SRU Nov. 6 Alumni Speaker Series to feature Popped Envy owner
Nov. 5, 2019
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Another successful alumnus is popping by for a visit as part of the Slippery Rock University Alumni Speaker Series. Cathy Burnheimer, the owner of Popped Envy, an online gourmet popcorn business, will speak at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Russell Wright Alumni House. The event is free, open to the public and will be followed by a reception featuring a variety of popcorn.
Burnheimer, a 1996 SRU graduate with a degree in communication, will share her entrepreneurial story that saw her go from cake baker to purveyor of popcorn, which included an appearance - and subsequent victory - on The Food Network show "Winner Cake All." Earlier this year Burnheimer used proceeds from her popcorn business to support the Butler County Alliance for Children.
"We're excited to have Cathy back on campus," said Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement. "She's a great example of someone who demonstrates that you can be a successful entrepreneur and still influence social change in the community."
Burnheimer taught herself to bake cakes 14 years ago and grew a successful business out of her Butler County home called Frosted Envy. She and her business partner, Lesley Polinko Wasielewski, won the $10,000 top prize last year on "Winner Cake All." Burnheimer now dedicates most of her time to Popped Envy, which has a production facility in Sarver and specializes in selling allergy-friendly, gourmet popcorn online. The menu currently includes 43 flavors - with unique offerings such as Bacon N Cheese and Lemon Pound Cake - as well as vegan and Kosher varieties, providing options for those struggling with food allergies. The company works with nonprofits to provide fundraising products for organizations, offering them a 50% profit margin.
Burnheimer is the second alumnus to be featured in the SRU Alumni Speaker Series, following attorney Larry Kelly, '75, who visited campus Oct. 2.
For more information, or to recommend a future alumni speaker, contact Bailey at 724.738.4223 or kelly.bailey@sru.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu