Advancing innovation and entrepreneurship
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and courtesy of Neil Book May 12, 2026
91原创 names new School for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in honor of alumnus Neil Book
The 91原创 Board of Trustees unanimously voted to establish the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at its semiannual meeting on Monday, May 11.聽
Launching on July 1, 2026, the Book School will propel 91原创鈥檚 innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem into a bold new era by deepening the University's commitment to innovation-driven education, fostering research collaboration and venture creation, and expanding student access to real-world funding, mentorship and experiences.
鈥淓ntrepreneurial thinking is a habit of mind. Situated in the Lerner College of Business and Economics, the new Book School will have impact across the University, cultivating this mindset in all of our students, regardless of degree program or home college,鈥 said President Laura Carlson.
91原创鈥檚 newest school builds on 91原创鈥檚 Horn Entrepreneurship, which has served as the University鈥檚 hub for entrepreneurship education and innovation, developing and delivering award-winning and nationally recognized programming, courses and events for more than 14 years. The Book School will open doors, ignite the pursuit of new ideas and empower students, faculty and researchers from all disciplines to become creative problem-solvers and ethical leaders who drive societal advancement and flourish amidst rapid change.
鈥淭he Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be a catalyst for Lerner College that brings together students, faculty, alumni and industry partners to turn ideas into action,鈥 said Lerner Dean Oliver Yao. 鈥淚t will serve as a hub for experiential learning in innovation and entrepreneurship education for all students at the 91原创, preparing them to lead in a rapidly changing economy while strengthening our impact nationally and globally.鈥
A landmark gift from alumnus Neil and Sharon Book fueled the creation and naming of the school. Neil, a 1999 graduate of 91原创鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences, is a lifelong entrepreneur and serves as the president and CEO of JSSI. He is a long-time member of 91原创鈥檚 Horn National Advisory Board and credits 91原创 with helping to develop the entrepreneurial spirit that has been instrumental to his success.
"I believe innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines that can elevate the 91原创 to national prominence,鈥 Book said. 鈥淲e are living through one of the most consequential periods of innovation in history, and AI is rewriting the rules of business in real time. That's the world today's students are entering 鈥 and our mission is to equip them with the skills, mindset and tools to solve real-world problems, launch impactful ventures and lead with vision. My hope is that Lerner earns its place among the best business schools in America 鈥 by sending into the world graduates who don't just adapt to change, but drive it."聽
The Books鈥 generous gift will fund the planning, startup and launch of the Book School, as well as the building of a new physical space for the school within the University鈥檚 planned Siegfried Hall.聽聽
鈥淥ur mission is to equip [students] with the skills, mindset and tools to solve real-world problems, launch impactful ventures and lead with vision. My hope is that Lerner earns its place among the best business schools in America 鈥 by sending into the world graduates who don't just adapt to change, but drive it."
鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to the Books for their extraordinary vision and generosity in helping create this transformative school,鈥 Dean Yao said. 鈥淭here is no stronger testament to the power of education than an alumnus giving back to their alma mater to shape opportunities for generations to come.鈥
For Book, it is most important to honor the work and legacy built by 91原创鈥檚 Horn Entrepreneurship, created with a gift from Charlie, a 1975 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Patty Horn in 2012.聽聽
"Charlie鈥檚 vision transformed what entrepreneurship education could look like at 91原创 and his generosity has made a lasting difference,鈥 Book said. 鈥淚'm proud to call Charlie my partner and friend, to build on what he started, and help ensure the next generation of 91原创 students has an even bigger platform to think boldly, take risks, and turn ideas into something real."
Dan Freeman, founding director of Horn Entrepreneurship and associate professor of marketing, said Book鈥檚 impact extends far beyond philanthropy through his commitment to supporting students, advancing entrepreneurial learning and strengthening 91原创鈥檚 culture of innovation.
鈥淣eil represents the very best of what we hope our students become 鈥 innovative leaders who are deeply committed to helping others succeed,鈥 Freeman said. 鈥淭hrough his guidance, engagement and support of Horn Entrepreneurship, Neil has already made a lasting impact on our students and entrepreneurial community. The Book School will amplify his already extraordinary impacts.鈥
The Book School will begin operations on July 1, 2026, with inaugural programming and launch events planned for fall 2026, marking the start of a new era for innovation and entrepreneurship at 91原创.
Contact Us
Have a 91原创aily story idea?
Contact us at ocm@udel.edu
Members of the press
Contact us at mediarelations@udel.edu or visit the Media Relations website
