GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Thiel College Haller Enterprise Institute announces Carol (Yeager) ’71 and Barry Stamm, M.D. ’70, founders of Stamm Cataract and Laser Surgery, as the 2016 Haller Enterprise Institute Entrepreneurs of the Year.
The Stamms will receive their award at the annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award Dinner on Oct. 19.
“Barry and Carol Stamm have a commitment to excellence that extends to every part of their professional lives,” interim Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard said. “Their business, their entrepreneurial ventures, as well as their commitment to Thiel College are all founded in that commitment. They believe not just in what we can currently do, but what is possible in the future.”
Carol Stamm began her career in the Department of Business working for Professor of Economics and Business Administration and Norman P. Mortensen Chair of Economics David Miller ’61. A native of Bolivar, Pa., she was a Dean’s List student, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and a sweetheart of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, she worked in the banking industry before taking a leadership role at Stamm Cataract and Laser Surgery, which she cofounded with her husband. Integral to the success of many business endeavors independently and in partnership with Barry Stamm, she is an advocate for Thiel College and its students.
Barry Stamm serves as the chair of the Thiel College Board of Trustees. A native of Erie, Pa., he has had a long career in ophthalmology with an emphasis in lens implant surgery and laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy. He practiced in his hometown for 30 years under Stamm Cataract and Laser Surgery before he and his wife sold the business in 2008. He has also served on the Boards of Trustees at UPMC Hamot Medical Center and Sight Center of Northwest PA. While at Thiel College, he was a biology major and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College, now the Drexel University College of Medicine, in 1974.
The Stamms have two adult children, Brian and Ashley.
About the Haller Enterprise Institute
The Haller Enterprise Institute encourages motivated students from any major to begin their own business while they continue their education. The Institute is named after Henry E. and Grace Mary Haller, major benefactors to the College with a keen interest in entrepreneurship. The purpose of the Institute is to encourage, promote and support entrepreneurship in Thiel students, regardless of their major or field.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.