����Vlog and the City of Statesboro’s partnership to recruit more retail businesses to the area has been nationally recognized by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) as a finalist for one of its annual Awards of Excellence. 

The partnership, officially named the “Retail Recruiter Program,” is a collaboration between Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group and the City of Statesboro.

The program earned a final spot in the “Place” category. The UEDA defines this category as “the many and diverse ways in which institutions contribute to making attractive, competitive communities—places where people want to live, create and take jobs, raise their families, participate in civic life, and age and retire.”

Mayor of Statesboro Jonathan McCollar said the city is thrilled with the growth and revitalization brought on by its partnership with the Retail Recruiter Program. One example is the renovation of the space previously occupied by Kmart on Northside Drive, which will now be home to the national home furnishings chain HomeGoods. In May of this year, McCollar noted the impact this will have on the city.

“Our city is growing by leaps and bounds every day,” he explained.“This retailer’s decision to invest in Statesboro is a testament to the hard work of our team and the undeniable potential of our community. It’s about more than filling a vacant building; it’s about showing investors and developers that Statesboro is a thriving, vibrant city with a bright future.”

In just the first two and a half years, 26 retailers have toured the city, and nine of those are actively looking at area locations.

Additionally, Georgia Power designated Statesboro as “retail-ready” in June, as part of its new initiative to help communities outside the Atlanta metro area attract retailers. They consider Statesboro a catalyst for growing the initiative.

A planned collaboration with the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority could further the program, potentially bringing several million dollars of construction to the Main Street corridor, said Alan Gross, head of the Retail Recruiter Program for Georgia Southern.

Gross believes this is just the beginning, and recognition from the UEDA means similar programs could be replicated nationwide.

“It’s taken a while, but we’re finally starting to see some success,” he said. “Being a UEDA Award finalist is a chance to showcase that success, and more importantly, serve as a model for other communities.”

In a strong show of community partnership and commitment to local education, local business and community leaders came together at the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) board meeting to announce the creation of the Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship will support Liberty County students attending the Liberty Campus of ����Vlog.

Representing Georgia South University, Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success Alejandra Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Academic Support Services Jessi Williamson, Director of the Liberty Campus Chante Baker Martin, Ph.D., and Col. George Fredrick were among those in attendance to accept the scholarship.

“This scholarship embodies the power of partnership and the promise of place-based education. At Georgia Southern, we are deeply committed to ensuring students can thrive, contribute and lead in their communities,” said Sosa Pieroni. “The Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship not only expands access to higher education but also fuels the kind of community-rooted success that transforms lives and strengthens regions.”

Created to encourage local students in their pursuit of higher education, the Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship Fund also demonstrates Liberty County’s deep support for Georgia Southern’s active involvement in the community and the unique opportunity it presents for regional growth and development.

“This scholarship reflects what Liberty County is all about—coming together to lift up our young people and strengthen our future,” said State Representative Al Williams, chairman of the LCDA Board. “Georgia Southern’s presence in Liberty County is a gift. When we invest in our students and in this campus, we are investing in the long-term success of our community.”

Founding contributors are each making a $1,000 investment to launch the fund. These local businesses and organizations, along with their representatives, include:

• Ameris Bank – James Rogers and Danny Creasy
• AIO South – Josh Wheeler
• Coldwell Banker Southern Coast – Leigh Smiley
• Liberty County Development Authority
• Osteen Law – Joel Osteen
• State Farm – Melissa Carter Ray
• The Heritage Group – Derek Sills

The Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship will be administered by ����Vlog and made available exclusively to Liberty County residents pursuing studies at the Liberty Campus. Application details and eligibility criteria will be announced soon.

This effort highlights the importance of strong local collaboration and shared investment in student success and long-term community prosperity.For more information about the scholarship, please contact Martin by emailing cmartin@georgiasouthern.edu.

This week, approximately 4,400 graduates from ����Vlog’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on May 13, 14 and 15, and at the EnMarket Arena in Savannah on May 17.

“To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero said to the crowd. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community. ”

Speakers included: 

• Business leader Hemant Goel
• Atlanta Falcons place-kicker Younghoe Koo (‘17)
• Retired Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Buggs (‘90)
• Marketing leader Cecilia Tran Arango (‘02)
• Business leader Don L. Waters (’75)

Goel opened the graduation ceremonies at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, following a warm introduction from Marrero, who shared highlights about the speaker’s business leadership. He also shared his family’s commitment to the Goel Scholar program, which offers up to 20 full-ride scholarships and mentorship to Honors College students each year.

“It’s a privilege to witness this graduating class,” said Goel. “What I want you to know is that you are ready. You’re prepared. You’ve taken all this time for this moment in the last four years. 

“When you go out in the world, be curious. Ask questions. Assume nothing.”

After a few years in the workforce, Goel encouraged the students to have a mission vision for their lives. 

“That makes evaluating opportunities that much easier,” he said. “And you don’t just drift along. In fact, that’s what helped me and guided me throughout my career. And it came full circle and we decided to then partner with Georgia Southern for the scholarship program that was in alignment with my mission vision.”

As Koo stepped up to the podium on Wednesday, he celebrated the graduates’ hard work, late nights, tough choices and big dreams. 

“It’s also a celebration of something less visible, but even more powerful,” Koo said. “Perseverance. Now, perseverance doesn’t come with a certificate. There is no gold medal for showing up when it’s hard or pushing through when no one’s watching. But if you look back on your journey at the moments that truly shaped you, it probably wasn’t the easy victories. It was the setbacks, the failures, the doubts and the fact that you didn’t give up.”

Koo shared his own story, which included multiple setbacks after landing his dream job as a professional kicker for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he was released from his contract after four games into the season due to poor performance. After two years and 22 more tryouts for the NFL he was later signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he continues today.

“Perseverance defeats talent every single time,” he emphasized. “And it builds a strength that can’t be taught in books or earned in a classroom. Whatever you choose to do next — start a job, travel, study, create — know that your resilience is your greatest tool. You may not always be the fastest, the smartest, or the luckiest, but if you don’t quit, you will outlast the odds. 

“So class of 2025, go forward with pride. Be relentless in your pursuit. Be patient with your progress. And when life gets difficult — and it will — remember that the road to greatness is never straight but it is always worth walking. Because perseverance doesn’t just help you reach the finish line. It teaches you who you are on the way there. Congratulations and keep going.” 

Buggs, a decorated military officer whose three decades of service includes awards from around the world, reminded graduates what it means to move forward with honor and remembrance. 

“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will not be easy,” said Buggs. “I want to encourage you to embrace a new phase of change. The world will always change, so it’s essential to remember the lessons and experience you have gained here at Georgia Southern. 

“Life always presents challenges. It’s not fair, but you are shaped by the Eagle Creek water. Remember, eagles don’t fly, they soar. And when a storm arises, eagles are the only birds that embrace turbulence. While you cannot change the past, you have the power to shape the future. Be kind. Take time to discover your purpose. Challenge yourself every day and strive to make the world a better place.”

In Savannah, Arango shared her optimism.

“This is your day,” she said enthusiastically. “Take it in. Look around. Every person cheering you on sees the potential in you. Even on the days when you can’t quite see it yourself.”

As the child of parents who escaped communism in pursuit of a better life in the U.S., Arango shared she excelled in school with the sole focus of making her family proud. During her freshman year of college, she became pregnant. Terrified, she juggled academics with motherhood and still graduated magna cum laude. 

“I proved that nothing and no one could define my future but me,” Arango said. “What got me through? Resilience. People ask if I’d change anything. And no, I wouldn’t. Setbacks aren’t the end. They’re turning points. Mine made me a fighter and proved I can do hard things. And so can you.”

She encouraged the graduates to ignore the imposter syndrome — everyone is winging it every single day — and to not wait until they’re ready to try something new. She also emphasized the importance of building an intentional, solid community and focusing on internal growth.

“You’ve already proven you can do hard things,” she said in closing. “Explore boldly. Keep learning. Ask the big questions and then go build the answers. The world is waiting for you.”

In the final ceremony, Don L. Waters and Cindy Waters, for whom Georgia Southern’s Waters College of Health Professions is named, were each awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Following, Don Waters delivered the commencement speech.

“Today, we celebrate not just an academic milestone, but the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to caring for others,” he said. “Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this point, overcoming obstacles, dedicating yourself to what classical educators once called the healing arts. 

“As you prepare to step into the world, I want to remind you of the profound role you will play. Public health and all health professions are not just jobs. They are callings. You will be the ones who heal the sick, comfort the suffering and work tirelessly to prevent disease and promote wellness in our communities. Your work will touch every corner of society, from the intimate moments of patient care and the decisions that you will help families make to the broad strategies of public health policy. You are entering fields that demand not only skill and knowledge, but also heart and empathy to inspire you on this path.”

Waters also noted the importance of excellent health care indicators in the region, which are key to the success of the area’s economic growth. 

“Good health and prosperity go hand in hand,” Waters stated. “You are part of this growing health care industry. We need you to stay right here with us and help us build out this region of the state. In doing so, you will help others, but you will also enjoy a share of this prosperity. Congratulations, graduates. You are now ambassadors of health and healing. The world is better for having you in it. Go forth and make a difference.”

����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,506 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .

For the 14th year in a row, ����Vlog students have earned the highest rating at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City. The team was one of only 10 to receive the Outstanding designation from a field of about 150 schools. Model UN has a storied history at Georgia Southern that goes back to 1972.

“We are one of the oldest Model UN teams in this country,” said team advisor and professor of politics and international studies Barry Balleck, Ph.D. “When you think about Georgia Southern in 1972, you know, we were a school of only about 4,000 students.” 

Several groups on the team also earned their own honors. Four partners received the Outstanding designation for Position Paper Writing in their committees and two others garnered the Outstanding Delegate distinction in Committee. Balleck credits their success to their rigorous preparation.

“There are sessions that we hold on Saturday to drill our team to get them used to the process of parliamentary procedure, and working in committees and working as a partner,” said Balleck. “There’s work in the library. There’s a lot of work they do all over campus.”

The team draws strength from its diverse makeup with Balleck noting it attracts students from nearly every college and major on campus.

“If people are interested in international affairs and are interested in discovering and studying issues that are pertinent today, issues around the world – that’s who we’ve attracted since I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years now,” said Balleck. “I find a variety of students from many disciplines and majors who are attracted to this and have gone on to do amazing, wonderful things.”

Balleck notes that the Model UN program prepares students for whatever path they choose after college. He takes pride in seeing how many ways Model UN alumni find success after graduation.

“I have students working jobs all over the world,” said Balleck. “I have them at the CDC. I’ve had them at the UN. I’ve had them at international organizations. I have lawyers, doctors, teachers and others. I probably had a half a dozen or more who have done the Peace Corps over the last 15 or 20 years. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful program.”

����Vlog’s Director of Health Services, Emily Brannen (‘14, ‘16), was named to the Statesboro Herald’s annual Class of 2025 list, which recognizes young professionals making their mark in Bulloch County.

Brannen, a Double Eagle and Gainesville, Georgia, native, said the recognition is more than a personal accolade — it’s a reflection of her deep roots in the community and her love for Georgia Southern.

“Since moving back to Statesboro in 2019, I’ve grown deeply connected to this community,” she said. “I’m thankful for the relationships and friendships I’ve built along the way. Being recognized in this way motivates me to continue contributing to the community, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both our local area and Georgia Southern.”

After a stint working as a nursing home administrator in Georgia and South Carolina, her return to Statesboro marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities to give back. During this time, she has created lasting connections and has grown professionally and personally. Along with her role at Georgia Southern, Brannen is involved with her church and is a volunteer for a number of local organizations.

“There are so many wonderful resources and initiatives in our community that deserve support and attention,” she said. “My advice would be to take the time to get to know the people around you and find ways to lend a helping hand where you can. Every little bit counts, and together we can create lasting change.”

Including Brannen, nearly a dozen were named to the list this year.

����Vlog Professor Matthew Hashiguchi has won a for his documentary, which focuses on rural health and the services provided by a single doctor in southwest Georgia. 

The Peabody Awards are prestigious accolades in storytelling across television, radio, streaming and other digital mediums. Categories for winning a Peabody include journalism, social video, interactive documentary, gaming and more. The nearly hour-long feature received the award in the Public Service category, which recognizes projects that address or respond to public health concerns, enhance public engagement or educate the public. 

For Hashiguchi, the award represents a personal and career accolade. 

“This award isn’t just a professional achievement, but also represents a moment in my life where I became a father,” said Hashiguchi. “I started filming right before my first daughter was born, and finished right after the second. While this award is an incredible acknowledgment of my work, it means even more to me as a priceless moment from their childhood.”

The documentary focuses on Karen Kinsell, M.D., the sole physician serving 3,000 citizens in Clay County, Georgia, near the Georgia-Alabama border. The film spotlights the plight of a community in need of medical assistance and the dedicated doctor fighting to keep her clinic’s doors open. Hashiguchi delves into Kinsell’s sacrifices for her clinic’s operations, revealing her commitment to her patients.

“Dr. Kinsell gets calls at home at all hours of the day and night,” Hashiguchi said. “She, at times, has had to pay the bills from her own bank account. But I’d say the biggest sacrifice is that she’s a doctor who does not have breaks.”

The final cut of “The Only Doctor” is a bit different from the angle Hashiguchi took when he began work on it several years ago. He initially started the project to better understand the risks associated with maternal health care and childbirth when he and his wife were expecting their first child. Through his work, he learned of a more complex issue of health care access in rural communities.

The documentary first premiered on the PBS program and is now available internationally on Al Jazeera’s documentary series

Hashigchi’s work earned him a 2019 Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund award and a 2021 American Stories Documentary Fund award from Points North Institute. The film’s world premiere took place at the 2023 Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, and was awarded Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 South Georgia Film Festival, Best Feature at the 2023 Newburyport Documentary Film Festival and Award of Merit at the 2023 University Film and Video Association Conference.

His rise to media prominence wasn’t on his radar early in his academic career. He described himself as a “C student,” and still sees himself as that young boy struggling with math and science courses. With one of the nation’s highest media honors, he can show his students new paths to success as well as the skills it takes to win a Peabody.

“I want my students to know how I failed and know that I struggled,” he said. “I tell them that if they want to excel, they really have to put in hard work. That’s very much who I am now as I devote myself to these films.”

Third time’s the charm for one ����Vlog student, who recently earned national accolades in the world of theatrical performance. Over the weekend, Gabby Burton, a senior theatre major and Honors College student, won the Voice and Speech Trainers Association Excellence Award and a $500 scholarship at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C.

“I would have never imagined four years ago that I would be celebrated on a national level like that,” she said. “My hope now is that other students from my program feel like they are capable artists who should always believe in themselves and share what they have to say.”

Burton earned a trip to Washington, D.C., after winning the organization’s Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, which provides recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. The regional award not only made her a qualifier for the national competition, but also provided her with another $500 scholarship. She credits her Georgia Southern Theatre community and her stage partner, fellow theatre student Jordan Applin, for her success.

This is the third year Burton has been a contender for the Kennedy Center festival. Before leaving for the nation’s capital, Burton said she was excited about finally getting a chance to perform at the Kennedy Center. However, she knew there was more work to do.

As this is her final year, the Augusta, Georgia, native said it gave her more creative freedom to pursue pieces she was more attached to, and that may have given her the edge in her preparations.

“I knew it was the last time no matter what,” she said. “I felt more compelled to just do whatever pieces I wanted to because these pieces came from me and my own interests. I was able to tell stories that I actually care about to really one of the most engaging audiences you’ll ever find.”

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival bestows two national prizes each year to support outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education.

Burton, who graduates on May, will be pursuing a master’s degree next fall.

Masoud Davari, Ph. D., associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing, was recognized for his achievements in the field of power electronics control and testing with the . He was also granted membership into IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is the world’s largest professional organization for electrical engineers, with its membership numbering over 486,000 in more than 190 countries.  

Davari has been a member of IEEE since 2008 and a senior member of IEEE’s Region 3 since 2019. The organization’s Region 3 encompasses the southeastern United States and has over 24,000 members. The Outstanding Engineer Award, given annually to one member per region, recognizes those who have advanced knowledge and improved humanity through any of the technical subjects covered by the IEEE societies, councils, and affinity groups.

Davari was praised for “outstanding, technical, and professional contributions to synthesizing reinforcement learning optimal controls for power electronic converters, creating robust integration of power electronics considering the impact of cyberattacks on modern grids, and advancing IEEE standards for hardware-in-the-loop testing and education through impactful research and service.”

This impactful research and service includes eight years of teaching at Georgia Southern. He currently teaches introductory courses on circuit analysis and power systems fundamentals.  He has also served as a chapter lead of the IEEE Working Group (WG) P2004 for testing based on hardware-in-the-loop simulations in the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) and that of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Task Force on innovative teaching methods for modern power and energy systems (TR 120). 

In addition to being an engaged educator, Davari is also a prolific researcher. He was selected as the finalist for the 2024 Curtis W. McGraw Research Award by the Awards Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE); has also been awarded a research fellowship by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in 2024; was included in ; and has received $1.17 million in grants from the National Science Foundation

Davari’s work ethic and commitment to bridging the gap between industry and research led Rami Haddad, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Engineering & Computing, to nominate him. 

“Dr. Davari’s recognition as the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer and his induction into IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) are truly remarkable honors that reflect his outstanding contributions to electrical and computer engineering,” Haddad said. “Being recognized among more than 24,000 IEEE members across the Southeast is a testament to the impact and excellence of his work. We are proud to have Dr. Davari as a valued member of our college, and we celebrate his achievements as a shining example of the innovation and leadership that define our faculty.”

This award marks the first time a Georgia Southern faculty member has received it in its 55-year history. It is a career milestone for Davari, who has published research on advanced technology integration into modern power and energy systems in high-impact-factor IEEE Transactions/Journal venues and has extensively researched the era of grid-edge technologies. 

“I’m deeply honored by this prestigious award,” Davari said. “Not only does it reaffirm my dedication to my research field, but it also fuels my passion for creating a technologically advanced future. Receiving this IEEE award on behalf of my outstanding team is a privilege. Their relentless commitment and hard work since 2015 have truly made this achievement possible.”

Davari’s induction into HKN places him among the best in his field. The membership, which is received through invitation only from HKN’s Board of Governors and is based on the candidate’s record of contributions to the field, demonstrated leadership, and community service.

“With a legacy that stretches over a century, IEEE-HKN represents the pinnacle of prestige and tradition in our profession, indicating academic achievements and dedication to research, potential leadership, exemplary character, and a positive attitude, Davari continued.” Notably, many of our industry’s most influential leaders initiated their journeys through induction into IEEE-HKN as professional members, so receiving this honor is a privilege.”

Davari received his award and was inducted into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) in March at IEEE Region 3’s SoutheastCon 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

You can find out more about his research by visiting his .   

Lowell Mooney, Ph.D., professor of accountancy at ����Vlog, is no stranger to receiving awards. His career, which spans more than 40 years in higher education and as a CPA, has earned him numerous awards with titles like “Outstanding Educator” and “Outstanding Faculty Advisor.”

But it’s the Bruce Yawn Lifetime Achievement award he received from the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce that stands out the most for the Parker College of Business professor. 

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in connection with someone as remarkable as Bruce Yawn,” Mooney explained. “Bruce wasn’t just a successful business owner and operator — he was a cornerstone of our community. He used Snooky’s as more than a restaurant; it was a gathering place where connections were formed, advice was shared and people felt cared for.”

Yawn was well known in the Statesboro and Bulloch County areas. He was the owner of the iconic Snooky’s restaurant, which closed in 2012. His dedication and passion for his community led the Chamber of Commerce to name their lifetime achievement award in his honor after he died in 2022. 

“His legacy of kindness, leadership and service embodies everything that makes Statesboro and Bulloch County so special,” said Mooney. 

Mooney noted the recognition is a reminder of why he and his wife, Paula, decided to make Statesboro their home for nearly 36 years. 

“I’m truly grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for this honor,” he explained. “It will always remind me of our responsibility and privilege to serve others. It’s the people here — neighbors, friends and colleagues — who make our community vibrant and inspiring.”

Senior computer science major Daniel Troyano has always enjoyed creating things, which is one of the reasons he appreciates his field of study so much. 

“Computer science allows me to have the ability to make things in a critical thinking type of way,” he said. “You can build things, and that is something I really enjoy.” 

So when he decided to develop his own business, it’s no surprise that it was a company that would enhance the experience of small businesses through digital automation. 

“My team and I noticed that a lot of the tools that are in the space for automation are really complicated and lifeless, and almost scary to use,” Troyano said. “So we thought if they’re so hard to use and really expensive, and more tailored for bigger businesses that have the resources, maybe there is a market that’s not being targeted, like small businesses that maybe don’t have the resources.” 

And that’s how Stepwise was born. The digital automation platform is designed to help anyone, regardless of technical ability, to automate any task they do on a computer. 

“This would be something you’re doing repeatedly, a tedious or annoying task to do on the computer,” Troyano said. “You can use Stepwise to basically do it one time through and then from there, you trigger it to happen automatically, thus regaining your time and mental bandwidth for more important things.” 

In October, Troyano took his business idea to the next level by pitching its concept at SCORE , a Shark Tank-style entrepreneurial competition where he presented a business plan and model to a panel of judges. Out of eight finalists, Troyano won one of the top prizes, which includes $3,000 to help further develop his business plan.

“It really inspired us to go all in now,” he said. “It was a positive reinforcement for me and my team to push hard and go on to the next phase.” 

Troyano has worked on this project for more than a year with the help of ����Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) in downtown Statesboro, where he found mentors and business partners who have helped him grow Stepwise. 

Business Innovation Group client and local business owner Adam Tsang partnered with Troyano and became an inspiration for growing the business. 

“I had an internship where I was working right next to Adam and I would always see him working so passionately, and he inspired me a good bit,” Troyano said. “A lot of people have thought of owning their own business, and I decided I wanted to do work on my own product rather than someone else’s. It’s going to be hard work either way, so it just feels better if it’s going toward your own mission.” 

Tsang has supported Troyano and even serves on his team as the CEO of marketing for Stepwise.

“One of the greatest joys that I have found in my work is investing time and effort into the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Tsang. “It is even more exciting when that work bears fruit. Daniel is the perfect example of what happens when you mix determination, a strong work ethic and calculated risk-taking. I could not be more proud of what he and the team have been able to accomplish.” 

In addition, Troyano was able to network and receive mentorship from the team at BIG, including Catherine Blake, manager of BIG’s Hinesville Business Incubator. 

“Daniel Troyano has the DNA of an entrepreneur,” said Blake. “He has an impressive work ethic, drive and focus, which enables him to achieve academic excellence as an honor student in computer science at ����Vlog while growing his early-stage company, Stepwise. It has been a pleasure to coach him in preparation for BizPitch. He was in it to win it!” 

After launching the product, Stepwise has garnered 300 users in just five months without advertising. Troyano and his team believe that with proper marketing and additional funding from the BizPitch competition, their product will continue to grow. Their goal is to launch a premium, paid version of the platform in 2025. 

Troyano has also received support from his professors and credits his program of study in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing at Georgia Southern in this venture. 

“I wouldn’t have been able to develop this whole application without getting the foundations of programming here, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said. I’ve taken a lot of classes that have helped me and I have been able to use that knowledge in this business.” 

Troyano is especially grateful for the coaching from the BIG. 

“The Business Innovation Group is awesome,” he said. “I have a lot of mentors over there, and the other entrepreneurs who give advice and criticism, and I really appreciate that a lot. It’s a really great thing that I wouldn’t be here without.”

Troyano, a first-generation college student and U.S. citizen, will graduate in 2025.