The William F. Glaser ’53 Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award has become part of a tradition at Rensselaer. Each year, the award celebrates entrepreneurs whose vision, commitment, and creativity exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that is part of the past, present, and future of Rensselaer. This award salutes successful entrepreneurs who, in turn, are important role models for the students of Rensselaer. Those honored with the award bring the world of entrepreneurship into Rensselaer’s classrooms and laboratories, sharing their experience and wisdom with all students. The 2016 honoree is Robert L. Godgart '82. Bob Godgart ’82 is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and technology executive who started five companies and turned them into market leaders. His visionary ideas took him on a journey to transform not one, but several industries. At Rensselaer, Bob pioneered early computer applications in architecture and soon launched his first company, Image Systems Technology. The CAD Overlay product would become the world standard to put paper drawings on PC computers for architects and engineers. Next, Bob teamed up to create the Capital Region's first seed venture fund, leading investments in successful Rensselaer companies such as Learnlinc and Vicarious Visions. He started PowerAdz to revolutionize the newspaper industry, putting 1,800 newspapers online. He founded Autotask, the world's leading information technology business management software, and also started ChannelEyes to reinvent how indirect sales channels are managed. Today, Bob gives back to the community as an executive coach, mentor, board member, and angel investor who helps CEOs and entrepreneurs accelerate their growth.