D. in Reading Education (2009). She is founder of The Reading League, an organization committed to enhancing literacy instruction across the country. Murray notes that her interest in reading and education was sparked by her studies at the School of Education, when she realized how important it is to provide quality literacy teaching.
Through The Reading League, Murray has created tools and initiatives that empower teachers and have revolutionized the way reading is taught. In addition to addressing educational inequalities, Maria’s work promotes the value of evidence-based teaching methods.
John Torrens holds a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology (1993). In addition to being a Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice in the Whitman School, he is an exemplary entrepreneur, leading Sprout Therapy Management, a company focused on providing innovative therapeutic solutions for individuals with disabilities.
Torrens says his desire to improve the lives of people in need serves as the driving force behind his entrepreneurial path. Sprout Therapy Management uses a holistic approach to empower clients and their families while providing individualized care and support.