Alumni & Volunteer Profiles

Madeline Haydon, '05 MBA

Founder and Former CEO, NutPods

A search for better coffee creamer sparked the creation of a category-leading brand. Discover how Madeline Haydon turned a personal need into entrepreneurial success and now helps support future founders.

John Verduin, '18 Bridge MBA*

Founder, DYSports

What began as a frustration on the sidelines became a new model for youth sports competition. Learn how John Verduin scaled DYSports from a graduate school side project into a company serving thousands of athletes across the country.
*Now Early Career MBA

Ofir Nahon, '25 Business Analytics & Marketing

Marketing Campaign Specialist, NVIDIA

Entrepreneurship helped Ofir Nahon explore every aspect of business and uncover where he excelled. Today, he brings those lessons to one of the world's leading technology companies.

Colina Bruce, '07 Communications, '15, Masters in Nonprofit Leadership

Founder, Noir Lux Candle Bar

A pandemic-era curiosity became a thriving candle-making experience and retail business. Colina Bruce shares how mentorship, perseverance, and community partnerships helped transform Noir Lux Candle Bar from a kitchen startup into a community-centered brand.

Braden Wild, '18, Economics & International Business

Data Systems Manager, SU Sundborg Center for Community Engagement

A spontaneous idea on a bus ride in Nicaragua grew into one of Seattle University's most distinctive student ventures. Braden Wild reflects on launching MotMot Coffee and helping future entrepreneurs learn by doing.

Michelle Galvin, '99, MBA

Co-Owner, Pagliacci Pizza

Michelle Galvin's journey to Seattle University's Albers School of Business began with an unexpected opportunity and evolved into a leadership philosophy centered on community, empowerment, and social responsibility. As co-owner of Pagliacci Pizza, she invests in people, develops future leaders, and champions student innovation through her longstanding involvement with the Jones Idea Challenge.

Volunteer Profiles

Randy Massengale

Owner and President, Spinoza Tech

For decades, Randy Massengale has helped students navigate ambiguity, build confidence, and turn opportunities into impact. His mentorship combines practical business experience with a deep commitment to Seattle University's Jesuit values.

Ainsley Close

President, Guardian Security

Stepping into a family business can be one of an entrepreneur's greatest challenges. Ainsley shares how mentorship, communication, and values-based leadership helped her navigate transition and drive sustainable growth.