In May, the Broad College of Business partnered with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to host alumni, students, and partners in downtown Chicago for an evening focused on entrepreneurship and connection. KPMG generously hosted the event, which highlighted Michigan State University’s commitment to business education and innovation.
Jeff King, partner at KPMG and a member of the Broad College Advisory Board, opened the program by welcoming attendees and recognizing fellow board member Stephen Harris. He emphasized the value of engaging with MSU’s student entrepreneurs during the evening’s pitch competition, noting the strong presence of Spartans in the Chicago area.
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KPMG generously hosted alumni, students and partners in downtown Chicago for an evening focused on entrepreneurship and connection.
Jeff King, partner at KPMG and a member of the Broad College Advisory Board, opened the program. He emphasized the value of engaging with MSU’s student entrepreneurs and the strong presence of Spartans in the Chicago area.
Jillian Lorenz (B.S. Mechanical Engineering ’00), co-founder of The Barre Code and 2023 honorary doctorate recipient, introduced a panel featuring Paul Jaques, managing director of venture creation at the Burgess Institute, and Broad College Dean David Souder.
Dean Souder spoke to the importance of alumni engagement in strengthening the college’s impact. “Our alumni are the heart of our mission,” he said, highlighting the college’s dedication to advancing business through research, teaching, and community connection.
The panel discussion centered on Broad’s efforts to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for students across campus. Dean Souder underscored the value of collaboration across disciplines, while Paul Jaques detailed the growth of the Burgess Institute’s programs.
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Jillian Lorenz, co-founder of The Barre Code and 2023 honorary doctorate recipient, introduced a panel featuring Paul Jaques, managing director of venture creation at the Burgess Institute, and Broad College Dean David Souder.
“Our alumni are the heart of our mission,” said Dean Souder (right), highlighting the college’s dedication to advancing business through research, teaching, and community connection.
More than 700 students are now enrolled in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation minor, 300 students participate in the Venture Creation program, and nearly 5,000 engage annually in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Initiatives such as the Momentum Pre-Accelerator provide non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and resources to student founders, supporting ventures that range from startups in Chicago to careers at global companies like Google.
The evening featured a live pitch competition, where the Momentum Pre-Accelerator’s top team presented their venture to attendees. The competition showcased the creativity and determination of MSU student founders.
Following the program, guests continued discussions at a networking reception, connecting with faculty, alumni, and student entrepreneurs.
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The evening featured a live pitch competition, where the Momentum Pre-Accelerator’s top team presented their venture to attendees. The competition showcased the creativity and determination of MSU student founders.
Following the program, guests continued discussions at a networking reception, connecting with faculty, alumni, and student entrepreneurs.
More than 700 students are now enrolled in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation minor, 300 students participate in the Venture Creation program, and nearly 5,000 engage annually in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Initiatives such as the Momentum Pre-Accelerator provide non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and resources to student founders, supporting ventures that range from startups in Chicago to careers at global companies like Google.
The Chicago event reflected the strength of MSU’s entrepreneurial community and its commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders. As Dean Souder summarized, Broad is building a platform where Spartans can collaborate, innovate, and make an impact.
