Spring Break
The Daily OrangeCreators of "Minyanville Media" are prime examples of fulfilling SU "dream"
By Naresh Vissa
Posted: 10/13/09, 11:12 PM EST Section: Opinion
Last week, I discussed that by attending Syracuse University, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your education into something much bigger. Our famous alumni include Bob Costas, Martin Whitman and Donovan McNabb. These three icons made a name for themselves in very different fields. But two people who you may not know about serve as prime examples of the "Syracuse Dream."
On his first day of school in 1987, Kevin Wassong sketched a picture-perfect Tasmanian Devil that caught Todd Harrison's eye during Sociology 101 in Maxwell Auditorium. The two instantly clicked, rooming together throughout college, and partied as Zeta Psi brothers (SU disbanded Zeta Psi in 2007 for IFC violations).
Wassong was a television, radio, and film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, while Harrison studied finance at the Whitman School of Management. Despite their differing backgrounds, the two frequently joked about starting a business together during their college days. Fifteen years later, they would do just that by creating Minyanville Media.
The 'Ville serves as an interactive Web community containing financial tutorials, up-to-the-minute news and market commentary, and programs used to aid financial decision-making. Its sister site, Minyanland, includes games that educate youngsters of all ages so they can understand basic economic and financial concepts.
Harrison and Wassong took separate paths and worked in discrete industries, but their friendship withstood years of achievement and tumult. Today, Harrison is founder and CEO, and Wassong is president, at the fastest-growing, Emmy Award-winning, digital financial entertainment media company in the world. In addition, MarketWatch founder and SU alumnus Larry Kramer serves on Minyanville's Board of Advisors.
"My success has largely been dependent on the relationships I forged, and that began at Syracuse," Harrison said.
Harrison made a name for himself in the classroom by day and as a bartender at Harry's Bar at night. "Most people want to be here for the perks and status," Harry's owner John Shahin said. "Todd took his job seriously and wanted to work." Following his junior year, he worked abroad in London for Morgan Stanley through SU's Department of International Programs Abroad (DIPA).
On his first day of school in 1987, Kevin Wassong sketched a picture-perfect Tasmanian Devil that caught Todd Harrison's eye during Sociology 101 in Maxwell Auditorium. The two instantly clicked, rooming together throughout college, and partied as Zeta Psi brothers (SU disbanded Zeta Psi in 2007 for IFC violations).
Wassong was a television, radio, and film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, while Harrison studied finance at the Whitman School of Management. Despite their differing backgrounds, the two frequently joked about starting a business together during their college days. Fifteen years later, they would do just that by creating Minyanville Media.
The 'Ville serves as an interactive Web community containing financial tutorials, up-to-the-minute news and market commentary, and programs used to aid financial decision-making. Its sister site, Minyanland, includes games that educate youngsters of all ages so they can understand basic economic and financial concepts.
Harrison and Wassong took separate paths and worked in discrete industries, but their friendship withstood years of achievement and tumult. Today, Harrison is founder and CEO, and Wassong is president, at the fastest-growing, Emmy Award-winning, digital financial entertainment media company in the world. In addition, MarketWatch founder and SU alumnus Larry Kramer serves on Minyanville's Board of Advisors.
"My success has largely been dependent on the relationships I forged, and that began at Syracuse," Harrison said.
Harrison made a name for himself in the classroom by day and as a bartender at Harry's Bar at night. "Most people want to be here for the perks and status," Harry's owner John Shahin said. "Todd took his job seriously and wanted to work." Following his junior year, he worked abroad in London for Morgan Stanley through SU's Department of International Programs Abroad (DIPA).
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Richard Ben Sager
posted 10/14/09 @ 10:14 AM EST
The university did not disband Zeta Psi. The fraternity's national body did.
Donald
posted 10/14/09 @ 10:43 AM EST
As an SU alumnus, I can say that this is the type of story that makes me proud to have attended the University. More students should think about their futures after school and demonstrate "Scholarship in Action" rather than planning what they will wear to the next party. (Continued…)
Tom Klempay
posted 10/15/09 @ 4:48 PM EST
I live in the Utica area and have been a long time Minyan, even knew Todd back when he was writing for TheStreet.com. If you have the chance to see Todd tomorrow, do it! You will not regret it! There will be plenty of pearls of wisdom that you'll surely take away from his presentation and remember for years. (Continued…)
freddy F
posted 10/29/09 @ 5:48 PM EST
Yes, pearls of wisdom if you're into making millions and being in a frat. As someone who's had the honor of meeting him, he stays true to his frat-boy days and carries on the tradition at Minyanville. (Continued…)
Jessi Marcellus Lach
posted 10/30/09 @ 3:56 PM EST
Hey Dick,
The fraternity's national body only disbanded the Syracuse chapter AFTER the university indefinitely suspended the house for the second time. (Continued…)
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