WASHINGTON – Rand Construction founder, CEO and chairman and GW Board of Trustees member Linda Rabbitt will address the graduating class of the George Washington University’s School of Business (GWSB) on Friday, May 18,2012. The school’s commencement celebration will take place at GW’s Charles E. Smith Center, located at 600 22nd St., NW.
“Ms. Rabbitt is a pioneer in the business community,” said GWSB Dean Doug Guthrie. “She exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit we aspire to instill in our students at GWSB. As the founder of two very successful commercial construction companies, Ms. Rabbitt is an ideal role model for students of an entrepreneur and innovator in her field.”
Ms. Rabbitt has received many accolades throughout her tenure in the construction industry. Most recently, she was honored by The Washington Business Journal as a “2012 Outstanding Director” for her exceptional service and vital leadership to the board at Towers Watson. Ms. Rabbitt was also profiled by NBC4 as part of The Fairfax Chamber’s “Starting, Growing & Succeeding as a Woman Entrepreneur” event. Additionally, Ms. Rabbitt was named as one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in DC” by The Washingtonian in 2011 and was presented with a 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for her exemplary contributions and career achievements by the Professional Women in Construction Washington, D.C. Chapter.
“I’m honored to have been chosen for the commencement address this year,” said Ms. Linda Rabbitt, CEO of Rand Construction and GWSB’s 2012 commencement speaker. “I still recall both the excitement and trepidation of my own graduation forty years ago and it is with the perspective of those next forty years that I will address this year’s graduating class. Much in business has changed but entrepreneurship and the” impact of the individual” remains more important than ever.”
Ms. Rabbitt was also the recipient of the “Distinguished Entrepreneurial Achievement Award” from the George Washington University. In 2008, she was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame for her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the quality of life in the National Capital Area. Ms. Rabbitt holds a Master of Arts degree from GW and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
“Not only is Ms. Rabbitt a successful business leader and board member, she is a driving force behind advancing opportunities for female executives,” said Dean Guthrie. “We are honored to have someone of her caliber speak at our commencement.”
GW’s School of Business is an international leader in education and research, which prides itself on training future leaders to be global problem solvers and socially responsible managers. The school leverages its prime location—in the heart of Washington—by attracting visiting scholars and leaders in the business community to work, teach and engage with students on campus. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for academic engagement and career development for students in the school’s core Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and doctoral programs.
For more information about the GW School of Business, visit: http://business.gwu.edu.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on May 1, 2012 | Filed under: Press Releases.
Representatives from Under Armour, Octagon and U.S.
Olympic Committee to Participate
Feb. 10 – 11, 2012
EVENT: The George Washington University will host the 2012 Sports Industry Networking and Career Conference (SINCC). This two-day conference will feature discussions by sports industry leaders including Kevin Plank, CEO/founder of Under Armour; Rick Harrow, host of Bloomberg Television’s “Sportfolio;” Phil de Picciotto, president of Octagon; and Lisa Baird, chief marketing officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee. This event is co-hosted by the George Washington University School of Business Sport Management Program and Swanson Communications. A complete agenda is available online.
WHEN: Friday, Feb.10, 2012; 9 a.m. – 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012; 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
WHERE: The George Washington University
Jack Morton Auditorium
805 21stSt., NW, Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Orange and Blue Lines)
RSVP: Media interested should RSVP to Dustin Carnevale at 202-994-3674 or dcarnevale@gwmail.gwu.edu
BACKGROUND:
The Sports Industry Networking and Career Conference provides attendees with unprecedented access to sports business executives through panel discussions and roundtable networking lunches. These executives will provide insight on the latest trends in business and offer advice on entry into the highly competitive industry.
GW’s School of Business Sport Management program is a leader in preparing undergraduate and graduate students to market and manage sport events, organizations, media, products and athletes as well as sport tourism destinations and facilities. Students learn how to succeed in a competitive marketplace through practical assignments with leading professionals and organizations in the sport industry.
For more information on the GW’s School of Business Sports Management Program, visit www.business.gwu.edu/sportmba
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on February 7, 2012 | Filed under: Press Releases.
WASHINGTON – George Washington University School of Business wrapped up another successful “Business Gives Back” event tonight at the House of Sweden. In its second year, this student-led initiative celebrates the business school’s commitment to teaching responsible business practices and the empowerment of students to impact positive social change. The event brought together students, professors, alumni and members of the D.C. business community to raise funds for student-led charitable organizations.
This year, Business Gives Back recognized Dan Simons, Principal at international restaurant consulting firm Vucurevich Simons Advisory Group (VSAG) and Managing Partner of Farmers Restaurant Group, with its first annual Business Gives Back Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Simons, a 1992 GWSB graduate, was nominated for his commitment to sustainability in every facet of his life. By incorporating sustainable practices throughout his successful Founding Farmers restaurants, from ingredients to corporate culture, he lives the promise of an ethically and socially responsible businessperson.
“The George Washington University School of Business challenges students to think more broadly about business and society. Our aim is to prepare students not only to tackle future business challenges, but to positively impact their communities,” said Doug Guthrie, dean of the School of Business. “Dan takes this commitment seriously. Sustainability is a responsibility and an essential part of how his business is run. It is our great honor to recognize him as an alumni who truly embodies what GWSB stands for.”
Funds raised at the event will go to three student-led initiatives. Jay Leblag, PMBA 2012: The Jena Ashley Smiles 929 Foundation, Amir Abdullah, GMBA 2012: GWSB Financial Literacy Program, and Daniel Lieberman, JD/MBA 2012: Music for Matt. Each of these outstanding students created nonprofits or community service groups making an impact on D.C. and the global community. “The students selected to compete at this year’s event are an inspiring group,” said Liesl Riddle, Associate Dean of MBA Programs. “Each has an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with a sincere commitment to impact positive change in people’s lives, an amazing quality we find in our students.”
GW’s School of Business is a recognized education leader, the result of a strategy to improve its high academic standards while providing practical experiences that leverage the unique advantages of its Washington location. GW’s School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and doctoral programs.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on January 30, 2012 | Filed under: Press Releases.
**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Jan. 23, 2012
EVENT
Business Gives Back is a student-led initiative celebrating a commitment to responsible business and social change. Culminating in a benefit featuring musical performances by Global MBA students, the event brings together students, professors, alumni, and members of the D.C. business community to celebrate responsible business, while raising funds for a high-impact, student-led initiative.
WHEN
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
WHERE
House of Sweden
2900 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(Georgetown Waterfront)
AWARDS
Business Gives Back Distinguished Alumnus, Dan Simon, Principal at Vucurevich Simons Advisory Group; Managing Partner at Founding Farmers and the Farmers Restaurant Group; BBA in International Business, Class of 1992.
Business Gives Back Student Impact Award nominees:
Jay Leblang, PMBA 2012: The Jena Ashley Smiles 929 Foundation
Amir Abdullah, GMBA 2012: GWSB Financial Literacy Program
Daniel Lieberman, JD/MBA 2012: Music for Matt
SPONSORS
KPMG, RBC Wealth Management, Washington Gas (Silver Sponsors)
Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers (Bronze Sponsors)
RSVP
Event proceeds benefit GWSB student led charitable organizations.
Tickets and more information are available here.
BACKGROUND
Now in its second year, Business Gives Back was launched by a group of Global MBA students to advance the diversity of backgrounds, talents, and interests of the GWSB student body. Business Gives Back is supported by contributions by the GWSB community: MBA Association, the administration, and corporate sponsorships.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on January 24, 2012 | Filed under: Press Releases.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2012
WASHINGTON – The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) online Healthcare M.B.A. program ranked in the top third of several categories in “U.S. News and World Report’s” online education programs released today. The GWSB online Healthcare M.B.A. ranked 7th for Faculty Credentials and Training (out of 90); 9th for Student Services and Technology (out of 161); and 20th for Teaching Practices and Student Engagement (out of 156).
“The GW School of Business offers an excellent online Healthcare M.B.A. program and student experience,” said Doug Guthrie, dean of GWSB. “The program is specifically designed for the needs of working professionals who desire to advance their careers to the highest level with a flexible and convenient course load. Graduates of the program are part of an elite group of business leaders who have the essential tools and resources for successful management in the healthcare arena.
The fact that “U.S. News” is for the first time ranking online programs is a sign of the changing times. To be competitive, universities must focus on curriculum innovation—advancing online education is a necessary part of driving this initiative. I am very pleased to see GWSB’s efforts are being recognized.”
GW’s School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core bachelor of business administration, master of business administration and doctoral programs. GW’s undergraduate- and graduate-level international business programs rank among the world’s best.
For more information about the GW School of Business, visit: http://business.gwu.edu.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on January 12, 2012 | Filed under: Press Releases.
GW Undergraduate, Graduate and Local High School Students to Compete in Elevator Pitch Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2011
EVENT:
The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) will host its Pitch George Business Plan Competition. Student competitors will have three minutes to pitch their business proposals to a panel of judges who will select first, second and third place winners in three categories: GW undergraduate students, GW graduate students and local high school students.
WHEN:
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011; 8:25 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
WHERE:
The George Washington University
Funger Hall, Room 520
2201 G St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Orange and Blue lines)
BACKGROUND:
The first team in each of the graduate and undergraduate categories will receive a prize of $2,000; the second team $1,500; and the third team $1,000. The first team in the high school category will receive a prize of $750; the second team $500; and the third team $250. In addition, the three winning teams will be entitled to receive certain other non-monetary prizes consisting of legal help in establishing a company.
An elevator pitch is a summary of an idea for a new business product or service that can be delivered with elegance and clarity in the span of an elevator ride. More than 50 aspiring entrepreneurs are expected to compete in Pitch George, which is held in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week.
GW’s School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and doctoral programs. GW’s undergraduate- and graduate-level international business programs rank among the world’s best.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jill Sankey
202-994-6466; jpsankey@gwu.edu
Michelle Sherrard
202-994-1423; mcs1@gwu.edu
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on November 9, 2011 | Filed under: Press Releases.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2011
University and High School Students and Local Business Professionals Come Together to Inspire Future Generations of Industry Leaders
WASHINGTON – The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB), in partnership with the D.C. Public School (DCPS) system, have launched a new mentorship program between the university’s business students, local business professionals and Anacostia High School students. The 2+2 Mentor Program brings together two high school students and two mentors with high school students to develop innovative ideas, inspire young minds and make an impact on the local community.
In a unique venture designed to benefit multiple communities, DCPS students will gain exposure to insights and experiences of business and policy professionals at different stages in their careers, helping them better envision career path and professional development possibilities for their own future. The pilot program will benefit high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, providing them with guidance, encouragement and support in business development and career arenas.
At the same time, GWSB students will have the opportunity to apply their business school knowledge and skills as co-mentors, while also receiving guidance from a leader in the local business and policy community. These business partners are able to give back to two generations of young people at different stages of their career development by participating in a structured, goal-focused and rewarding mentor program that is both intellectually and emotionally engaging.
All mentors and mentees will participate in a series of workshops hosted at GWSB and Anacostia High School, focused on financial literacy, social entrepreneurship and leadership, with the goal of creating a personal development plan for each mentee. Workshop and personal development plan curricula will be designed and administered by GWSB students with faculty guidance and support. Aside from the workshops, mentors and mentees are expected to connect at least three times per month.
GW’s School of Business is a recognized education leader, the result of a strategy to improve its high academic standards while providing practical experiences that leverage the unique advantages of its Washington location. GW’s School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and doctoral programs.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jill Sankey
202-994-6466; jpsankey@gwu.edu
Michelle Sherrard
202-994-1423; mcs1@gwu.edu
- GW -
Posted by GWSB on November 3, 2011 | Filed under: Press Releases.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2011
WASHINGTON – The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) ranks in the top five of schools nationwide for its undergraduate international business program, according to the 2012 “U.S. News & World Report” Best Colleges rankings.
“It is impossible to overstate the importance of the international economy for young aspiring business leaders today,” said Doug Guthrie, dean of GWSB and professor of management and international business. “Delivering excellent education and experiences in this area is a core part of our mission. By helping our students deeply understand the complexities of the global business environment and the political and cultural contexts of specific international business environments, we are arming a new generation of business leaders with the tools to navigate the global economy. I am so gratified that we are being recognized for our work in this area.”
The “U.S. News & World Report” rankings for undergraduate programs are based on a survey of deans and senior faculty at undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
GW’s School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core bachelor of business administration, master of business administration and doctoral programs. GW’s undergraduate- and graduate-level international business programs rank among the world’s best.
To view the U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/09/13/princeton-harvard-williams-top-us-news-best-colleges-rankings
For more information about GW’s School of Business, visit:
http://business.gwu.edu.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on September 15, 2011 | Filed under: Press Releases.
Second Annual Prestige 100®: China IQ Index Ranks the Digital Footprint of 100 Prestige Brands in China
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2011
WASHINGTON – Audi took the top spot in the second annual L2 Prestige 100®: China IQ index, which measures the digital competence of 100 prestige brands in China, the world’s fastest growing luxury market. This study was developed by NYU-Stern Professor Scott Galloway and a team of experts from L2, a think tank for digital innovation and Doug Guthrie, dean of GW’s School of Business and China scholar. The brands included in the study were scored on more than 300 data points across four dimensions — site, digital marketing, social media and mobile. To download the complete rankings and key findings, visit this link.
“In today’s global economy, China is the driver of so much growth” said Dean Guthrie. For many companies, if you get your China strategy right, you are probably going to be okay. However, the Chinese market is still tremendously misunderstood; and the digital landscape in China even more so. L2 Think Tank is a radical innovator in the area of research of digital research and marketing. GWSB’s partnership with Scott and his team give us a real opportunity to put forward knowledge about China that is simply not out there.”
Sixty-eight percent of the brands in the study were classified as “challenged” or “feeble.” Only three, Audi, Burberry and BMW, earned “genius” distinction, suggesting that digital efforts in China are nascent. However, there is evidence the market is moving quickly. The number of brands selling online doubled from 2010 to 2011, while brand participation on Chinese social media platforms increased from less than 5 percent to 66 percent of brands.
“The prestige market globally is predicted to grow at a rate 2.2x GDP, most of it powered by one market – China” said Professor Galloway. “The online medium presents a tremendous opportunity to reach a Chinese consumer who is younger, digitally native and obsessed with luxury.”
Top Ranked Brands in the Study:
1. Audi
2. Burberry
3. BMW
4. Volvo
5. Benefit Cosmetics
6. Cadillac (tied)
6. Estée Lauder (tied)
8. Land Rover (tied)
8. Mercedes-Benz (tied)
10. Porsche
Key findings include:
Selling is Knowing: Twenty brand sites are e-commerce enabled, twice the number from 2010. Brands selling online have an average digital IQ 16 points higher than those without online sales. With 11 out of 15 brands selling online, beauty and skincare brands continue to have the highest e-commerce penetration. However, the fashion category had the largest change from 2010 – increasing from 7 percent to 24 percent.
Digital Disparity: Although 56 percent of Chinese luxury purchases are made abroad, only 58 percent of brands provide U.S. and European store locators, a large missed opportunity. The majority of sites fail to list pricing in Chinese currency, provide user reviews or integrate Chinese social media.
Wild About Weibo: In the highly fragmented Chinese social landscape, Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging site, is the platform of choice. Fifty-seven percent of prestige brands maintain a presence on this platform launched in April 2010.
Buried on Baidu: With 76 percent of the Chinese search market, local search engine Baidu has continued to gain share at Google’s expense. However, visibility on Baidu has declined since April 2010 with 42 percent of prestige brand sites failing to be returned in the top three search results for a Chinese brand name search, up from 29 percent.
Mobile Incompatibility: Two-thirds of China’s 485 million Internet users access the web via their phone, yet only 25 percent of brands (up from 2 percent in 2010) maintain a mobile optimized site. While 60 percent of Prestige 100® brands have an app in the Chinese iTunes store (up from 16 percent in 2010), only two-thirds of these apps are available in Chinese.
On October 14, L2 will host the Social Graph: China Clinic in Shanghai, a series of intensive workshops highlighting best practices and findings from the study.
About L2
L2 is a think tank for digital innovation. Founded by NYU Stern professor of marketing Scott Galloway, L2 helps prestige brands navigate the digital marketing landscape through events, research and advisory services. L2 Digital IQ Index® and Prestige 100® studies measure brands digital efforts on some of the fastest growing platforms and are published annually across industries including fashion, beauty and skincare, automobiles, watches and jewelry and spirits and champagne.
For more information, visit: www.l2thinktank.com or to speak with L2’s Scott Galloway, please contact him at scott@stern.nyu.edu.
About GWSB
The George Washington School of Business prepares students for professional management careers. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for students in the school’s core bachelor of business administration, master of business administration and doctoral programs. GW’s undergraduate- and graduate-level international business programs rank among the worlds best.
To speak with GW’s Dean Guthrie, please contact Jill Sankey at 202-994-6466; jpsankey@gwu.edu.
-GW-
Posted by GWSB on September 13, 2011 | Filed under: Press Releases.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2011
WASHINGTON – The George Washington University’s European Union Research Center (EURC), together with four partner universities, was recognized by the European Union (EU) Commission in Brussels as one of a few distinguished centers for European Union studies in the United States. The EU Commission awarded the EURC and the American Consortium on European Studies (ACES) the converted EU Center of Excellence Grant. The grant award includes a Euro300,000 research grant ($433,000) for 2011-14.
“This award will help the GW EU Research Center to continue as one of the leading research centers in the United States for European affairs,” said Scheherazade S. Rehman, director of the EURC and professor of international business and international affairs. “The grant will allow us to further our knowledge of critical issues facing the European countries today that are greatly impacting the global economy.”
This partnership hopes to assist multidisciplinary and cross-agency work, and to engage scholars, students, multilateral institutions (IMF, World Bank); Congressional legislative and executive branch officials; media, private and government sectors; and NGO leaders in four areas: research, society, media outreach and policy outreach. EURC/ACES also form a part of the joint network of 10 official European Commission sanctioned EU Centers of Excellence at universities throughout the United States. This increases the total EURC/ACES grant awards to more than $1.4 million over the last decade.
Established in 1998, the EURC is housed in the GW School of Business. The mission of the EURC is to promote research and discussion of the European Union, its member states and U.S.-E.U. relations. In order to further itself in this scholarly endeavor, the EURC has formed a unique Washington, D.C. multi-institutional partnership with four major research universities under the umbrella of American Consortium on European Studies (ACES). Partners are Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Georgetown University, American University and George Mason University (affiliated partners include the University of Maryland and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution).
Located four blocks from the White House, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation’s capital. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 120 countries.
For more information about the European Union Research Center, visit http://business.gwu.edu/eurc/
For more news about GWSB, visit http://business.gwu.edu/
For more news about GW, visit http://www.gwu.edu/
- GW -
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jill Sankey
202-994-6466; jpsankey@gwu.edu
Michelle Sherrard
202-993-1423; mcs1@gwu.edu
Posted by GWSB on August 23, 2011 | Filed under: Press Releases.
