Student leader takes helm at Anvil co-working space
August 25, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Anvil, a student-run entrepreneurship co-working space at Purdue University, has named Shane DeWael its director for the 2015-16 academic year. DeWael is a sophomore computer science major in Purdue's College of Science. He replaces Grant Gumina, who was the Anvil's director for the 2014-15 academic year.
DeWael has been a member of the Anvil since his freshman year at Purdue and became the director of outreach before accepting the overall director position.
"I became involved in the Anvil shortly after I arrived at Purdue," he said. "After the first semester I was approached by Grant, who asked if I would be interested in becoming a part of the leadership team. I agreed and became the director of outreach the second semester of my freshman year."
DeWael said that being the director of outreach has helped him make a smooth transition into his new role.
"Being director of outreach allowed me to get to know the members on a personal level and understand their unique needs. During this time I became familiar with the community and culture, which is vital to succeeding in my new position," he said. "In my new role I will oversee the day-to-day operations and the leadership team, focusing on the future of the Anvil and the impact on the students and community.
DeWael said he hopes to maintain the entrepreneurial culture and see continual growth.
"The Anvil has quickly become a key place for student and community entrepreneurship at Purdue, which I hope to maintain and grow," he said. "I see the Anvil being the place students recollect when thinking about Purdue and what allowed them to become lifelong entrepreneurs. During my time as director I want to create new programs and opportunities for entrepreneurs, inventors and creatives to help make connections that will last and be utilized in the future."
DeWael will hold the position for one year.
About the Anvil
The Anvil is a co-working space at Purdue University that serves the unique needs of student and community entrepreneurs, acting as a center of creative culture in West Lafayette. The Anvil focuses on providing local and student run startups affordable office space.
Purdue Research Foundation contact: Hillary Henry, 765-588-3586, hkhenry@prf.org
Source: Shane DeWael, 317-667-7235, swdewael@gmail.com
