Latest Gift Renews Support of the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity

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Student presentation at Keenan Center

Continuing an impressive history of philanthropic support that began 12 years ago, Tim and Kathleen Keenan, ’81 have renewed their commitment to Le Moyne for the next five years with an additional $1.25 million gift that will help fund the ongoing initiatives of the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity.

“This commitment will ensure that the important work being accomplished through the center will not only continue but will expand over the next few years,” said the Keenans. “The center’s breadth of activities and overall impact on students, businesses, community organizations and other entities throughout the region has been truly remarkable to witness.”

Since its founding in 2013, the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity has become engrained in the entrepreneurial landscape of the region, offering curriculum, programming and educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. In October 2022, the Keenan Center’s mission and goals were enhanced with the opening of a 2,700-square-foot facility on Le Moyne’s campus. The center was built to standards established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is one of the most unique facilities of its kind found on a college campus in the country.

Highlights of the center’s activities includes:

  • Coaching Entrepreneurs – The center’s team has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, from the campus to across the community, develop business models, network and grow their businesses.
  • Keenan Innovators – A program led by expert STEAM coaches that introduces cohorts of middle schoolers to the power of inquiry, technology and problem solving.
  • Dolphin Tank – This annual event showcases Le Moyne students who have started innovative and growing ventures, in competition for $50,000 in funding.
  • Drone Initiatives – Partnerships, education and other activities have established the center as a vital cog in the region’s position as a national leader in the drone industry. In 2024 the center announced a partnership with NUAIR.
  • Maker Faire Syracuse – Engineers, artists, scientists and crafters become “makers” who build and show hobbies, experiments, artwork and more.

“The Keenan’s were one of the first donors to respond to Mike Madden’s $7.5 million gift that established the Madden College of Business and Economics,” said Jim Joseph ’83 Ed.D. ’23, dean of the Madden College and vice president for advancement and innovation. “Their long-standing commitment and support have helped elevate the reputation and offerings of the Madden College on the regional and national stage.”

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Keenans and the faith they have put in all those who work tirelessly to make their vision a reality,” said Keenan Center Director Mike D’Eredita ’92. “The difference the center is making in the lives of so many individuals, from students to local entrepreneurs and community organizations, continues to be an inspiration for the entire Keenan team and Central New York community.” For more information, visit the Keenan Center’s website and read the center’s latest bi-annual report here.