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Students in a First-Year Seminar taught by Rose Marie Bukics, Jones Professor of Economics and Business, are getting a first-hand look at the many economic and non-economic variables that affect the business world.
The “Entrepreneurial Environment: Exploring Innovation, Risk and Value” course uses case histories, on-site visits, and alumni speakers to examine historical, cultural, philosophical, and economic perspectives of entrepreneurship.
Bukics hopes that the course will serve as an introduction into the world of entrepreneurship and challenge the students’ creative sides.
Charles Abrams ’92, president and CEO of the textile lamination company Dela, Inc., recently spoke to the class. Michael Whitman ’82, president and CEO of Power Medical Interventions, will also be visiting the class this semester to talk about his experiences.
The class recently visited the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and will be going to the Ben Franklin TechVentures.
With its grand opening in August, the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix (LVGP) in Allentown is the first European-style karting facility of its kind in Pennsylvania. Mike McCreary, a 2007 graduate of Lehigh University, used money from a student entrepreneurship competition to put the plan into action. Visiting LVGP allowed the students to see the possibilities of entrepreneurship at a young age.
The concept of business incubators in Pennsylvania originated with Ben Franklin Technology Partners in 1983. Located on the campus of Lehigh University, Ben Franklin TechVentures gives business support and services for early-stage companies.
Students will also explore entrepreneurship by comparing historical legends and modern day individuals who have taken on risks related to their idea or business.
“This course serves as an introduction into possibilities,” says Bukics. “If someone has the drive to be an entrepreneur, there is no stopping them and this course allows students to find out if this is something for them.”