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Through the BOLD (Bearcats of the Last Decade) 10 Under 10 Awards, ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ honors alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, demonstrated a very high level of career achievement since leaving campus, and show great potential for future leadership.

Four of this year’s winners are alumni of the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. We asked them how Watson influenced their lives and career paths.

Ryon Batson ’21 was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a community often defined by its challenges but one that instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and determination.

His journey was unorthodox. Admitted to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Batson began his academic career outside the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. Undeterred by this initial obstacle, he worked hard, excelling in general education STEM courses and earned his place in Watson through the Intra-University Transfer Process.

Despite the setbacks of starting in the Engineering Design Division during his second year, Batson remained determined. His persistence paid off when he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial and systems engineering, overcoming the obstacles placed in front of him and laying the foundation for a remarkable career.

At age 23, Batson co-founded FairSplit Inc. alongside two partners, taking a leap into the competitive world of technology startups. Together, they have built a company that is automating accounting, operations and human resource workflows through agentic artificial intelligence. Their innovative solution is designed to reduce human error, improve productivity and empower employees by automating tedious and redundant tasks. Despite being first-time founders, the team’s work earned it a place in the prestigious Techstars Accelerator Program.

Having an understanding that his experiences in entrepreneurship are valuable, Batson is committed to giving back to the Binghamton community. He was a guest speaker at the first Watson College Career Expo and continues to inspire students through his participation in alumni engagement and networking events. In summer 2024, he provided a marketing internship opportunity to a Binghamton student, further demonstrating his dedication to supporting the next generation.

Batson’s journey, from navigating adversity to achieving professional accomplishments, is a testament to his perseverance and his passion for paying it forward to those following in his footsteps.

The ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Alumni Association will present its 2025 Special Recognition Awards on Saturday, May 3, at the Binghamton Club.

What is it like receiving an award like this?

Receiving this award comes with it a deep sense of reassurance. At a pivotal moment in my professional journey, I chose to pursue entrepreneurship over the traditional corporate path. That choice meant embracing risk, instability and uncertainty — things most people try to avoid, especially early in their careers when everything is so fragile and formative.

In making that decision, I found myself walking a path very different from those of my peers, friends and even family members. As a first-generation college graduate, it’s rare to have someone in your corner who truly understands the level of ambition you’re chasing. It’s even rarer to find someone who can relate to the day-to-day struggles of building something from the ground up, or who can offer advice when you just need someone to talk to.

That’s why being nominated and receiving this award means so much. It made me feel seen. It affirmed that someone out there recognizes the sacrifices, both past and present, that come with this path. It reminded me that I’m not walking this journey alone, and that the work I’m doing, the service I’m providing to others, is not only being noticed but is also valued.

More than anything, it brought me joy to think that my story and efforts might help another young person feel a little less isolated while chasing their own dreams. This award is more than recognition, it’s a reminder that I’m on the right path, and that the impact we make, no matter how personal or quiet, can ripple out and mean something real to someone else.

How do you think your time at Watson set you up for success?

My time at Watson prepared me for success in both conventional and unconventional ways.

Unconventionally, Watson introduced me to a harsh but necessary reality: Things won’t always go your way. When I was initially denied admission in 2016, it was the first time I truly experienced a major setback. Until then, I hadn’t really faced a situation where things didn’t fall into place on the first try, so I had never learned how to reassess, adapt and strategically approach a goal from a new angle. Watson taught me that.

I was devastated. I had already told everyone who believed in me that I was going to be an engineer. I had to figure it out. I met with advisors, created a plan and enrolled in general education courses aligned with the Watson curriculum. One year later, I earned admission through the intra-university transfer process. Still, I was accepted into the Engineering Design Division during my second year, which automatically placed me on a five-year path. I embraced it. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life: the power of delayed gratification and the importance of strategic perseverance when plans don’t go as expected.

Conventionally, Watson — specifically the School of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering — shaped my mindset and equipped me with the foundational tools I rely on in my career today. Learning how to analyze systems, create efficiency and sustainability, and identify bottlenecks has been directly applicable to my success. Those skills have become the backbone of my work as an entrepreneur. Without my academic training and experiences at Binghamton, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Which Watson class or professor changed the way you thought about your area of study?

During my time at Watson, there were several professors and advisors who impacted how I viewed my field of study. But if I had to highlight one, it would be Associate Professor Christopher Greene, who taught ISE 311 - Enterprise Systems and ISE 363 - Quality Engineering. Those classes challenged a weak spot I hadn’t paid much attention to — my communication skills.

At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the value of being able to communicate complex engineering concepts in a way that was both concise and digestible. I assumed that the more complex a system was, the longer and more detailed the explanation should be. I didn’t yet understand the power of clarity.

It wasn’t until I became a founder of FairSplit — where we build complex systems and constantly need to explain them to clients, partners and investors — that I realized what Dr. Greene was really teaching me. The ability to clearly and effectively communicate, especially when discussing intricate systems, is a skill that has become essential to our success. It’s not enough to have a great product if your users can’t understand how it works. And when it comes to investors, if you can’t articulate your vision quickly and clearly, it reflects poorly on your credibility, no matter how innovative your idea may be.

Looking back, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr. Greene. The time spent in those courses helped sharpen my communication skills in ways I didn’t fully appreciate then but rely on every day now. Because of that foundation, the work we do at FairSplit isn’t lost in translation. It’s understood, appreciated and impactful.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Binghamton?

Some of my favorite memories from Binghamton revolve around the community I was fortunate to be a part of. That community made up of various student organizations and close friends truly became a family away from home.

I was actively involved in the Black Student Union, became a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and participated as a general body member in several student organizations on campus. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds, yet all striving toward similar goals, created an environment that encouraged personal growth and meaningful connection.

Those experiences shaped me in so many ways, and the friendships I built during that time remain strong to this day. I genuinely believe they’ll last a lifetime.

What advice would you give to current Watson students?

I’d like to leave Watson students with a mantra that I always repeat to myself when I am feeling discouraged: When the traditional path closes, build your own and make sure it’s strong enough for others to walk after you.

This means embracing your own journey without fear of it looking different from someone else’s. There’s nothing wrong with learning from a blueprint, but your path doesn’t need to mirror anyone else’s. We all come from different backgrounds, carry different values and encounter opportunities in different ways. Just because your route is unconventional doesn’t mean you won’t reach your destination. It’s simply your chance to show creativity in how you get there.

And once you do, remember that your journey isn’t just for you. Pay it forward. The sacrifices you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned become valuable tools for those coming behind you. Share them and pass them on. That way, others don’t have to stumble through the same darkness or over the same obstacles just to find their way.