Connolly Center Creates Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program The program exposes students to cutting-edge ideas by bringing business and entrepreneurial leaders to campus.
Stephanie Lind ’92 visited in NovemberThe J. Lawrence Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at Washington and Lee University has announced the development of an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program designed to connect enterprising W&L students with successful alumni from a variety of professional fields and academic disciplines.
“I am hopeful that the EIR program will provide a nice opportunity for alumni leaders and members of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board to gain a strong understanding of our entrepreneurship program and our talented students by spending productive time on campus,” said Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Connolly Center director. “I believe these community and business leaders will benefit from meeting our students, while the students will gain access to mentors who can advise them on everything from potential internships to practical advice in a field they may be interested in.”
A diverse group of individuals have already visited campus to meet with students, faculty and local board members, observe university classes and interact with students via office hours.
Rockbridge County resident Burr Datz ’75 opened the 2024-25 EIR program with a one-day campus visit in September. Datz, who previously served as the university’s director of leadership, interacted with members of the Connolly Entrepreneurship Society and an entrepreneurship capstone class during his visit. He provided engaging, fun and challenging exercises that provided students with a catalyst for forming relationships that support a T.E.A.M. concept: Together Everyone Achieves More.
“The students were alert, engaged and interactive,” said Datz. “I saw them work collaboratively in low ropes course initiatives to plan, implement and evaluate strategies while developing effective communication skills. The Connolly Center is a valuable and practical way to build things with others, even perhaps to build dreams.”
Sofia Iuteri, a sophomore economics and environmental studies double major with a minor in entrepreneurship from Greenwich, Connecticut, is among the many students who have already been impacted by the EIR program.
“My experiences with the EIR program have been transformative – offering invaluable insights into problem-solving, leadership and adaptability,” she said. “Interacting with accomplished entrepreneurs has provided me with practical lessons that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Working with Burr emphasized the importance of teamwork in addressing challenges, showcasing how diverse perspectives within a team can lead to innovative solutions. This skill is one I aim to carry forward in both my studies and professional endeavors.”
The program continued in October when Ben Worth ’92, president of the Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce and vice president of academic affairs for Mountain Gateway Community College, spent two days on campus. Worth also met with the Connolly Entrepreneurship Society, delivering advice on starting businesses and discussing several of the society’s ongoing projects.
The EIR program hosted its first out-of-town guest when Stephanie Lind ’92, a member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, arrived for a five-day residency on campus in November. Lind, founder of the global consulting firm Elohi Strategic Advisors, met with two entrepreneurship classes and engaged with faculty from a variety of academic departments in The College and The Williams School to spark innovation, share real-world insight and build a community of entrepreneurs that continues to grow and support its members long after graduation.
“I was excited to return to W&L and contribute in this way,” said Lind. “The university’s tradition of teaching students to ask questions, think critically and find creative solutions has served me well and will serve the next generation of entrepreneurs, as well.”
“Stephanie came to my entrepreneurship capstone class (BUS 399) to talk to us about growing social media accounts organically,” said Vic Ernst, a senior strategic communication and German double major and entrepreneurship minor from Garden City, New York. “It’s one thing to read about digital marketing strategies but having the social proof from an alum gives the subject matter legitimacy. I currently work as a social media consultant for a firm based in Germany, so hearing advice from Stephanie was invaluable for me. As someone looking to build a career in marketing and eventually own my own business down the line, understanding how to build and promote a brand – whether that’s a personal brand or a corporate brand – is crucial to my success.”
Being able to offer enterprising W&L students the ability to interact with and ask questions of high-achieving business and professional leaders on their own campus is a priority goal for the EIR program.
“It’s about creating a connection to an ecosystem of professionals without a local community,” said Margalus. “The EIR must be a broader program that allows us to access these unbelievably talented and experienced leaders, who can share their expertise and knowledge from a broad range of disciplines – without having to take our faculty and students to them.”
The program continues during Winter Term with out-of-town guests known for their business and investment acumen. They include Greg Barrow ’87, founder and managing director of General Capital Partners, LLC and Blair Garrou ’96, chair of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, venture capitalist and managing partner of the private equity firm Mercury Capital. Barrow will be on campus from Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, while Garrou’s visit is tentatively scheduled for February.
“It’s no mistake that we have a pair of venture capitalists visiting next term,” said Margalus. “We want to expose our students to these professionals not only for advisement but also to pitch their entrepreneurial interests.”
Additional EIR visits are planned for March and April, with Margalus actively seeking future participants who can continue to shape an already transformative experience for W&L’s students.
“My experiences with the EIR program have equipped me with tools to excel in management consulting and startup environments,” said Iuteri. “I now understand the value of leveraging collaborative teams to solve complex problems and embracing uncertainty to achieve growth and innovation. Overall, the EIR program has not only enriched my academic journey but also shaped my vision for future endeavors, ensuring that I remain adaptable, strategic and committed to making a meaningful impact.”
Alumni interested in participating in the EIR program should contact Margalus or Anushka Daunt, assistant professor of business administration.
“We are looking for more individuals with deep professional experience and who are willing to travel to campus,” said Margalus. “We are seeking people with significant time in a variety of fields, whether that be business, sociology or journalism, etc. Ultimately, we’d love to procure a featured speaker whose interests align with our entrepreneurship program. We are hopeful we can continue to expand this program over several years.”
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