Innovation Story Series Scholar. Athlete. Changemaker: How Philanthropy Fuels Real-World Learning at SOU

This story highlights how the Institute for Applied Sustainability’s Local Innovation Lab connects classroom learning with real-world community challenges. Follow SOU student and soccer player Franco Fasoli as he applies his economics studies to affordable housing research, demonstrating how hands-on learning and mentorship can help students connect their academic interests with meaningful regional impact.

Franco Fasoli, an international student from Argentina who is graduating with a B.S. in Economics, was initially drawn to SOU for its robust program in his field of interest, coupled with a competitive soccer program—an ideal convergence that spoke to his aspirations…