We, the undersigned current students of the University of Miami, urge Dean Paul Pavlou and the Miami Herbert Business School to invite Solo Ceesay, CEO and Co-Founder of Calaxy, to offer 2 new courses during the Fall 2026 semester: "History of Bitcoin and Macroeconomics" and "Building a Startup 101." Our signatures reflect genuine enthusiasm and commitment to enrolling in these courses, demonstrating strong student demand that would ensure robust participation and success.

As Miami emerges as a global hub for technology, blockchain, and startups, these courses perfectly align with the Herbert Business School's forward-thinking initiatives in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and business technology. Solo's expertise build on this foundation, providing students with real-world insights into digital economies and entrepreneurial success.

About the Courses:

• History of Bitcoin and Macroeconomics: This course explores Bitcoin's origins, its ties to major economic events like the 2008 financial crisis, and its role in challenging traditional monetary systems. Students would analyze inflation, monetary policy, and global economics through case studies, preparing them to navigate the intersection of crypto and macroeconomics in today's business world.
• Building a Startup 101: An introductory hands-on course covering ideation, market validation, funding, team building, and scaling. Drawing from lean startup methodologies, it includes practical tools like business model canvases, MVP development, and pitch practice.

About the Professor:

Solo Ceesay is a Wharton School graduate (University of Pennsylvania, B.S. in Economics) and a proven leader in fintech and Web3. As CEO and Co-Founder of Calaxy: a blockchain-powered social marketplace for creators and fans, co-founded with NBA Player Spencer Dinwiddie.

Solo has raised over $33.5 million in private funding from top investors. His background includes Wall Street experience, where he structured complex financial products and drove key deals in capital markets.

Recognized as one of Variety’s Hollywood’s New Leaders of 2022, Solo has shared his insights on platforms like Nasdaq, CNBC, and Cheddar News. He's a dynamic tech founder who bridges traditional finance with cutting-edge innovation, making him exceptionally qualified to educate and inspire the next generation of business leaders through real-world perspectives and hands-on guidance.

These courses would not only enrich the curriculum but also attract top talent to UM, fostering connections with industry pioneers and boosting student employability in high-growth sectors. This student-driven petition highlights the real interest and potential enrollment from current undergraduates, providing assurance that these courses would be well-attended and valuable additions to the curriculum. By signing this petition, you're helping bring world-class, practical education to our campus. Let's make Miami Herbert the premier destination for crypto and startup studies!

We respectfully request that Dean Pavlou consider this proposal and invite Solo to teach these courses in an upcoming semester.

Thank you for your support!