The program’s success lies in its dual effect: teaching participants to dream bigger for themselves while meeting accomplished Silicon Valley business people in a down-to-earth setting where they share their professional insights.
This year's cohort benefited from vibrant conversations with 37 guest experts, gleaning golden insights and wisdom beyond what's available on Google.
Marc Tarpenning, co-founder of Tesla Motors and NuvoMedia, and venture partner at Spero Ventures, spoke to the cohort, sharing his entrepreneurial wisdom and encouraging the students to keep working.
Tarpenning’s ventures are known globally with NuvoMedia commercializing one of the world’s first e-book readers in 1997 and eventually selling for $187 million in 2000. In 2003, he cofounded Tesla with Marc Eberhard.
Tarpenning now spends his time with Spero Ventures, investing in early-stage, mission-driven founders. His investment areas focus on wellbeing, sustainability, learning, work and play.
LSV participant and computer science business major Forum Patel ’27 said she was inspired by Tarpenning and what she learned over the two-week program.
“Every time I spot a problem in our world, I add it to the long list in my iPhone's notes app,” Patel said. “It's become so extensive that I know it's time to stop just collecting ideas and start taking action. The future is here, and I want to be a part of shaping it, one Bay Area trip at a time.”
Passion Fueled by People
LSV Participants learned firsthand when teams connect authentically and respectfully — even when they disagree — they push each other toward excellence.
Of all the wisdom and advice shared throughout the program, one surprising thread wove everything together: it's always the people who matter most. Every breakthrough, understanding and product begins with human connection.
Tom Gillis ’14P, ’16P, ’17, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Security, Data Center, Internet and Cloud Infrastructure Group, often tells LSV participants: “Great people make great products, and great products make great companies.”
Gillis, who hosted a Zoom chat with students, is a serial entrepreneur and software security leader. Prior to his current role, he was the senior vice president and general manager of VMWare’s Networking and Security Business Unit, and before that, the CEO of Bracket Computing.
Eve Freed ’21, a Cisco product marketing manager and alumni panelist, cut through common networking anxiety with refreshing clarity: “Think of it like making friends.”
This philosophy came to life as LSV participants attended the Entrepreneurship Alumni Event in San Francisco, where President Joseph J. Helble ’82 and Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship Lisa Getzler delivered opening remarks, followed by a keynote from Tarpenning.
Coming Full Circle
Kauzmann was a student participant in the 2012 inaugural LSV program.
The experience was so impactful that he’s remained deeply involved in entrepreneurship education at Lehigh ever since.
“This program dramatically changed my life's trajectory, all thanks to the incredible guests who volunteered their time and shared their wisdom,” says Kauzmann. “What makes it especially meaningful is how many return as guests themselves, sharing their own journeys as founders, funders and intrapreneurs.”
This story was told in collaboration with Kristin Laudenslager, director of marketing and communications for Lehigh’s Office of Entrepreneurship. Sydney Weaver '25 contributed to this story.
