At Horn Entrepreneurship, relationships fuel innovation. Whether it’s pairing students with seasoned entrepreneurs, bringing alumni back to share their wisdom, or creating opportunities for collaboration, building bridges is what we do best. And at the center of it all is Laurie Prysock, a true connector who thrives on forging meaningful relationships. We sat down with Laurie to learn more about how she brings people together to strengthen the Horn community.
Tell us a bit about your role and responsibilities at Horn.
I engage entrepreneurial alumni and community members, inviting them to participate in Horn Entrepreneurship programming. This includes guest lectures, venture advising, pitch competition judging, and other programs that support our students. My role is all about building bridges between experienced entrepreneurs and the next generation of innovators.
What is your professional and academic background?
I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Political Science and spent 20 years working in politics before transitioning into the non-profit and government sectors. That experience helped me develop a strong network and a passion for bringing people together—both of which I use every day in my role at Horn.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I have always been a connector. Even outside of work, I actively network and love meeting new people. I enjoy creating meaningful connections between students and alumni, helping to open doors and provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The students! I love getting to know them, learning about their ventures, and introducing them to experienced entrepreneurs who share their passion. It’s also rewarding to help alumni stay engaged with UD and support the next generation of innovators.
Is there a particular project you've worked on that brings you a lot of joy?
Working with the Summer Founders program is always a highlight. Seeing students’ ventures evolve over the course of the program is a great example of how experiential learning can make a real impact. Watching their confidence and businesses grow is incredibly rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a big fan of racquet sports—tennis, paddle tennis, and pickleball. I also love hiking and have a great hiking buddy in my dog, Carlos. I have three grown sons who share my love of travel and tennis, which makes for great family adventures.
What is a fun fact that most people might not know?
I love to travel and have visited all but four states: New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. If you’re from one of these states, I’d love to hear your recommendations on what to see!
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
I’m always looking for new people to engage with our students. If you know someone who would be interested in giving a guest lecture or speaking at a Free Lunch Friday event, let me know! Also, if you’re a student looking for guidance or expertise in a particular area, reach out—I’d be happy to connect you with someone in my network who can help. That’s what building a strong entrepreneurial community is all about!
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
