Past Recipients
Brian Lash `78, CEO Target Logistics Management
2013
After earning a double degree at Brandeis in 1978, Brian Lash founded the Target Companies in 1978 and is responsible for Target Logistics' overall strategic direction, sales and marketing operations. In February 2013, Algeco Scotsman, a leading global business services company focused on modular space and secure storage solutions, signed an agreement to acquire Target Logistics (for $625 million). This merger is the culmination of Brian’s 30+ years as an entrepreneur.
Helen Greiner, iRobot, CyPhyWorks
2011
A robot industry pioneer with more than two decades of experience, Greiner has helped to enhance public acceptance of robots as one of today’s most important emerging technologies. She has been named one of America’s Best Leaders by the Kennedy School at Harvard University in conjunction with U.S. News & World Report and has been honored with the Pioneer Award from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Greiner has also been named New England Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young with iRobot co-founder Colin Angle. She is chair of the national Robotic Technology Consortium. Greiner holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science, both from MIT. She recently founded, and is the CEO, of a stealth robotics company CyPhyWorks.
Shai Agassi and Michael Granoff, Better Place
2010
In 2007, Israeli entrepreneur Shai Agassi embarked on a mission to make zero-emission, electric-powered cars a reality across the globe. Michael Granoff was the first investor in this drive for oil independence. Better Place is now the best-funded ($700 million) clean technology company in history, and is deploying electric car systems in Israel, Denmark, and Australia; with Japan, the US, and Canada to follow.
Linda Rottenberg, Endeavor Global
2009
Ms. Linda Rottenberg, CEO and CO-Founder of Endeavor Global was presented with the 2009 Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship at Brandeis International Business School. Ms. Rottenberg was recognized for her exceptional leadership in creating an organization that identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging markets. She is the first social entrepreneur to receive this prestigious accolade. To see the video of this event, please click here
Jon L. Luther, Dunkin' Brands
2008
The 2008 Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship was given to Jon L. Luther, Chairman and CEO of Dunkin' Brands. The award honors his extraordinary leadership and innovative approach in transforming a regional New England company into a player on the national stage. Mr. Luther is driving an ambitious plan that is expanding and energizing two world-renowned brands-Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins. Under his leadership, Dunkin' Brands reached in 2007, $6.6 billion in worldwide sales with over 13,800 stores, many of which are located abroad.
Firaxis Games
2006
The 2006 Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship was given to the leaders of Firaxis Games - Jeffrey Briggs, Sid Meier and Jonathan Plutzik '76. The award honors their outstanding success in the global marketplace through development of creative products that span geographic and cultural boundaries, integration of technology, marketing and business strategy, uncommon attention to detail and execution, and exemplary corporate citizenship.
Fubu
2004
Founded in 1992 by four neighborhood friends in a basement in Queens, New York, FUBU quickly established itself as a leading global brand in sportswear, accessories, home products and music recordings. The company?s product line can be found in more than 5,000 retail stores in 60 countries.
FUBU has pioneered new venues for celebrities and hip hop artists to help promote its diverse product line to audiences throughout the world. The company has received numerous national awards for setting a new standard in entrepreneurship.
The Asper Award honors FUBU because of the unique combination of talents and abilities that led to its success. FUBU has consistently maintained a profile that is cutting edge, multi-cultural, and global in scope, while at the same time remaining loyal to the community from which it first emerged.
