WCU Stories      November 15, 2024

By Bill Studenc

Western Carolina University’s College of Business will welcome alumnus and former Catamount baseball player Garrett Ozar as a keynote speaker during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Ozar, who in 2019 made waves on the hit television show “Shark Tank” by securing a $600,000 investment from Mark Cuban, will share his entrepreneurial journey and insights with the campus community and public. Ozar earned his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship at WCU in 2009.

He and Adelle Archer co-founded Eterneva, a groundbreaking company that transforms human ashes into diamonds, helping loved ones honor and remember the departed in a meaningful way.

Earlier this year, Eterneva received the prestigious 2024 Torch Award for Ethics in the category for companies with between 21 and 40 employees in recognition of the company’s dedication to ethical practices and transparency.

“This award reaffirms our commitment to ethics and transparency, values that have driven us from day one,” said Ozar. Eterneva’s unique blend of meticulous science and heartfelt compassion results in one-of-a-kind diamonds, each a tribute to the spirit and story of those cherished, he said.

Ozar will speak from 4 until 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the theater located in A.K. Hinds University Center on WCU’s campus. He will discuss his experiences at WCU, his time on “Shark Tank” and his journey of launching and scaling a unique business.

The event, which is open to the public free of charge, provides an exceptional opportunity to learn firsthand about entrepreneurship from a WCU alumnus who has successfully navigated the world of startups and investment, said A.J. Grube, dean of the College of Business.

“We are thrilled to welcome Garrett back to WCU,” Grube said. “He is an excellent example of someone who has used hard work and innovation to succeed. The more examples our students see, the better off they'll be.”

A worldwide celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, Global Entrepreneurship Week is designed to highlight creativity, determination and business acumen, with participation from people from 180 countries, said Lane Perry, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and adviser to event co-host Sigma Nu Tau Honor Society at WCU. This year’s activities will be held Nov. 18-24.

“We’re honored to have Garrett join us for Global Entrepreneurship Week,” Perry said. “He brings an inspiring story of resilience, creativity and entrepreneurship that will resonate with students, faculty and community members alike.”

For more information about the event, contact Perry at laneperry@wcu.edu.

About Western Carolina University’s College of Business
WCU’s College of Business offers a dynamic environment for students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation, with programs designed to encourage creativity, resilience and strategic thinking. Through events such as Global Entrepreneurship Week, WCU provides students with access to real-world insights and experiences from industry leaders from ventures of all sizes. For more information, visit business.wcu.edu.

About Eterneva
Eterneva, an accredited business based in Kerrville, Texas, transforms ashes into stunning diamonds, celebrating the lives and legacies of loved ones in a truly unique way. Through a process blending meticulous science and heartfelt compassion, each diamond becomes a one-of-a-kind tribute to the spirit and story of those cherished. This year, Eterneva earned the prestigious 2024 Torch Award for Ethics in the 21-40 employee category, further cementing its role as a leader in ethical, compassionate commemoration. For more information, visit www.ete