Credit: Kayla Wolf

Brian Morello is a genuine and tireless advocate for Beloit College, the city of Beloit, and, most of all, his students, to whom he imparts the excitement of entrepreneurship and its principles as a path to a life of purpose, happiness, and fulfillment. It is fitting that he receives this award named for Joe Kobylka ’51, an alumnus he admired and who, like Brian, took great pride in celebrating generations of Beloiters.

Brian’s return to Beloit in 2011 to lead the College’s Center for Entrepreneurship could not have happened in better, more mutually beneficial circumstances. His mentor and the center’s founder, Jerry Gustafson ’63, was preparing to retire. Brian, having overseen acquisitions and run multiple startups in the beverage industry, had recently sold his businesses. Brian recognized an appealing encore career, and Beloit needed exactly his expertise to continue to grow its entrepreneurship activities. For the past 14 years, his tenure has been defined by a deep commitment to helping students of all majors discover what excites them, set their own goals, sharpen their skills, and discover new ways to animate their interests.

Brian’s belief in the city of Beloit as a dynamic place to live and work is matched only by his willingness to add to its transformation. His recent work to keep minor league baseball in Beloit was a major contribution to the city’s revival. By raising awareness, excitement, and support around what became a stunning $40 million stadium downtown, he helped catalyze energy in the city’s center.

Whether Brian is inspiring students to pursue their next venture, hosting alumni he’s invited to campus to share their experiences with students, or enjoying his Church Street front porch that looks directly onto Chapin Quad, he is making connections that matter among Beloiters of all eras. For his service, the Beloit College Alumni Association is pleased to recognize him with the Joe Kobylka ’51 Alumni Award.