School of Management marks 40th anniversary with Homecoming gala

In its relatively short history, the School of Management has grown tremendously, yet there is room for further growth. That was the sentiment at the school’s 40th anniversary celebration that took place during Homecoming weekend.

Alumni, faculty and staff gathered on Saturday night in the Mandela Room of the University Union for a gala dinner commemorating the school’s milestone.

In his opening remarks, Dean and Koffman Scholar Upinder Dhillon recapped some of the school’s major accomplishments since its inception in 1970.

“This is a time to reflect on our past and look ahead to an exciting future,” Dhillon said. “Since the School of Management was founded, the hard work of generations of faculty, students and alumni has helped us achieve much.”

Interim President C. Peter Magrath, who led the University during the School of Management’s early days, commended the dean, faculty and alumni for their efforts which led to SOM being named the 12th best public undergraduate business school by Bloomberg Businessweek. 

“This school has a national and international reputation,” Magrath said. “All of us work together to promote something that is really worth promoting. And that is smart education for men and women who will be incredibly strong leaders in business.”

Mark Deutsch ‘81, chair of the school’s Metro Advisory Board, said the school influenced his career path, which progressed from investment banking to private equity to the founding of his own firm, Hudson Ferry Capital.

“I have enjoyed a reasonably successful career, which I attribute to my parents – who put education above all else – and to Binghamton University,” Deutsch said. “I was blessed with terrific teachers, interesting coursework and dynamic and competitive students. That combination brought out the best in me.”

Anthony S. Kendall ‘83, MBA ‘85, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, echoed Deutsch’s feelings for the school. Kendall is CEO of Mitchell & Titus, a member firm of accounting powerhouse Ernst & Young.

“SOM changed my life…this is where I learned how to be a leader,” Kendall said. “People ask me what I did to make myself successful. I tell them I placed myself in the right place and surrounded myself with the right people. The School of Management was the right place.”