Sensational & Inspirational
Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship Makes History, Ranks No. 1 Seventh Year in a Row
The community at C. T. Bauer College of Business came together for a festive event in Melcher Hall this morning to celebrate the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship (WCE) for ranking No. 1 on the 2026 list of Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies by The Princeton Review.
The Wolff Center makes history as the first undergraduate program to rank No. 1 for the seventh consecutive year, securing a legacy that was paved by years of students who have come to Bauer to pursue their dreams, and the dedicated staff and donors who have contributed to fostering the future of entrepreneurship.
What is the secret to their continued success? WCE Executive Director Dave Cook says that there is no secret, and that recognition like this doesn’t magically fall into their hands. A lot of work goes into making the Wolff Center what it is, Cook added, and it would be nothing without the students, program managers and every cohort who has come before.
“This is the heart of the Wolff Center,” Cook said, gesturing to the crowd of students, faculty and staff all waving their pom-poms in celebration. “It is the 20 to 30 students every year who are committed to changing their lives, and the dedicated faculty and staff who make it run.”
"This is the heart of the Wolff Center."
Dean Xianjun Geng gave additional thanks to Cook, and the Wolff family.
“I want everyone to recognize excellence doesn’t come overnight,” Geng said. “It took decades of dedication, legendary professors and most importantly, a family who believes in UH, believes in Bauer and believes in our entrepreneurship program.”
Cyvia Wolff, whom the center earns its name from, remains an active donor and presence in the lives of the students. Wolff said she loves being around the students and watching the program flourish to what it is today has been so exciting for her.
“It’s easy to give money, but it really is a privilege to be a part of the program,” Wolff added.
For her continued support over the years, Cook, along with Geng, gifted her with honorary “tenure” as a token of appreciation for all the ways she has given back throughout the years, through her time and donations.
Looking back on when she and her late husband Melvyn Wolff (BBA ‘53) made their historical naming donation, she said she is proud to see how far it has come, and it wouldn’t be what it is today if not for the students, faculty and staff.
“It wouldn’t have happened without all of you,” Wolff said, addressing those who gathered for the celebration. “For me, getting to be a part of it is such a gift. Keep it up. Let’s go for eight years in a row.”
The event brought together the past, present and future of the Wolff Center. They welcomed alumni, celebrated their graduating students and ushered in a new age of entrepreneurship.
In the wise words of Dave Cook: “Class of 2027, how are ya?”
“It's amazing to be part of this program. You learn so much, collaborate with other entrepreneurs and get to grow your business.”
- Ernesto Trejo, WCE Class of 2026
“This has been my dream since freshman year. I'm just so happy to be a part of it. I started crying when they were announcing (the ranking). There are so many amazing people who support us and help change the students’ lives at Bauer.”
- Ansley Brown, WCE Class of 2027
“I think it's an amazing program. There's nothing else like it at the University of Houston. I'm grateful to be here and be surrounded by such loving people with passions.”
- Arya Patel, WCE Class of 2026
“I’m really honored to be a part of such a big program and family.”
- Daniel Cardozo, WCE Class of 2027
“The Wolff Center has changed my life. It's an amazing opportunity.”
- Sofia Eaton, WCE Class of 2026
“It's inspiring to be part of such an amazing program. Just to see the family culture that they have and the legacy that they're creating, it's an honor to be a part of that as well. I want to continue that legacy.”
- Isiah Tchokonte, WCE Class of 2027
“This is such a great opportunity. I'm grateful for all the classes who have come before us and all the next years.”
- Jesus Salinas, WCE Class of 2026
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