Ben Schippers '04 gave the keynote speech and accepted induction into the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society on May 30, 2015. (Daryn Slover)
Ben Schippers '04 graduated from Bates in 2004 with a degree in American Cultural Studies and a minor in education. A standout squash player, he played at the number one spot on the ladder for all four years and served as a team captain in both his junior and senior years. Ben led the Bobcats to their first national top 10 ranking in his senior year. He competed in the squash individual championships in each of his four seasons, earning an individual ranking among the top 32 players in the country.
Ben is an entrepreneur and technology investor who has built a career focused on developing and selling technology companies. He cares deeply about the product experience and specifically about how technology can evolve and disrupt markets.
Ben has founded a number of companies, including Workstreamer and HappyFunCorp. HappyFunCorp is a technology firm in New York City dedicated to building and launching the best startups in New York and San Francisco. As part of its portfolio, HappyFunCorp has launched the HFC Technology Academy, centered upon teaching product engineering and web and mobile development.
Ben has been a dedicated Bates alumnus; in addition to financial support, he has dedicated his time and talents to Bates. His companies have provided summer internship opportunities to qualified Bates students and have hired graduates to join their ranks. Schippers has worked with Bates Career Development Center and to provide mentorship and advice to juniors and seniors seeking careers in technology fields. He has returned to campus to speak with faculty, staff and students about entrepreneurship and technology and has become a trusted resource for the college as it considers how to expand and enrich curricular offerings around technology, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. Most recently, Ben has been integral in the college's Purposeful Work initiative, assisting in the development of Short Term practitioner-taught courses, and he personally led a well-received Digital Innovation course.
In recognition of Ben's outstanding career as an athlete, and for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to academics and athletics, it is an honor to offer membership in the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society to Benjamin Schippers.
