The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute welcomed L4, the fourth group of student residents at Lassonde Studios, at move-in day for the 2019-20 academic year on Aug. 15. The group is one of the most diverse and ambitious yet to live in this unique building at the University of Utah.
All students at the U are welcome to “live, create, launch” at Lassonde Studios. But only 400 are selected to live here each year after a competitive application process. Residents are known as the “Lassonde 400.”
“We’re excited to have a new group of students join us this year,” said Troy D’Ambrosio, executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and an assistant dean at the David Eccles School of Business. “We expect great things from them. We challenge them to dream big and change the world. They are making a great first step by joining our community of makers and doers.”
Here are some quick facts about the L4 residents:
- 52 percent male, 48 percent female
- 59 majors
- 30 U.S. states
- 12 countries
The top US states represented are Utah (246 residents), California (50), Nevada (15), Washington (11), and Idaho (9).
Nichole Choi is one of the L4 residents from California. She is a business student and wants to expand her horizons during her time here.
“I chose to live at Lassonde Studios because the idea of living in the same facility as people that have a similar passion for business as me was, and still is, absolutely inspiring,” Choi said. “The opportunities that this building offers is something I simply could not resist. My eyes have been opened up to a realm of endless possibilities, and I cannot wait to take advantage of all that Lassonde offers.”
The top countries of origin are the US (382), China (6), India (4), and Democratic Republic of Congo (3).
Residents are studying many of the subjects offered at the University of Utah. A few of the most popular majors include business, chemistry, computer science, finance, international studies, political science, and sociology. Many other students are undeclared and have chosen Lassonde Studios as a good place to figure out who they want to become.
Students at Lassonde Studios range from freshmen to graduate students. This year, 195 are first-year students, 121 second year, 48 third year, 24 fourth, and 9 graduate students.
Gus Osimitz is one of the returning residents at Lassonde Studios. As a senior studying information systems and a residential advisor, he plans to meet a lot new people and possibly future business partners.
“I love the energy here,” Osimitz said. “There is something so amazing about living with a bunch of people who dream big and work to make those dreams into reality.”
John Petty is another student accepted to live here this year. He is a first-year student from Illinois who is studying business. While living at Lassonde Studios, he wants to create new connections and launch a product or service.
“When I first saw it, I instantly fell in love with the whole concept of ‘live, create, launch’ and how easy it was to collaborate with other students,” Petty said. “I am looking forward to the workshops to explore new boundaries and learn new things.”
Lassonde Studios has been featured by publications from around the world, including “The New York Times” and “Fast Company,” and it was named by “Architectural Digest” as one of the nine best university buildings in the world. Visitors have come from around the world to learn about the building and entrepreneur programs managed inside.
The first floor of Lassonde Studios is an innovation space for all students, while only residents and their guests have access to the upper floors, which provide unique living and workspace.
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute has received about three times the applications as there are bedrooms every year since it opened in fall 2016.
Learn more about Lassonde Studios at lassonde.utah.edu/studios. The application to live at Lassonde Studios for 2020-21 will open on Oct. 1, 2019, and the priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2020.
The priority application period to live at Lassonde Studios for 2020-21 is Oct. 1, 2019, to Jan. 15, 2020.
