Iona University’s Louis Porco ’25 Wins National Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Sigma Nu Tau Founders Scholarship awarded to eight students across the United States
New Rochelle, N.Y. - As president of Iona University’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) Club, Louis Porco ’25 is dedicated to cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship across campus.
In recognition of his commitment, Porco recently won a Sigma Nu Tau Founders Scholarship to further his pursuits. Sigma Nu Tau is a national entrepreneurial honor society for students who value entrepreneurship, leadership and academics. Porco is among only eight recipients across the United States.
“The entrepreneurship community at the Hynes Institute is truly one of a kind. They are my biggest advantage as an aspiring entrepreneur,” he said. “Hynes has provided me with a warm and welcoming environment to try all that they have in terms of competitions, hackathons and classes, which have helped me become fully immersed in entrepreneurship.”
Most recently, Porco was involved with the Iona fashion show, where he encouraged Gaels interested in the fashion industry to create their own clothing brand.
The New Rochelle native decided to embark on his journey at Iona due to the welcoming entrepreneur and business community.
Porco also interned at GaelVentures, where he gained valuable experience interviewing Westchester County executives and created an ecosystem map for the Westchester Innovation Network and the Business Council of Westchester.
He is enthusiastic about the future and hopes to become a successful business owner using all the tools and knowledge acquired inside and outside the classroom.
We talked recently with Porco to learn more about his Iona journey. Please enjoy!
Name: Louis Porco
Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Business Management & Entrepreneurship
Hometown: New Rochelle, N.Y.
High School: New Rochelle High School
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I decided to attend Iona due to the LaPenta School of Business as I want to become a businessperson. I originally wanted to be a business management major and computer science minor.
My second semester on campus I discovered the Hynes Institute and got to experience entrepreneurship firsthand. I absolutely loved it. Now I am double majoring in business management and entrepreneurship.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
The entrepreneurship community at the Hynes Institute is truly one of a kind. They are my biggest advantage as an aspiring entrepreneur. Hynes has provided me with a warm and welcoming environment to try all that they have in terms of competitions, hackathons and classes, which have helped me become fully immersed in entrepreneurship.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I interned for GaelVentures at Iona University which was an awesome experience. I got the chance to interview high-level executives from all over Westchester County to create an ecosystem map for the Westchester Innovation Network and the Business Council of Westchester. Also, the director at GaelVentures, Rob Kissner, was an amazing project manager and leader.
Tell us about your plans for the future. In what ways has Iona prepared you for the next step you will be taking?
My goal for the future is to own my own business. Iona has prepared me by providing all the necessary knowledge about creating a business and managing one but also, many other topics such as accounting, finance, marketing and more. They have given me an environment where I sharpen my entrepreneurial skills.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your future that you would like to mention?
There are several faculty members that have made a positive impact on my future. Riana Khan, who took me under her wing my freshman year and really introduced me to all Hynes has to offer.
Marisol Chappell has also helped me overcome any challenges along the way. And of course, Lendy Pacheco-Jorge who noticed me and my passion for entrepreneurship while at Hynes.
Last but never least, Dr. Winkler for creating such an incredible, one-of-a-kind environment at Hynes Institute.