David Alstadt, a freshman in electrical engineering, has dreams of working for a large company one day. He admits working for someone else is only to prepare for his ultimate goal, working for himself. Alstadt's strong interest in entrepreneurship was a key factor in being selected for an $8,000 scholarship awarded by the 5:01 Entrepreneur Society.

Freshmen Amanda Nelson, Nathan Jorgenson, Cole Kyser and Zachary Perry also were awarded the scholarship based on their entrepreneurship potential, academic excellence, leadership abilities and extracurricular involvement. The only stipulation for receiving the scholarship was joining 5:01 Entrepreneur Society, a requirement they all have enjoyed.

"Being involved in the organization is really helpful for networking and meeting other people," said Amanda Nelson, a microbiology and pre-veterinary major. "It is helpful to listen to local entrepreneurs speak about the process of starting a business," said Zach Perry, a business administration and economics major. "It is nice to meet people who have the same dreams as me."

Receiving the scholarship money may not be going toward prototypes and business plans just yet, but it has made a great impact on the students. "Receiving the scholarship has made me focus more on school because I know that I'm getting money to do well," said Alstadt. "It's easier to concentrate on school when you don't have to worry about money as much," said Nelson.

The 5:01 Entrepreneur Society, which began in Sep. 2002, is a networking event that allows people to share their experiences, exchange ideas and socialize in an informal setting. Students see firsthand how research and creative thought can translate into new enterprise. The organization meets four times a year to promote networking between entrepreneurs, scientists, business people, investors and students. The next meeting, sponsored by MidAmerica Aviation and Vtrenz, Inc., will be held April 4. To register online, visit www.ndsuresearchpark.com/info/events_services.epl