The University of Delaware 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.
UD’s newest school builds on UD’s Horn Entrepreneurship, which has served as the University’s 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.
“The 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,” said Lerner Dean Oliver Yao. “It will serve as a hub for experiential learning in innovation and entrepreneurship education for all students at the University of Delaware, preparing them to lead in a rapidly changing economy while strengthening our impact nationally and globally.”
A landmark gift from alumnus Neil and Sharon Book fueled the creation and naming of the school. Neil, a 1999 graduate of UD’s 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 UD’s Horn National Advisory Board and credits UD 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 University of Delaware to national prominence,” Book said. “We 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 — 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 — by sending into the world graduates who don't just adapt to change, but drive it."
The Books’ 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’s planned Siegfried Hall.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Books for their extraordinary vision and generosity in helping create this transformative school,” Dean Yao said. “There 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.”
For Book, it is most important to honor the work and legacy built by UD’s Horn Entrepreneurship, created with a gift from Charlie, a 1975 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Patty Horn in 2012.
"Charlie’s vision transformed what entrepreneurship education could look like at UD and his generosity has made a lasting difference,” Book said. “I'm proud to call Charlie my partner and friend, to build on what he started, and help ensure the next generation of UD 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’s impact extends far beyond philanthropy through his commitment to supporting students, advancing entrepreneurial learning and strengthening UD’s culture of innovation.
“Neil represents the very best of what we hope our students become — innovative leaders who are deeply committed to helping others succeed,” Freeman said. “Through 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.”
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 UD.
Editor's Note: This story originally appeared as a UDaily feature article. View the original article.
Those interested in supporting or getting involved with the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship may contact Caitlin Aunet at caunet@udel.edu
