Nine pioneering entrepreneurs and innovators have joined forces with Lehigh University to help cultivate the future of entrepreneurship.
This newly formed "Entrepreneurship Kitchen Cabinet"—an ad-hoc advisory group—comprises accomplished alumni and parents who will collaborate with the Office of Entrepreneurship, guiding students and faculty in transforming breakthrough ideas into tangible ventures.
Kauzmann, Tarpenning, Pardee, Helble, Getzler, Stelling, Wassil, Duerig, Rinkunas
The Cabinet boasts a diverse roster of leaders in venture capital, technology innovation, and company building, ranging from Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning to rising star Julia Pardee ’21. Members include Frank Balcavage ’01, Kevin Drucker ’93, Tom Duerig ’74, Sandy Stelling ’91, Luke Traina ’'24, Jim Wassil ’'99, and Mark Strauch '92. Working alongside President Joseph Helble ’82 and Lisa Getzler, Vice Provost of Entrepreneurship, the Cabinet will tackle special projects.
At their inaugural meeting on January 8, the Cabinet advised on the launch of Lehigh Ventures Studio, a key component of Lehigh's strategy to commercialize faculty research. Their overarching purpose is to empower students and faculty with opportunities to build, launch, and grow successful ventures.