How the Lassonde Family's $25 Million Donation is Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Utah

A Generous Commitment

The Lassonde family has once again shown their commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship at the University of Utah, donating $25 million to the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. This new contribution nearly doubles their previous donations, totaling $50 million over the years.

A Personal Journey

Pierre Lassonde, a proud alumnus of the university, reflects on his journey from arriving in Salt Lake City with just a suitcase and limited resources to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This institute is a way for him to give back to the institution that shaped his career.

Transformative Impact

The donation is described as a landmark gift by Kurt Dirks, dean of the David Eccles School of Business, emphasizing its potential to enhance education and entrepreneurship opportunities for students. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute aims to inspire and provide hands-on learning experiences for aspiring student-entrepreneurs.

Vision for the Future

Pierre Lassonde envisions the institute becoming one of the top five entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., focusing on students who possess the grit to overcome failures. The Master of Business Creation program is already expanding globally, reaching students in Africa, Canada, Europe, and India.

Building a Community

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute fosters a collaborative environment where students can connect, share ideas, and build businesses together. Troy D'Ambrosio, the institute’s founding executive director, highlights the success stories that emerge from this community.

Utilizing the Gift

This generous donation will enhance the scope of the university's business programs and expand the Masters of Business Creation initiative. Pierre Lassonde’s vision is clear: to change lives and make a global impact through entrepreneurship education.

“Let’s dream.” - Pierre Lassonde