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Empowering Spartans: Unleashing Opportunities for Innovation and Involvement Across Campus

Empowering Spartans: Unleashing Opportunities for Innovation and Involvement Across Campus

by Aubrey Haase

 

As Michigan State University welcomes new and returning students to the 2023 – 2024 academic year, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation team is thrilled to offer a number of opportunities for all Spartans to get involved with the entrepreneurship community at MSU. 

Aside from the Burgess Institute’s Minor and Venture Creation program designed for every Spartan, our team creates a welcoming atmosphere across various experiences throughout the semester to cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset and inspire innovation, attracting thousands throughout the fall.

A Spectacular Start to the Semester

Our team firmly believes that the heart of a thriving campus lies in the unity and collaboration of its diverse alums, community members, and students who bring unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that enrich our community and contribute to the collective growth of the entrepreneurship program at the University.

Danielle Tice, a 2022 College of Arts and Letters alum, found Burgess Institute events essential to her success. “Getting involved with the Burgess Institute, for me, began with attending as many events as I could. These are opportunities to meet like-minded Spartans. What’s more, as a transfer student, events helped to make Michigan State home.”

The Burgess Institute kicks off the fall with an event-packed week, starting on Monday, Sept. 11, with ESIPand continuing through the weekend with the Innovate State Speaker Series on Thursday, Sept. 14, and Venture Summit: From Grand River to Grand Futures, on Friday, Sept. 15 – Saturday, Sept. 16. 

At Venture Summit, Spartan entrepreneurs, investors, makers, and shakers—alums and students alike—converge on campus for this two-day gathering. This year’s event celebrates the future of creation, collaboration, and innovation. As part of the experience, attendees will get the chance to hear from alum speakers, Evan Dunbar (Research Data Science Tech Lead – AI Infrastructure, Meta) and Jillian Lorenz (co-founder, Barre Code). Following the speakers, attendees can network with students from our program in a tradeshow format. They will also get to wine and dine while partaking in a celebratory dinner and awards ceremony. Starting at 1 PM on Saturday, the Burgess Institute will host a tailgate before the Spartans take on the Washington Huskies at Spartan Stadium.

"Venture Summit will provide opportunities for students and alums to integrate themselves into the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Michigan State University, paving the way for positive change in our community and a bright future ahead," said Laurel Ofstein, the Burgess Institute's faculty director.

If you plan on attending Venture Summit or want to learn additional information, visit the Burgess Institute's Eventbrite page.

Fueling the Future This Fall

For the remainder of the semester, a prominent feature,2DAY VENTURE (2DV), is slated for Fri., Oct. 6 - Sat., Oct. 7 and Fri., Nov. 10 - Sat., Nov. 11. 2DV is an event where students of all majors, skill sets, and experience levels explore turning an idea into a venture. With unbeatable entrepreneurial education, resources, and mentorship, teams will go from small-group collaboration to ideation to business plans in just 36 hours.

The Innovate State Speaker Serieswill be held at the Entrepreneurship Lab from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM throughout the semester, featuring alums like Mark Rieth on Thursday, Sept. 14, Tamira Chapman on Wednesday, Sept. 27, Todd Dunn on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Dave Powell on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Innovate State brings both emerging and accomplished Spartans back to campus for a fireside chat interview. This year, we're focusing several events on our Emerging Leaders. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, we're welcoming alum Courtney Solek to campus, and Wednesday, Nov. 15, we're highlighting Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship on campus. With these stories of success, stories of failures, and stories of uncommon will on a wide array of topics like innovation, startup life, investments, and career paths, our community does not want to miss them. 

These events will bring together individuals from different colleges, diverse backgrounds, and varied interests, allowing us to fully embrace the richness of our community. So, whether new and returning students find their community, pursue their passions, or tap into their strengths, Spartans Will find a home at the Burgess Institute. 

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Fall Event Calendar at a Glance