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Grant Enhances Student Opportunities at Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has recently been awarded a substantial grant of $115,182 from the Rural Maryland Council. This funding is earmarked to bolster student entrepreneurship and technological resources, thereby expanding opportunities for developing ideas, launching ventures, and fostering successful future careers.

The grant plays a crucial role in fortifying the Richard J. Bolte Sr. School of Business through the enhancement of two essential learning spaces: the Business Innovation Lab and the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship. The improvements have transformed the Business Innovation Lab into a state-of-the-art facility featuring 32 workstations equipped with monitors, creating a dynamic, technology-driven environment for collaborative learning.

In addition to these upgrades, the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship has acquired three cutting-edge 3D printers. This acquisition significantly broadens the scope of design, prototyping, and venture development activities, enabling students to progress from initial concepts to portfolio-ready projects efficiently. The combination of these advancements reflects an evolving academic environment that champions innovation, creativity, and practical skills.

The expansion is a culmination of efforts by notable alumni, including Robert Pugliese (C'70), Richard Folio (C'88), and Raymond Sloan (C'72), along with contributions from Diane Loiello Palmieri (C'83) and Paul Palmieri (C'92), who helped establish the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship. Their vision aligns with the university’s commitment to providing students with a robust learning framework that encourages entrepreneurial exploration and practical engagement.

Interestingly, the Rural Maryland Council grant was awarded following a rigorous selection process. This year witnessed 170 applicants vying for over $14 million in available funding, with only around $6 million granted. Mount St. Mary's University's proposal distinguished itself among a competitive field, signaling the council's confidence in the institution's plans.

Corinne Farneti, the dean of the Richard J. Bolte Sr. School of Business, articulated the significance of this grant, stating, "This grant expands our capacity to deliver innovative, technology-rich experiences that prepare Mount students for career and entrepreneurial success. With these new resources, Mount students can dream boldly and turn their ideas into reality."

The Vision Behind the Palmieri Center

The Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship is dedicated to equipping students with essential skills, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities necessary for creative problem-solving and critical thinking. This initiative, rooted in Mount St. Mary's liberal arts foundation, empowers students to brainstorm innovative ideas and devise pragmatic solutions that have real-world implications. The center's goal is to inspire and elevate nascent entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and support needed to navigate the often-complex path of launching a business.

About the Rural Maryland Council

The Rural Maryland Council is a nonpartisan coalition that unites citizens, nonprofits, businesses, and governmental leaders to tackle the unique challenges faced by Maryland's 18 rural jurisdictions. By advocating for resources, encouraging investments, and fostering collaboration, the council advances initiatives that promote vibrant rural economies, healthy communities, and sustainable management of natural resources.

About Mount St. Mary's University

Located near the Catoctin Mountain in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, Mount St. Mary's University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic institution. It boasts a satellite campus in Frederick, Maryland's second-largest city, and offers an extensive array of over 70 majors, minors, concentrations, and special programs for traditional undergraduates, alongside more than 20 programs tailored for adult learners pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. This commitment to diversity in educational offerings reinforces the university's philosophy of serving varied student populations and meeting the evolving needs of the community.