Thomas O’Brien ’25, a film major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has been named a 2024-25 Orange Innovation Scholar by Syracuse University Libraries.
Orange Innovation Scholars exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership. Four students were selected for the honor.
An entrepreneur who combines the art of filmmaking with business and marketing, O’Brien looks to revolutionize how narrative filmmaking is produced, shared, and consumed in the new digital age. His experience includes audience development for music artists and actors.
His work across all practices has generated millions of views on several social media platforms. He is an Invest in Success Scholar, a member of the ‘CUSE50 steering committee (where he was emcee for last fall’s gala), and a speaker at the ‘CUSE50 student summit.
Orange Innovation Scholars support commercialization programs offered through Syracuse University Libraries, including the NSF I-Corps and the Orange Innovation Fund, along with Universitywide entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives such as CUSE50. They will engage University faculty, post doctorates, and Ph.D. students, graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research, technology commercialization, venture development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Orange Innovation Scholars will also engage with SU alumni who are founders and leaders at top innovation companies. Orange Innovation Scholars work across all disciplines and academic units to build a pipeline of innovation and tell success stories.