Jake’s, a Lakeland Community, serves as a collaborative “Communiversity” (community university) that combines Lakeland University’s Cooperative Education program with university academic resources to create an environment for learning and practice.
It also serves as a resource for community leaders seeking innovative solutions to real-world problems. It will continue to host startups and other businesses in a creative community setting.
“Jake’s, A Lakeland Community, will attract new students who are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and create new ways for Lakeland to serve as a broader resource to help elevate our community,” said Lake- land President, Dr. Beth Borgen. “Whether a student wants to run a small business or has the next big idea, Jake’s will provide a unique laboratory for learning.”
Jake’s is led by award-winning entrepreneur Stephanie Hoskins, Lakeland’s in- augural Herbert Kohler & Frank Jacobson Chair for Business and Entrepreneurship.
Jake’s is a hub for experiential learning. Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses, a venture that allows students to develop and run all aspects of businesses, along with Launch’s Develop U, which tailors professional development series for employers, will be a part of Jake’s business plan.
Funding for the acquisition of Jake’s, A Lakeland Community, was donated by Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. on behalf of Kohler Co. and by Richard and Kristin (Jacob- son) Bemis.
“Our innovation at Lakeland is fueled and inspired by these entrepreneurs who have helped position Sheboygan County nationally and globally,” Borgen said. “We admire the legacies of Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., Richard Bemis, and Frank and Tryg Jacobson, and we are proud to work together on these shared visions and passions for building our communities.”
Lakeland’s shuttle will provide free transportation for students on its main campus who need easy access to Lakeland’s downtown Sheboygan location.