| Even in these unusual times, California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events to our communities in Southern California and beyond.
If you want to stay current on what is going on at the School of Management, please follow our Showcase page on LinkedIn. |
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| Steven Dorfman Redirects Millions to Scholarships and Startups. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it created for higher education, Mr. Steven Dorfman who originally pledged a significant donation for a new School of Management building, has decided to repurpose the bulk of his gift so that it can make a positive and more immediate impact to the School of Management. Working closely with President Varlotta, University Advancement, and Dean Apfelthaler, Mr. Dorfman directed $1.2 million, of the original gift, to be used to establish sizable scholarships for incoming undergraduates in the School of Management with an interest in entrepreneurship. In addition, Mr. Dorfman has earmarked $3.6 million of the gift to provide non-dilutive grants to startup companies that involve students or alumni, and to create the first endowed Professor of Practice position in the School of Management, which will be held by Professor Mike Panesis. To recognize Mr. Dorfman’s generosity, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will now proudly bear his name.We are eternally grateful to Mr. Dorfman. Full press release. |
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| Another Milestone Achieved! In January, we were granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) – the premiere accreditation body for teaching-focused business schools. This puts us in the top tier of business schools in the nation, and is a guarantee that our students receive the very best education that they deserve. Accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes meet its rigorous standards. The organization evaluates the quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, educational support, leadership, relationships with stakeholders, and strategic planning to determine whether the business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement. This recognition is the result of our faculty and staff’s commitment to our students and our ongoing efforts to continuously improve! |
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| Launched DEI Webinar Series In recognition of Black History Month and our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, we are happy to report that we held our first event in our new “DEI in the Workplace” webinar series. This event series is spearheaded by our Director for Diversity and Global Engagement, Mary Jo Shane. Our first event, of two-part series, was on the topic of “Preparing for Racial Disparity”. The event drew more than 100 registrants and was a great success. The discussion was expertly led by School of Management Advisory Council member Jeannette Pugh. The panel included School of Management students and alumni; Armin Agor, JaQuay Bangs, Corey Lee, and Arlene Martinez who shared their own experiences, best practices, and future strategies around dealing with racism in the workplace. During a lively interaction with the audience, the panelists not only made this event exceptionally insightful, but they helped inspire further action at the School of Management. Part 2, on the topic of “Preparing for Racial Disparity,” will be held on April 8th. |
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| CERF Receives $75,000 Grant Our Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) has recently attracted an additional grant of $75,000 from the Nature Conservancy. This builds on an earlier grant and covers the expansion of CERF’s groundwater exchange which was started as a pilot project in 2017 and has been fully functioning and operational since early/mid 2020. Led by CERF Executive Director Matthew Fienup and CERF Board Chair Edgar Terry, the groundwater exchange initiative received widespread media attention in the regional, national, and international media, including the prestigious publications The Economist and Neue Zuercher Zeitung. |
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| Councils and Members Added to Support Our Excellence This past year, we have added new advisory councils for our Master of Public Policy and Administration (shown in photo) and Sports Management programs. We also welcome a new member to our Dean’s Advisory Council, Andrea Trujillo, a brand and marketing expert with rich experience in brand and digital marketing. Andrea will also be a guest speaker in our March Forward Together webinar series. We are grateful for our councils, who provide ongoing support through offering internships and placements, project opportunities, guest speaking, mentoring, curriculum development suggestions, and strategic advice, as well as generous financial contributions. Learn more about all our members on our advisory council webpage. |
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| Our SOM events continue to be virtual for the time being due to the pandemic but we are still providing great topics, speakers, and educational offerings to our greater SOM community! |
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