The University of Dreams Mission

Our mission is to positively change culture on a mass level by identifying and recruiting Dreamers globally so that we can inspire, equip and challenge them through our products, services, charity and encouragement to discover and pursue their dreams.

It is our dream to enable 1,000,000 Dreamers by the conclusion of 2020.

Offices

History

University of Dreams Inc. was founded in February of 2000. That first summer, 73 participants joined us at Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, where they had the opportunity to meet other motivated college students, grow as individuals, and pursue their dreams in their desired career field with an internship. In that first class in 2000 were a handful of future employees, including the current president of University of Dreams.

Since then, we have continued to expand the number of cities we operate in to allow students the choice to pursue their dream jobs in the most exciting cities around the world. After the initial program in the Silicon Valley, we have added programs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Barcelona, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, Sydney, Dublin, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C. Additionally, we offer placement services in the Fall and Spring in select cities for students who want to further their career through living, working, and earning contract academic credit for an entire semester in their dream city. Enrollment in the University of Dreams programs continues to grow, proof that students are having fantastic experiences and are spreading the word about University of Dreams.

Management

We are proud to say that 75% employees are graduates of the University of Dreams program. The company is built on the core characteristics learned throughout the program regarding living inspired lives while equipping and challenging people to achieve all that they can. The University of Dreams employees truly understand these characteristics, which has resulted in creating a fun, energetic, and passion-based work environment that strives to provide participants with the same great experience that has inspired each employee to dedicate his or her life to helping others achieve their dreams.

As our company continues to grow, we are always looking to identify unique candidates who hold the values of a dreamer and who are passionate about constantly striving to inspire others while focusing on opening young minds to all of their possibilities.

Executive Bios

	Eric Lochtefeld, CEO/Founder - Eric graduated from the University of San Diego in 1993. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, he started his first company, Grassroots Event Marketing Inc., at the age of 25. As the President of Grassroots Event Marketing Inc., Eric co-created and built one of the most successful youth-oriented event properties in existence today, the Vans Warped Tour. Prior to starting Grassroots, Eric was a Sales Manager and Director of Operations for a student travel start-up called L.A. Ski & Sun Tours, which was purchased by one of the largest college student travel companies in the western United States. Eric's passions are entrepreneurship, travel, and inspiring people to discover and pursue their dreams.
	Beth Lochtefeld, Co-Founder - Beth co-founded University of Dreams with her cousin Eric in early 2000. She graduated from University of Notre Dame in 1982. As the founder and President of CODE, Inc., a New York City based architectural consulting firm, Beth grew the company from a home-based business to a multimillion dollar organization over a 15 year period. In April 2002, she sold the business to her associates. She was also the President of Grove House Inc. since 1995, a cooperative housing corporation in Greenwich Village, guiding it from the verge of bankruptcy to comfortable solvency. Beth was the angel investor behind Grassroots Event Marketing (Eric's first company) and was involved with University of Dreams since its inception. Beth's life was tragically taken from her at the young age of 44. At the time of her death, we are quite certain that Beth believed that her BIG DREAM was still ahead of her. However, those that knew her best believe that she had already accomplished her BIG DREAM. We believe that her BIG DREAM was to live a life exactly as she did. Her life was a masterpiece that only she was uniquely gifted to lead. She was born to live it and what an amazing life it was. We will continue to honor her name, her memory, and her commitment to our Dream. Her legacy is carried on through the University of Dreams Foundation. Learn more about Beth and her book, "Tell Me About Your Dreams."
	Danielle Normington, COO/Founder - Danielle graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Human Development. Danielle joined University of Dreams at its inception and has been instrumental in building the company into what it is today. As co-owner of the business, Danielle runs the division responsible for all summer program logistics. She began her professional career as an analyst with Embark.com (purchased by Princeton Review) in San Francisco. After Embark, Danielle made a substantial career change in joining a Silicon Valley based temporary placement agency. As a recruiter for StarTemps, Danielle worked closely with a number of reputable Silicon Valley companies and learned the art of recruiting and selecting talented candidates for her clients. Danielle is fluent in Spanish and her passions are travel, helping people, and her beloved family.
	Brian Buntz, Chief Development Officer - Brian graduated from University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Organizations. Upon graduating, Brian worked in Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer. In addition to becoming fluent in Spanish, he developed a passion for education and helping move people from the life they have to the life they’d like to have. When he returned to the U.S., Brian pursued his teaching credential and began teaching middle school ESL and bilingual core-subject classes. In 2000, after four years in the classroom, Brian embarked on an entrepreneurial project starting Digital Education Productions, creating a video-based ESL software program, which is now used throughout the world by beginning English learners at the middle school, high school, and adult level. An opportunity arose for Brian to spearhead the curriculum development for the University of Dreams’ Summer Seminar Series, and he jumped at it. Brian has a Master’s Degree in Education and his passion is teaching people the process for discovering and living their Dreams.
	Chris Duggan, President –Chris graduated from Boston College with a degree in Finance, Marketing and Spanish. Chris began his career with University of Dreams as a student at BC when he was hired as a Campus Rep. After becoming the top producing Campus Rep, he attended the first-ever University of Dreams program in Silicon Valley. Based on his stellar performance as a Campus Rep, Chris was the second person asked to join the company and has helped build the company from the ground up. His keen business sense and tenacious work ethic have led to major advances in how we attract companies, place participants in internships, and advertise our program to students. Chris credits his experience at the University of Dreams program for having changed his life and is now fully committed to helping college students pursue their dreams.
	Eric Normington, Chief Marketing Officer – Eric graduated from University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree and followed with an Executive MBA from Santa Clara University, California, at which he was awarded membership to the International Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma for recognition of business excellence.   Prior to joining University of Dreams, Eric was the Director of Sales at a leading network integration company in Silicon Valley at which Eric dramatically increased revenue and built new strategic partnerships.  At University of Dreams, he is responsible for the overall operational leadership and he oversees the Sales and Marketing Divisions including Alumni Relations.  In addition, he leads a variety of operational efforts and productivity initiatives.  Eric enjoys keeping active with his wife, Danielle, and their sons, Ethan and Dylan.