Hien Nguyen, a recent CIS graduate and currently a PhD student in our department, was one of this year's winners in FIU's Howard J. Leonhardt New Venture Challenge. The award ceremony took place Thursday May 12, 2005 at Parrot Jungle. A description of the contest can be found by visiting http://www.entrepreneurship.fiu.edu/global_nvc.htm

Hien, his wife Donna, and another graduate student created a business plan for a remedial math tutoring company to serve MDC students. The plan was enthusiastically endorsed by venture capitalists such as Jonathan Kislack, Dr. Sanford Ziff (Sunglass Hut CEO). First prize was $15,000, and a chance to be underwritten by venture capitalists associated with the competition.

We would like to congratulate Hien Nguyen and his team for their amazing win in this years' competition!