Dr. Christoph Winkler, a professor at Iona University and the founding program director of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, has received significant recognition for his contributions to entrepreneurship education. He was recently inducted as a United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Justin G. Longenecker Fellow, which is the organization's highest honor.

The award, given at the USASBE annual conference in Las Vegas, honors individuals who have significantly contributed to small business development and entrepreneurship education through teaching, research, writing, and public service. Since its inception in 1986, 98 distinguished individuals have been named fellows.

Additionally, the Hynes Institute won the 2025 Model Program Award in the Small Institutions Category at the same conference. Iona University President Seamus Carey commented on these achievements: “Congratulations to Christoph and the Hynes Institute team on these outstanding recognitions.”

Dr. Winkler was also named a Faculty Innovation Fellow by Stanford University's University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program. This accolade comes after a two-year collaboration with global peers to design projects that enhance innovation ecosystems at their schools.

“These recognitions are deeply meaningful," said Dr. Winkler. "At the heart of our mission is a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities."

Dr. Winkler's journey began in Austria and has influenced his approach to expanding access to entrepreneurship education. His work includes strategic initiatives that deepen community engagement through partnerships with organizations like The Business Council of Westchester and The Viscardi Center.

The Hynes Institute serves as an interdisciplinary hub located on Iona’s campus, offering various degree programs aimed at developing creativity and leadership skills necessary for success in today's economy.

Iona University was founded in 1940 as a private Catholic institution offering diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines. It has been recognized by several prestigious national rankings for its commitment to academic excellence and social mobility.