Maggie Dunne (Photo by Erica Hasenjager)
Congratulations to Maggie Dunne ’13 and Ryan Smith ’13, each of whom has made an appearance on one of Forbes magazine’s lists.
Dunne, who double majored in and , founded Lakota Children’s Enrichment, Inc., (LCE) while still in high school. As a °IJʿ sophomore, she joined the university’s (TIA) working with alumni mentors to expand her venture and further LCE’s mission to “empower Lakota youth and amplify their voices by providing opportunities in the arts, education, sports, leadership, and mentorship.”
Ryan Smith during his days leading EcoCampus, LLC. (Photo by Andrew Daddio)
In 2012, Dunne was named one of Glamour magazine’s Top 10 College Women, eventually being awarded the grand prize of $20,000 for her accomplishments. Before investing the funds in LCE, she was able to triple the amount by asking Sir Richard Branson to match it – which he did while challenging an anonymous alumnus to do the same.
Dunne was also awarded the prestigious 1819 award during graduation weekend, an award given to one senior whose character, scholarship, sportsmanship, and service to others best exemplify the spirit that is °IJʿ and the value of a liberal arts education. Dunne was named in of the Forbes 30 Under 30.
Smith, who majored in international relations at °IJʿ, also joined TIA during his sophomore year. He co-founded the environmentally friendly paper supplier EcoCampus, LLC, with partner Brendan Karson, ’13 and then sold it during his senior year to four juniors — TIA classmates.
As a senior at °IJʿ, Smith started Trupoly, a crowdfunded real estate investment platform. He incorporated Truoply while in TIA and sold it to RCS Capital Corporation in July 2014. Smith makes the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the for his company LeafLink.
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