Note: This story originally appeared on the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute’s website.
The Lassonde Family Foundation – led by Pierre Lassonde, a renowned mining entrepreneur, University of Utah alumnus, Canadian native, and philanthropist for education and the arts – has made another landmark $25 million gift to support the continued growth of the top-10 ranked Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, the university announced today.
The Lassonde Family Foundation has already donated about $25 million, so the new donation doubles their total commitment. Managed by Pierre Lassonde, and his children Julie and Christian Lassonde, the foundation’s sustained support underscores the family’s belief in the institute’s mission and its impact on future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The generous new gift is another major investment in the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business that has rapidly grown from one small program in 2001 to a globally recognized center for student entrepreneurship and innovation, and a leading driver of Utah’s reputation for business and entrepreneurship. The gift also comes as the institute anticipates its 25th anniversary in 2026.
“The institute has become the destination for student entrepreneurs over the past 25 years, and we are very proud of what it has done to inspire students to launch companies, gain real-world experience, and build their careers and futures,” Pierre Lassonde said. “The new gift is a way to deepen our investment in these efforts. It will allow the institute to continue to dream big and do incredible things for young entrepreneurs over the next 25 years and beyond. We know more great things are coming.”
Click here to read the full story on the Lassonde website.