Students and alumni alike will recognize the name of one of the newest additions to the Lundquist College of Business. Local mentor Joe Maruschak joins the Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship as a startup coach—a new role aimed at better supporting the growing population of student entrepreneurs across campus.

Maruschak is no stranger to the center, having mentored UO students for multiple years in his role as executive director of the area’s regional business accelerator, RAIN Eugene. He also serves as the managing director and general partner of the Coast 2 Crest Fund, a seed fund for early-stage entrepreneurs in Lane County.

A frequent guest speaker in entrepreneurship classes and judge for center-related business competitions, Maruschak brings his extensive background working with local entrepreneurs to foster student venture development. In his new role at the university, he will mentor student founders, prepare them for business competitions, and assist them in venture development.

“We are excited to bring Joe on board in an official capacity to serve our growing student founder population,” said Kate Harmon, director of cross-campus engagement for the Lundquist Center. “Joe has been a valued community partner and someone who has already helped so many of our students launch successful companies over the last several years that we look forward to his many contributions in this new center role.”

—Kate Harmon, Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship