e5x Entrepreneurship Scholarship

The e5x Entrepreneurship Scholarship was established through a generous donation from JiNan Glasgow George to support NC State student entrepreneurs who have demonstrated initiative, determination, a “Think and Do” attitude and a commitment to entrepreneurial excellence in their daily lives.  The concept behind the name of the scholarship is that by supporting students now, there will be a 5x return on investment in future impact.  

JiNan, the founder of the e5x Entrepreneurship Scholarship, is a NC State Textiles Engineering alumna who went on to earn a law degree from UNC and a theology degree from Duke University.  JiNan is now globally recognized for her expertise in intellectual property as well as her innovative approach to IP management and predictive analysis for growth ventures.

Sameer Murarka Entrepreneurship Scholarship

The Sameer Murarka Entrepreneurship Scholarship was established in 2019 by Ragini and Ishwar Murarka to honor the memory and entrepreneurial spirit of their son, Sameer.  Sameer displayed the traits of an entrepreneur from a young age: the ability to observe, identify needs and develop creative solutions.  After graduating from California State University at Long Beach with a Hospitality degree, Sameer enjoyed a career in the hospitality industry, opening new restaurants and later working in quality assurance for Sodexho Corporation.  Sameer had dreams of starting innovative hospitality ventures to provide gathering places for guests with ambiance and unique experiences.  Ragini and Ishwar Murarka, Sameer’s parents and the donors to this scholarship, wish to support emerging, ethical entrepreneurs who think beyond boundaries to give people what they never thought possible, just like Sameer did. Ragini earned her master’s of science degree in Physics from NC State in 1972.

The Alagu Periyannan and Theivanai Palaniappan Entrepreneurship Scholarship

NC State Entrepreneurship is pleased to announce a new merit-and-need-based scholarship focused on enhancing diversity in entrepreneurship and technical fields.

The Alagu Periyannan and Theivanai Palaniappan Entrepreneurship Scholarship will benefit students with outstanding achievements in or involvement with entrepreneurship activities. Both Periyannan and Palaniappan strongly believe in the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship and STEM professions. “There is a limited presence of women entrepreneurs and technologists in the world today and we believe change is needed,” said the donors.

2020 NC State Entrepreneurship Scholars