The future is today at Lassonde Studios on the University of Utah campus. The student lounge has the normal dorm stuff such as a pool table, video games and comfy chairs. But that is where similarities end. How many other dorms have a fully-equipped tool room and access to patent attorneys?
Lassonde is more than just a dorm housing 400 residents. It is a center for student entrepreneurs making their business dreams a reality.
Two of those students are junior Austin Birch and sophomore Laurbong Gai. Austin has started Argus Entertainment to produce concerts and special events. Laurbong has created Balmont Ave, a fashion boutique that has premiered several collections. A graduate of Stansbury High, Austin says Lassonde allows him to meld together his love of music with its technical aspects. “This is a hub for people wanting to do something cool,” he says. Lassonde provides him with free office space and he is planning a concert series. “Lassonde invests in its students. It absolutely goes above and beyond,” he says. For Juan Diego alumnus Laurbong, a fashion designer needs sewing machines. Lassonde provides sewing machines. “I want to create elegance in my clothing line,” he says.
Both Austin and Laurbong are also full-time students at the U of U, with Austin majoring in information systems and Laurbong in marketing. What makes Lassonde so special is that it is not a class assignment but a student passion. There is no syllabus. “It’s a place to live, create and launch,”says Austin.
The founder of the Studio is Pierre Lassonde, a U of U graduate who wanted to honor his late wife by forming a space for engineering and business minds to merge. “It’s a playground for student innovation. Kids are learning through trial and error, but they are always learning,” says Thad Kellong, marketing and public relations director.
The Studio is a showcase, but there are mentorships and collaborations involving other students as well. This enables the U of U to be one of the nation’s top schools for young entrepreneurs. The Lassonde idea has existed for twenty years and the actual dorm for six, Kelling says. During that time a backpack and telehealth company (among others) became full-time businesses. “I am humbled every day by the creativity I see,” Kelling says.
At 75, Pierre Lassonde remains a vital inspiration for students in the program. On a pillar in the lounge are life precepts he champions. They include “Leave a better world behind” and “Never miss an opportunity to throw a party.” On that note, Austin says, “Lassonde students know how to party hard.”
Lassonde Studios will hold an open house on May 4 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
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