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Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
We empower entrepreneurial thinkers—whether you’re launching a venture, building a family business, creating social impact, or driving innovation inside an organization. Turn ideas into action.
Start your entrepreneurial journey
At Central Michigan University, the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship is more than a program—it’s where students from every major turn ideas into real impact. As Michigan’s first Department of Entrepreneurship, we’re a hub for hands-on learning, innovation, and mentorship.
Here, you’ll:
- Build an entrepreneurial mindset that sets you apart in any career path—launching ventures, shaping social missions, advancing family businesses, or driving innovation inside established companies.
- Collaborate across disciplines to create projects that matter.
- Learn from alumni, faculty, and industry leaders who’ve built their own paths.
- Gain real-world experience through workshops, hackathons, and pitch competitions.
- Compete in the New Venture Challenge, where students win up to $10,000 in cash and grants to grow their ideas.
Whether you want to start something new or transform what already exists, the Institute is your launchpad.
Take the next step!
When you’re ready to get started, stop by Grawn 164 to join the team or visit the Idea Den in Grawn 166—your space to brainstorm, build, and take the next step.
Questions?
A faculty member in the School of Communication, Journalism and Media is remembered for a big personality and a big sense of humor.
Michael Francis Marn, 72, died April 29 in Grand Rapids.
Marn taught for years in the advertising program of the College of the Arts & Media. There, he developed a reputation for teaching a subject he loved with zeal.
“He enjoyed sharing his passion for advertising with his students and they returned his energy,” said colleague Jim Wojcik. “He also established a successful advertising alumni board of former students to help the program stay current with new trends.”
Marn was also known for his quick, infectious wit.
“Mike was one of the most creative people I knew,” Wojcik said. “He also had a quick wit and had the ability to leave people feeling happier after being around him.
His outgoing personality was infectious. We have lost a wonderful person.”
Before coming to CMU, Marn built a career working as an advertising executive and consultant with firms in Chicago and Grand Rapids. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University – Chicago.
Outside of work, Marn loved betting pretend winnings on Final Jeopardy, playing golf and listening to NPR and music. John Prine was a particular favorite of his. He also loved all things Cleveland and Northwestern University sports.
He did it all with a larger-than-life sense of humor.
“(Marn) had an unrivaled skill for spreading smiles,” said his online obituary. “If you knew (Marn), you laughed with (Marn).”
He was born Sept. 27, 1951, to Frank and Grace (Calhoun) Marn in Cleveland.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Suzanne Marn; son, Matthew Francis (Rachel) Marn, son, Kevin (Megan) Marn; three grandchildren, Sage Marn, Noah Marn, Riley Marn; brother, Donald (Patricia) Marn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Marn, sister, Betty Kortan, sister, Gale Marn; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Virginia Burns.
Visitation is Saturday, May 11, at 6 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford.