Student Entrepreneurs Gain 'Lessons from the Trenches' featuring Panelists from the VACE Advisory Board
LEXINGTON, KY – The University of Kentucky's entrepreneurial spirit was on full display on the evening of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as the Student-Led Entrepreneurship Club, in successful partnership with the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), hosted an event with members from the VACE Advisory Board.
The highly anticipated session, titled "Lessons Learned from the Trenches," drew students, staff, faculty, and community members eager to glean real-world wisdom from seasoned business veterans.
The evening kicked off at 5:30pm at the Gatton College of Business & Economics in Woodward Hall, with a lively check-in and networking session. Attendees mingled and had the opportunity to meet the board members prior to the panel discussion, while enjoying Cane’s generously provided by the Entrepreneurship Club.
Candid Insights from the Front Lines
The core of the event was a powerful panel discussion that began at 6:00pm, moderated by the VACE Advisory Board Chairman and Vice President of Tyler Technologies, Silas Deane. The panel featured board members Brian Hicks, Eric Isham, Ameet Patel, and Bob Babbage, who collectively offered decades of diverse entrepreneurial wisdom and experience.
The discussion delivered "guidance that goes beyond the textbook," focusing on areas for any aspiring or current entrepreneur such as navigating the world of entrepreneurship, taking a leap of faith into the unknown, overcoming setbacks, building your team, and knowing the right time to pivot.
Engagement and Networking
The panel transitioned into an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to directly engage with the successful leaders about their specific challenges and triumphs.
The evening concluded with final thoughts and E-Club announcements, followed by a final breakout session for further networking. The opportunity to connect firsthand with these seasoned professionals was widely cited by attendees as the most invaluable component of the event, reinforcing the E-Club's and VACE’s mission to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. Attendees left the event feeling energized and motivated, as they gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenging yet rewarding entrepreneurial journey.
The Entrepreneurship Club, is currently led by President Andrew Jacbos and Vice President Xavier Galan. They strive to foster a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for future business leaders and students at the University of Kentucky.
To Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Club, and to become a member or guest speaker, contact:
Andrew Jacbos | E-Club President | andrew.jacobs@uky.edu
Xavier Galan | E-Club Vice President | xavier.galan@uky.edu
To Learn more about the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, contact:
Mariam Gorjian | Assistant Director | mariamgorjian@uky.edu
