A Message to Alumni

from Dean's Desk, Alumni E-Newsletter
February 13, 2004

Dear Yale SOM Graduates,

Last month I sent a note to all alumni announcing the creation of the school’s new Board of Advisors. In that note, I outlined the primary responsibilities of the board, to help faculty and staff develop and refine the vision and strategic plans of the school, and to provide—and help raise from others—the resources necessary to achieve them.

On February 3rd, thirty members of the new board met to discuss these strategies for continuing the positive trajectory of the school. They also heard President Levin open the meeting with a challenge, setting the goal of having at Yale one of the five best schools of business in the world, without, of course, diluting our unique mission.

The meeting included members of the senior faculty and staff, and there was lively discussion on the size, composition, and quality of the student body, on program initiatives that would distinguish the school, on the need for new facilities, and on the school’s financial resources.

Several key conclusions emerged from this meeting. One, that to take its place among the very best business schools in the world, the school must build a new facility. Two, that fund raising is critical to the school’s future, and that every effort must be made to energize our alumni and friends in the coming months and years. Three, that despite the success of the past eight years, there is a real sense of urgency, that efforts must be redoubled and expanded to address the challenges the school faces.

It was made clear once again, through President Levin’s remarks, that the school is a major priority in the university’s vision for the future. In particular, that for Yale University to fulfill its mission, it must provide leaders for a world that is rapidly changing -- change that is largely being driven by business. In short, it is certain, the Yale School of Management’s mission of educating leaders for business and society will have even added importance in the future growth of the university.

I am happy to report that we have a board with the insight and enthusiasm to advance the vision and challenge that was set before it at this inaugural meeting.

Best regards,

Jeffrey E. Garten, Dean