Wolff Center maintains top ranking among undergraduate entrepreneur programs

The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston has been recognized as the top undergraduate program for entrepreneurs in the United States by The Princeton Review. This marks the sixth consecutive year and ninth time in 18 years that it has achieved this distinction. Cyvia Wolff, whose name graces the program alongside her late husband Melvyn Wolff, expressed pride in its accomplishments.

"I am so proud of how the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship has grown and how it’s learned from its mistakes," Cyvia Wolff stated. "It’s just gotten better and better and better."

The Wolffs have been significant benefactors to the Bauer College of Business over the years, with Melvyn's business success serving as a foundation for their philanthropy. He was known for his role in building Star Furniture before selling it to Warren Buffett in 1997. Following his passing in 2017, Cyvia has continued their legacy through ongoing contributions to both educational and community organizations.

Cyvia emphasized the importance of giving back: "We have to give back to our community; that’s who fed us." She further noted that her efforts are about more than personal ownership: "If I don’t give back, who am I? And it’s not mine to keep anyway; it’s mine to give away."

In a conversation with the University of Houston, Cyvia reflected on various aspects of her involvement with the entrepreneurship center. She highlighted how essential entrepreneurial skills are across different fields and praised students' enthusiasm during events like Wolffest.

"The energy these kids have to put into it," she remarked about Wolffest. "This is a business they’re running. That’s what excites me most."

Cyvia also discussed future contributions by students to Houston's entrepreneurial ecosystem through innovative projects related to environmental issues.

She expressed gratitude for being closely tied to such an impactful initiative: "I’m very excited to be a part of this...I get to be part of this gift."

Looking ahead, Cyvia hopes Bauer College can encourage students' pride in their institution: "Maybe we can train our students to be more vocal about how proud they are and what UH does."