A Landmark Year for Graduate Programs

Goizueta Business School’s master’s diploma ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, marking a significant milestone for the school. As well as welcoming graduates from the MBA, Master of Finance (MF), and Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programs, Dean Gareth James had the pleasure of introducing the inaugural class of the Master in Business for Veterans (MBV) graduates and Master in Management (MiM) graduates. 

In his address, Dean James highlighted the importance of taking risks, drawing inspiration from Roberto C. Goizueta’s legacy. He encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities that may seem daunting, sharing his own experience of moving from New Zealand to the U.S. for graduate school. “All my biggest successes have come from taking risks,” he noted, urging the Class of 2025 to dive in whenever opportunity comes knocking. 

The keynote speaker Adrian Tonge 02C 07EvMBA, Executive Vice President of Data & Analytics North America at Chubb, and a proud double Emory alumnus, shared insights from his career in data science and AI. He emphasized the importance of community in finding fulfillment and success. “While life isn’t linear—and its paths can be daunting—I encourage you to travel it with others. Build your network. That network will carry you farther than you imagined.”

Undergraduate Accomplishments Celebrated with Pride 

On Monday, May 12, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) diploma ceremony was held at the Woodruff PE Center. Dean Gareth James addressed the Class of 2025 with a message of pride, challenge, and inspiration.

“Our programs are selective, our standards are high, and the path to this moment has required resilience, determination, and grit,” James said, recognizing the collective efforts of faculty, staff, and especially families and loved ones.

Graduates also received a special address from Rick Rieder 83BBA, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock. Rieder, who is responsible for managing roughly $3 trillion in assets, shared the seven words that he lives by: “Work hard. Play hard. Give back. Reboot.”

After a series of inspiring moments, Dean James returned to close the ceremony with a reflection that emphasized the strength of Goizueta’s community—drawing a powerful comparison to the sport of competitive sailing and highlighting the enduring role of alumni like Rieder.

“The students are the water that we sail through—without them the race doesn’t even make sense. But our alumni—our alumni are the wind in the sails,” he said. “You now have the honor and privilege to call yourselves Emory Goizueta Alums.”

The BBA Honors & Awards Celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2025 recognized the achievements of Goizueta’s exceptional graduating seniors.

Honoring Doctoral Scholars 

In a more intimate but equally meaningful celebration, Goizueta honored its graduating PhD students during a send-off reception on Wednesday, May 7. Dean Gareth James described it as “a small handful of very special students” entering a “rare and privileged group — PhDs.” This year, nine doctoral graduates joined the ranks of over 120 Goizueta PhD alumni, heading to distinguished institutions as postdoctoral scholars and assistant professors. 

Reflecting on his own academic lineage, Dean James spoke about the continuity of scholarly knowledge stretching back hundreds of years — from Trevor Hastie and Peter Huber to names like Laplace, Euler, and Bernoulli. “You have that same accumulated knowledge,” he told graduates. “That is a privilege that few people ever experience. Now you have a duty to go out into the world and both add to, and spread, that knowledge.” 

“This is a very important success,” James concluded, “but also a stepping stone to even bigger and better things. Take a few minutes today to celebrate.”

“But of course, tomorrow — get straight back to finishing off that paper,” Dean James joked. 

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2025 embarks on their next chapters, Dean James reminded them of the enduring support from the Goizueta community.   

“Ultimately, Goizueta will be judged based on the graduates we produce. Your successes and failures are also ours. But I know, with absolute certainty, that you will all experience many more successes than failures. Our school’s future is very bright.  As you set sail into this next phase of life, know that Goizueta will always be part of your crew—ready to support, celebrate, and steady the course when needed.” 

Congratulations to the Goizueta Business School Class of 2025! 

For more information on Emory University’s 2025 Commencement, visit the Commencement Hub.

The post Goizueta Welcomes the Class of 2025  appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Curveballs and Comebacks: The Making of Emory Scholar-Athlete Blake Dinçman

Undergraduate student Blake Dinçman’s 25BBA path shows the power of grit, growth, and giving back. With a job offer in impact-driven finance, he’s just getting started.

Meet Blake Dinçman

Data-Driven Healing: The Journey of Tommy Pan  

Meet Tommy Pan 25MSBA, a graduating MS in Business Analytics student whose journey has been shaped by curiosity, purpose, and a passion for healthcare innovation. In this Q&A, he shares how his background in business, chemistry, and data science is helping him make a meaningful impact in the world of health tech. 

Meet Tommy Pan

Finding Motivation in a Mission-Driven MBA 

Molly McDonald 25EvMBA joined Goizueta Evening MBA program with a passion for purpose-driven leadership and social impact. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, insights, and what’s next after graduation. 

Meet Molly McDonald

Amber O’Donoghue Finds Her Voice and Vision at Goizueta 

Meet Amber O’Donoghue 25MBA, a graduating Full-Time MBA student whose journey has been shaped by leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. In this Q&A, she shares how her experiences—from Spelman to Accenture to Goizueta—are fueling her next chapter in marketing and strategy. 

Meet Amber O’Donogue

Qazi Haq Proves Community Is the Most Powerful Classroom

Meet Qazi Haq 25MBA, a graduating Full-Time MBA student whose Goizueta journey has been defined by leadership, mentorship, and a drive to build community. In this Q&A, he reflects on his experiences, his passion for finance and strategy, and what comes next.  

Meet Qazi Haq

Hurl Taylor Proves It’s Never Too Late to Learn or Lead 

Meet Hurl Taylor 25MBV, a graduating Master in Business for Veterans student whose journey is a testament to lifelong learning, service, and resilience. In this Q&A, the 86-year-old Army veteran and four-time Emory graduate shares how he continues to use his experience and education to uplift others. 

Meet Hurl Taylor

Hailey Hunt Brings a Literary Lens to Leadership and Management 

Meet Hailey Hunt 25MiM, a graduating Master in Management student whose journey reflects a passion for leadership, collaboration, and purposeful work. In this Q&A, she shares how her experiences at Goizueta have prepared her to lead with intention and drive results through strong teamwork. 

Meet Hailey Hunt

Business with a Pulse: Georgia Forrest Redefines Leadership in Medicine and Beyond

Meet Dr. Georgia Forrest 25EMBA, a graduating Executive MBA student whose journey is defined by visionary leadership and a deep commitment to transforming healthcare. In this Q&A, she shares how her time at Goizueta is helping her drive change—from hospitals to policy—while empowering others along the way.  

Meet Georgia Forrest

Crunching the Numbers That Move Markets: Emilio Cristofoli’s Future in Finance Takes Shape

Meet Emilio Cristofoli 25MF, a graduating Master of Finance student whose journey is fueled by a passion for quantitative analysis and a drive to excel in capital markets. In this Q&A, he shares how his time at Goizueta has prepared him for a future in investment banking or asset management—and why he plans to stay closely connected to the Emory community.  

Meet Emilio Cristofoli

Want to see Goizueta Business School from a student’s perspective? Discover firsthand accounts of campus life and leadership experiences at Goizueta by exploring the Voice of Goizueta webpage, where students share their unique experiences and insights.

The post Meet the Class of 2025 appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Which is why one might be surprised to learn that this all-star student-athlete didn’t make the cut in his first application to Emory.

“I took a unique path to Emory,” says Dinçman. “I didn’t get into Emory and went to Tulane University out of high school to play baseball. I thought that I would spend all four years of college there. However, I was cut from the baseball team at the end of my first semester there, and I immediately entered the transfer portal and landed at Gulf Coast State College for the following semester. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with my A.A. in General Studies and I was recruited by the Emory Baseball team as a transfer.”

Determination and adaptability are what carried Dinçman toward his destiny–skills he honed through his baseball career.

“Baseball has brought me some of the most valuable mentors and coaches in my life, and instilled values of diligence and devotion that can translate to any field.”

Dinçman also credits his homerun of an academic career to the collaborative and intimate environment of Goizueta Business School, the support of faculty and classmates there, and–especially–his family.

“I’m grateful for my parents Tolga and Holly, who gave me everything just to have the chance to be successful in my life.”

“Dinçman is quite extraordinary,” says Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education & Professor in the Practice of Organization and Management Andrea Hershatter. “His discipline, commitment, and engagement are unmatched. I don’t believe it is possible to do more than he has done as an Emory student.”

Post graduation, Dinçman is weighing a few offers, but will most likely be joining PNC Financial Services Group in Philadelphia, PA, as an Asset Management Group Development Program Analyst, where he hopes to make a tangible impact for societal good.

“The niche line of business I’ll be working with at PNC–called Institutional Asset Management–carries great societal impact in my eyes. Instead of being a strictly transactional business, we manage the relationships and investment accounts for Endowments & Foundations, Public Pensions & 401(k)s, and other private companies. For example, we get to see firsthand how PNC-advised investment growth leads to additional scholarship and grant opportunities for endowments and foundations, who often disburse funds to impactful social causes and exceptional individuals and students.”

Dinçman will miss his Goizueta community, and–surprisingly–finals week. Those grueling study sessions hunkered down alongside classmates with food and paperwork strewn across the table left him with some of his favorite memories. He credits both his Business Law grade and his close relationship with his senior baseball teammates to their hours-long roundtable review sessions before exams.

In the future, Dinçman dreams of founding a FinTech start-up, or managing a fund alongside his Emory Baseball teammates and Goizueta-peers Chris DiVito and Jonah Wronski.

“Given my upbringing in the Deep South and the emphasis placed on ‘Southern Hospitality,’ I hope to bring a unique perspective on relationship-building wherever I land.”

Ultimately, Dinçman hopes to be an involved alumnus and mentor who finds himself, one day, in a philanthropical position to help support the people and institutions that raised him.

“I took great pride in leading younger baseball teammates in all aspects of their college career, and I hope to become the kind of mentor that pushes others to realize their own potential. I always want to uphold a focus on service and social causes, as well as the importance of one’s family and faith in their life.”

For more Emory Commencement stories, updates, photos and videos, and celebration details, visit commencement.emory.edu.

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This year’s festivities took place at the Gas South District, just outside of Atlanta. Gregory L. Fenves, president of Emory University, says the decision was made to relocate to address safety and security concerns in light of the numerous protests sweeping campuses across the country.

The Courage of the Class of 2024

Robert Franklin, the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership at the Candler School of Theology, acknowledged the change of venue for this year’s events when he welcomed undergraduates in the Class of 2024 to the university ceremony on Monday morning.

Franklin reflected on the unique challenges faced by this class, who graduated high school amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the courage with which they’ve faced it all.

“When the history books are written, those headlines will tell only a part of the story. What they will not capture is the depth of your resilience, your humanity, your thoughtfulness. They will not capture your countless daily efforts to lift others up and, even when it’s painful, to hear the perspectives of others, especially those with whom you disagree,” said Franklin.

Gareth James, John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School echoed Franklin’s sentiments. “Our commencement festivities this year may look a little different. However, our commitment to honoring the immense achievements of this graduating class remains unchanged. I want to recognize our students, faculty, and staff who have continued to persevere.”

Graduate and Undergraduate Programs Celebrate in Diploma Ceremonies

Goizueta Business School’s graduate programs kicked off the celebration of commencement weekend with a diploma ceremony on Friday, May 10. James commended the graduates of the Evening MBA, Executive MBA, One-Year MBA, Two-Year MBA, M.S. in Business Analytics, Master of Analytical Finance, as well as those securing dual degrees for their dedication and resilience.

During his remarks, James focused on the students and their accomplishments. “In our newest graduating class, I see enormously talented and principled leaders. You are ready to solve the biggest challenges of our future,” James said. “I cannot wait to see where you go next, the ways you will continue to thrive, and how you will leave your mark on the world around us.”

Tiffany Willis 15EMBA, vice president and head of investor relations and ESG Engagement, Starbucks, delivered the keynote address during Friday’s diploma ceremony. “Over the next 10 minutes, I hope to pour into you, the same way Emory has poured into me when I was here for my graduate degree,” shared Willis. As graduates embark on their next chapter, Willis encouraged them “embrace the hustle, maintain the momentum, own your narrative, remember your why, and yield to your wildest dreams.”

The undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration diploma ceremony took place on Monday, May 13. During the ceremony, James shared, “As I look at our graduating BBA class, I am filled with tremendous pride, gratitude, and optimism. You are the toughest group of students we have ever graduated.”

Andrea Hershatter, associate dean of undergraduate education at Goizueta, recognized legatees and kicked off the diploma ceremony. “One of the most gratifying moments at commencement is celebrating the continuation of family legacies. It is a great moment when a parent, grandparent, or sibling passes the Emory torch to another family member. This creates a deep bond between the university and that family.” Hershatter then recognized the full lineup of new graduates as they crossed the stage.

Emory University Commencement Keynote Address Delivered by Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD

Valerie Montgomery Rice MD, president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, served as Emory’s 2024 Commencement speaker. Montgomery Rice is a groundbreaking physician-scientist and university leader. She has worked tirelessly to foster diversity within the medical profession and the scientific workforce. “She wants to hold the door open so that others can follow and find success in their career and lives,” explained Fenves. During Montgomery Rice’s time as president and CEO, the Morehouse School of Medicine has solidified its reputation as a “powerhouse in the advancement of health equity,” he added.

Montgomery Rice has strong ties to Emory, having completed her medical training at the School of Medicine. She began her remarks by reflecting on her experience studying at Emory. She trained at both Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital—two facilities with quite different patient populations. However, during her training, she witnessed her professor treat patients at both hospitals with the same expertise and respect. This experience helped set the foundation for her commitment to health equity.

Advice for the “School of Life”

Speaking to students who mostly began their Emory careers in fall 2020, Montgomery Rice noted this was the first educational milestone many were able to celebrate in person. And while their time as Emory students ended that morning, she explained, their time in the “school of life” was just beginning.

Getting here is a great accomplishment. But having traveled this road, I can only imagine that for some of you, it wasn’t easy.

Keynote speaker Valerie Montgomery Rice MD

“Maybe you had to work two or three jobs. Perhaps you struggled to get passing grades. Or maybe you had to change directions when you figured out the career path you thought you wanted no longer fit for your future,” she said.

On this “first day in the school of life,” she left students with a homework assignment: to hug the people in their support systems and share how grateful they are. After all, nobody got here alone.

“Many of you will do great things. However, to graduate from the school of life with a cum laude degree, all you have to do is one thing,” Montgomery Rice said. “That is to do the best you can with what you have. And remember to listen, learn, include, and grow.”

“The world may not be ready for you, but I am confident you are ready for the world.”

During the ceremony, Montgomery Rice received an honorary degree. Emory also awarded honorary degrees to violin virtuoso Robert McDuffie and the president of the National Academy of Medicine, Victor J. Dzau MD.

Onward and Upward for the Class of 2024

As faculty, staff, students, parents, and loved ones cheered on the Class of 2024, they celebrated the graduates’ bright futures ahead.

President Fenves encouraged graduates to take a moment and bask in the glow of their achievements. He reminded the Class of 2024 that they were surrounded by those they love the most. “Enjoy this moment of accomplishment. In the years ahead, you will strive to achieve new goals. But right now, take one more look around at your friends and your family. Appreciate this experience. You have reached a milestone in your life. It is you who did this. You made it happen. Savor it, enjoy it, celebrate it.”

Dean James shared his enthusiasm with the graduates as well, now the newest alumni of the school’s dynamic network. “Ultimately, Goizueta will be judged based on the graduates we produce. I’m incredibly proud to lead your school. A major reason for that is all of you sitting out there. You are ready to go out to prove, yet again, what an amazing school we have. You now have the honor and privilege to call yourselves Emory Goizueta alums. Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2024!”

Congratulations to our Goizueta graduates! Read more stories from commencement here.

Enjoy even more images from this year’s commencement festivities below.

The post Goizueta Celebrates the Class of 2024 appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

When it came time for Henry Fumbah 24EvMBA to change the trajectory of his career, he knew an MBA would prepare him to be a leader in Corporate America.

The native Atlantan, born to Liberian parents, didn’t have to look too far to find the perfect school.

The name Goizueta, it holds rank, as does the network that comes with it. Choosing Emory just made sense.

Henry Fumbah 24EvMBA

Naturally, Fumbah (pronounced Foomba) did his due diligence. He spoke with admissions counselors and alumni. These included several colleagues at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he is a senior financial analyst.

“One of my BCG mentors, while he wasn’t a Goizueta alum, mentioned Emory as a top school that I should look into. Those types of conversations were very inspiring. They definitely played a large part in my decision to not only get my MBA, but to come to Goizueta,” he said.

Decision made, Fumbah continued to work in corporate finance at BCG while strategizing how best to optimize the graduate school experience. Ultimately, he chose a similar tactic to the one he used at Georgia Southern University for undergraduate studies.

The Path to an MBA

Growing up Fumbah had a love for numbers. Math was always his favorite subject and, in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society. Still, when he entered undergrad, he didn’t declare a major and instead chose pre-business as a placeholder until he made a final decision.

It wasn’t until the prerequisite accounting class that all business students had to take that I decided this is where I was going. This is the path.

Henry Fumbah

“I learned those foundational accounting skills. I learned that I was very good at it, and I enjoyed accounting.”

With a degree in accounting and a minor in finance, he went on to get a master’s degree in management information systems from Kennesaw State University. Then, he took a job as a fund accounting associate at Trident Trust. A year later, wanting to tackle more future facing analyses, he joined BCG as a finance specialist in 2018. After rising in the ranks of BCG, he was ready to explore the next stage of his career.

The Balancing Act: Managing School and Career

Fumbah entered Goizueta Business School’s Evening MBA program with an open mind and a willingness to let the path forward reveal itself.

“I knew it was a three-year program and I wasn’t going to expedite it at all,” he says. “So, I said, let me just get in. I’ll get involved, meet people, have fun, and figure out what I am doing here.”

Among the adjustments was learning to manage work and school.

It was definitely a challenge, but a doable challenge.

Henry Fumbah

“And kudos to those students who have families,” says Fumbah. “As someone with no family or kids of my own yet, it was still a challenge for me.”

“Just trying to space things out and plan ahead, plus doing your due diligence was enough. You have to make sure that you are taking care of your schoolwork. However, you also have to take care of your personal and professional life.”

To manage, Fumbah used time blocking, scheduling time for coursework, a flex day, and Friday nights for fun with friends. Also, he shared his school schedule with everyone, including his line managers. “Class days change every semester. So, I would say, ‘Hey, these are days I need to leave 30 minutes to an hour earlier. If anything arises, I will make up the work in the morning or the next day.’”

Fumbah acknowledges that not everyone works for a company that offers such a supportive environment.

From Classroom to Consulting

Once in the groove of the program, Fumbah began to focus on the subject areas that resonated with him. What bubbled to the top was consulting.

A key component in this decision was the IMPACT experiential learning class. It’s a semester long consulting project where students work with real clients on real business problems.

“That class gave me the foundation and basic skillsets I needed in order to be a successful consultant,” he says.

I learned how to frame a problem, how to structure the problem-solving processes, and how to take an analysis and synthesize a good recommendation for our client.

Henry Fumbah

In addition to aiding him in learning the language of consulting, Fumbah says the course helped with his “case-study skills.” Ultimately, it prepared him to showcase this skillset during interviews with consulting firms.

Fumbah used these skills, along with help from Goizueta’s MBA Career Management Center, to secure a new role as an Associate with ScottMadden Management Consultants. His new job and career pivot begins on July 1, in the firm’s Atlanta office.

Enriching Experience

Reflecting on his experience at Goizueta, Fumbah can’t say enough about the life-long friendships he’s built with his classmates or the willingness of alumni to offer advice about consulting. Plus, there are other impactful courses that offer lessons he will use moving forward.

Fumbah’s always been interested in buying a business versus creating something from scratch. So, the course Entrepreneurial Private Equity: Perspectives from Practitioners, proved particularly insightful. The class is taught by David Panton, global private equity investor and adjunct professor at Goizueta, and Klaas Baks, professor in the practice of finance and executive director of the Center for Alternative Investments. Fumbah also participated in the Peachtree Minority Venture Fund. The $1 million student-run venture capital organization focuses on empowering underrepresented founders.

We invest in businesses across the nation to help get them started and on their way. I am proud to say that the company I pitched in spring of 2023 received a $25K investment.

Henry Fumbah

“That was an amazing experience,” he says. “My team and I pitched the vision to the Investment Committee, led by JB Kurish, professor in the practice of finance and a Business & Society Institute faculty advisor. We really worked hard to secure the funds for that company.”

Taking Flight: Pursuing Passions Beyond the Classroom

Going forward, Fumbah is excited to recover some of his free time as his final classes draw to a close. He enjoys the variety of festivals Atlanta offers this time of year, and he’s joined an intermural basketball team to reconnect with playing sports. And yes, he’s even practicing his golf swing.

In addition to spending more time with family and friends, he is keeping in mind a childhood dream: to become a pilot.

“I’ve always loved airplanes since I was a young child. That passion has never gone away. In fact, on my resume, I state that I’m planning to get my private pilot’s license. So, now I have to go do it!”

Congratulations to our Goizueta graduates! Learn more about the celebration.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.

The post Meet Goizueta: Henry Fumbah Evening MBA appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Tori DaCosta 24EMBA doesn’t believe in work-life balance: She believes in work-life collaboration.

The balance metaphor invokes images of a scale, where both sides are given the same amount of attention. That’s not possible at some stages of life, says DaCosta, especially when you throw graduate school into the mix.

“The collaboration part for me is a lot easier, because I give myself permission to do what needs to be done at that time,” says DaCosta, whether that’s going for a hike with her family, spending time with her children, completing homework for her Executive MBA, or doing her job.

DaCosta is a State Farm agency field leader for North Carolina. She spends her days supporting 48 State Farm agents—and their teams. She has been with State Farm for 10 years, since she pivoted from being a personal trainer.

“So much of what I was doing in the fitness world translated to the insurance and financial services world,” says DaCosta, who was looking for a more challenging role when she joined State Farm. “I would sit down with people and talk about what their needs were. Then I’d figure out what some of their challenges were, and help them overcome them.”

First as a business owner growing her own insurance agency and now as a leader, DaCosta still helps troubleshoot and relishes in the variety of her busy days.

Executive Experience

DaCosta had always considered getting an advanced degree. Once her two children were in college, she started to do her research. After chatting with a colleague about her plans, she was encouraged to look at Executive MBA programs. Goizueta’s nationally ranked program quickly rose to the top of her spreadsheet.

“Every interaction I had with Goizueta has been wholly positive. That started from my initial inquiry to applying and all the way to today. The school has been so consistent with the professionalism and just truly caring and treating me as a student and person,” says DaCosta.

In the Executive MBA program, the course material is designed for students who already have business experience, often holding leadership positions, and offers a more flexible schedule. The online component of Goizueta’s program and the flexibility it provided was another sticking point for DaCosta, who frequently travels for work.

However, despite living in North Carolina and being an online student, DaCosta still came to campus multiple times—and she strongly encourages it.

Goizueta has a culture, and they’ve done a great job of building it. Once you step foot on that campus, it cements it. That level of pride for being part of their program is so clear.

Tori DaCosta 24EMBA

She was also curious how the relationship between classmates would be, as a digital student. She says the experience of meeting her cohort in person was like “hugging an old friend.” The in-person visits also allowed her to build deeper relationships with faculty members.

DaCosta took advantage of Goizueta’s Global Experiential Modules, and went to South Africa. The trip was a “perfect balance of playtime and learning,” with the experience featuring behind-the-scenes access to businesses and opportunities to strengthen her relationships with classmates.

Post-Graduation Plans

DaCosta has no plans to pivot careers or change jobs. However, she is a lifelong learner and is excited to continue to use all of the tools and knowledge gained from her time in the program.

“I absolutely love learning. That is part of the reason I changed industries in the first place.”

She encourages anyone considering the degree to go for it—and be present for the experience. Whether that was joining a class in the middle of an airport, sending calendar invites to her family for date days, or marking off any of the numerous to-dos on her list as a field leader, DaCosta is committed to the experience.

“Sometimes we get so focused on the next step. We can’t forget to pause and enjoy where we are in that moment. Just 100 percent enjoying the journey was big for me,” she says.

The biggest takeaway in her professional life has been the knowledge she gained. Once, she might have sat in a meeting and only had a general understanding of some of the more complex topics of discussion. Now, though she understands exactly what everyone is saying, she finds this newfound ability to contribute to the conversation especially empowering.

“The interesting thing about the business world is that you can navigate it fairly well without an MBA. But for me, the MBA has been a game-changer because now I speak the language,” says DaCosta. “With the Executive MBA, I have a much deeper understanding and greater insight. I’m now able to contribute at a higher level.”

Congratulations to our Goizueta graduates! Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.

The post Meet Goizueta: Executive MBA Tori DaCosta appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Goon was a top performer during his time at Deloitte. He managed a team and helped companies successfully transition to cloud-based data storage.

He also began to see the full scale—and impact—of artificial intelligence, particularly given the rise of generative AI, like ChatGPT.

“I was always privy to the potential impact of AI, but never how much,” explains Goon.

I wanted to learn more about this intriguing technology and see how it could boost my career. At the same time, I wanted to pursue a degree that put this technology in a business context and used it to solve real-world business problems.

Dipanjan Goon 24 MSBA

So, he came to Goizueta.

Applying Data to Business

The Master of Science in Business Analytics program at Goizueta is fast-paced: Students complete the degree in 10 months. In what can seem like a whirlwind environment, the first course of the semester is over within six weeks.

As Goon approaches the end of his degree, he has started to experience “ah-ha” moments, where the content just “clicks.” The program’s structure uses content from one class as the foundation for lessons in the next, and so on. Students don’t have time to forget the material before the next building block begins.

“It’s such a fast-moving program, and we’re learning so much information. But this structure helped me retain the information,” says Goon.

Goon says this structure also allows students to begin job hunting, recruiting, and interviewing early in the program—and with confidence.

“After our first class, we were well-versed in how to speak about data science and machine learning,” he recalls.

One of the reasons that Goon chose Goizueta over other programs was because of the focus on business context. It’s one thing to understand how AI and machine learning operate, but it’s more important—for Goon’s career and trajectory—to be able to apply that information to help a client solve a business problem. This pivotal difference is the hallmark of the program.

Classes like Managing Big Data and AI and ML at Scale have been pivotal for Goon. They have shown him how to take the seemingly hypothetical concepts learned in earlier, exploratory courses and begin to apply them to business situations. That is something that’s been particularly helpful as the class works on their capstone project.

We can derive the most complex mathematical formula. But if it doesn’t help the business that we’re working with, then it’s not what we want.

Dipanjan Goon 24MSBA

Goon’s post-graduation plan builds on his experiences at Goizueta—working with businesses. He hopes to find a job that allows him to use his new artificial intelligence and data science skills to solve business challenges and help companies grow.

A Global Life Experience

Before moving to Atlanta, Goon was working for Deloitte in Chicago. But before that, he was born in India, grew up in Nigeria, and went to college in Michigan.

To say that Goon values and appreciates diversity is an understatement. Beyond the small class size and the business application of the academics, Goon says the other reason he chose Goizueta was because of the level of diversity among cohorts. He says he has found comfort at Goizueta because he’s not the only one from out of state or out of country. Goon joined a cohort that represented 13 countries.

“I’ve always come into a place feeling like a guest,” says Goon.

I’ve not been a local, but when I came to Goizueta, the diversity was more tangible. All of us were in the same boat. We were all kind of international in some way, even the non-internationals.

Dipanjan Goon 24MSBA

Even Goon’s faculty made an effort to help students feel at home in a foreign-to-them city. Rajiv Garg, associate professor of information systems and operations management, held gatherings at his home for major holidays, especially those that international students were unable to travel home for.

“He’s been super helpful with the way he teaches a very tough course and also makes a point to check in on all of us,” says Goon.

From group projects and working on homework together to hanging out at KEGs each week, Goon says all of his interactions with others have made him feel more comfortable. He hopes this will help him adjust quickly wherever he lands next, too.

“For the first time, I didn’t feel like I needed time to fit in,” says Goon of his cohort. “At Goizueta, I found an extremely tight-knit community where everyone looks after one another.”

Congratulations to our Goizueta graduates! Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.

The post Meet Dipanjan Goon: MSBA Grad Looks to Unlock the Power of AI to Transform Business appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Fun fact about yourself: Considering the idea of getting a private pilot license, I helped fly a plane around Miami’s coast.
Hometown: Naperville, IL
High school: Waubonsie Valley High School
Major: Business and English & Creative Writing
Minor: n/a
Favorite business course: Business Law – Possibly the most challenging, but definitely the most rewarding
Extracurricular activities, community work, and leadership roles during college:

Extracurricular

• Blackstar* Magazine, Contributor
• Career Management Center, Coach
• Consult Your Community, VP Internal Affairs
• Conversations with Eggs, Writer
• Emory Impact Investing Group, Team Lead
• Goizueta Black Student Association, VP Communications
• Goizueta Business & Society Institute, Social Enterprise Fellow
• OAM 331: Strategic Management, TA
• Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Marketing & Communications Fellow
• Pre-BBA Advising Office, Coach
• Pre-BBA Peer Mentor Program, Founder and Peer Mentor

Honors & Awards

• Dean’s List
• Editor’s List, The Nassau Literary Review
• Emory University 100 Senior Honorary
• Goizueta Scholar

Where have you interned during your college career?

• Google, Associate Product Marketing Manager (San Francisco, CA)
• McKinsey & Company, Sophomore Summer Business Analyst (New York, NY)

Where will you be working after graduation? I’m excited to return both to NYC and McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst.

Who is your favorite business professor? Professor John Kim’s use of the case method made classes engaging and course concepts easy to understand, so it’s one of the courses I most strongly remember afterwards. Plus, he was genuinely excited to be teaching every day, even bringing us pencils imprinted with strategy quotes.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? When I came to Emory University and Goizueta Business School, I was pleased to learn how impactful businesses can be in solving systemic problems. They are already doing so much to create positive change.

I have worked in organizations like Emory Impact Investing Group and Consult Your Community. This has allowed me to collaborate with small business owners in Atlanta to help address some of their business challenges and work towards closing the small business gap. There are also a lot of faculty in the business school dedicated to social impact and case studies that demonstrate that social impact and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive, which isn’t how I’d always thought about it.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Business courses are fundamental, but I’d also encourage students to explore other fields as well. Emory’s liberal arts education exposed me to a variety of areas of study, which resulted in some surprising intersections with business. I presented on marketing trends in fertility clinics in a biology seminar, learned about equitable hiring practices in sociology, and discussed a business law case in my creative writing workshop. It’s all enhanced my understanding of the business world, especially in niche areas of interest that might not be explored in traditional business classes. So, I hope other students have the opportunity to do the same.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I was initially drawn to the business major because of marketing, especially its creative aspect, so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed business’ other aspects. Though I’m still most interested in marketing, I added a concentration in organization and management, and Business Law was my favorite class.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Reflecting on my college and business school experience, I’m happy with the opportunities I’ve taken advantage of so I wouldn’t change much! Still, I would’ve loved to take part in one of Emory’s global internship experiences, especially the summer after my freshman year. I spent a semester studying abroad at a business school in Madrid, and it was an amazing opportunity for both personal and professional development, so I’d be equally eager to gain professional experience abroad.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I wanted to support students with backgrounds underrepresented in business. So, this year I started a peer-mentor program for Black, Hispanic, and Latinx pre-BBA students at Emory. I think I’m most proud of the way I took initiative to solve a problem I recognized. It’s been really gratifying to hear about the impact the program has had, even so far.

Which classmate do you most admire? I really look up to my friend Kara Swain 24BBA. She’s been able to combine her interest in politics and business in a number of ways to make an impact both inside and outside of Emory. Governmental work is such a powerful way to create change, so her Senate internships are admirable. She’s also been a leader in several business organizations and in Model UN, helping the team rise in rankings from #75 to #17. That’s no small feat, so I’m really excited to see what she does in the future.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would have to thank my dad for all the support and advice he’s provided on navigating the business world and just for listening as I talked through some of my big decisions. He’s also known when to provide feedback and when to let me learn from my own mistakes, which I’ve especially appreciated after the fact.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I’d love to do the following:

1) Be the CMO at a F500 company.

2) Put my creative writing major to use and publish a novel.

What made Nyah such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“One of the things that is so mind-blowing about Nyah is how many things she has managed to do since coming to Emory. One day she casually mentioned taking a creative writing class. The next thing I know she’s double majoring in Creative Writing and Business. I find out from a colleague in admissions that she is one of their marketing fellows. I am meeting with one my direct reports and find out that Nyah is spearheading a program to recruit more students of color to consider the BBA Program.”

She coaches her peers, mentors younger students, and strategically thinks about ways to make our program, our school, and our entire Emory community better.

Libby Egnor, associate dean of the BBA program

“Her ability to do all of this so well, with so little fanfare, is what makes Nyah such an incredible student. We are so lucky she chose Goizueta!”

Congratulations to our Goizueta graduates! Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.

The post Meet Nyah Bruce: Writer of an Ever-Growing Bucket List appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

“I worked as a producer at CNN International, advocating for stories from all parts of the world, particularly those that are underrepresented, to be given air-time,” says Konkala.

During his tenure, Konkala noticed a divide between the creatives and the business side of the house. It’s a gap common in many industries. This lack of understanding and communication often leads to issues, inefficiencies, and unsatisfactory relationships among staff.

It was this realization, combined with Konkala’s passion for storytelling and a drive to do “business for good,” that lead him to pursue an MBA.

“Storytelling can be incredibly impactful to communities,” says Konkala. He aims to use strategy development to help businesses shift towards a more sustainable and equitable future and help the communities they impact.

Resume Builder

Learning the basic functions of a business is the main building block of most MBA curricula. But Konkala was drawn to Goizueta’s two-year program because of the “strong emphasis on social impact.”

Goizueta’s commitment to meaningful engagement and purposeful actions shapes its academic endeavors. It also underscores the school’s dedication to fostering positive change both on campus and within the broader community.

Sai Konkala 24MBA

Konkala offers this advice to future MBA students: Say yes to everything—but also know when to say no. His resume gained significant length over the last two years as he took his own advice to heart. Konkala participated in the Goizueta Consulting Association and the Energy & Clean Tech Association. He held the position of vice president in both organizations.

“The best advice I learned was ‘saying no is a leadership skill. I knew two years would fly by fast, and I wanted to take advantage of every possible adventure,” says Konkala. “However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid overloading yourself.”

He was also a Business & Society Institute Social Enterprise Fellow. The fellowship included a trip to Honduras and to the 2024 ClimateCAP conference in Michigan.

I’m so grateful for my experiences with the Business & Society Institute. It provided me with a unique lens through which to view the intersection of business and social impact.

Sai Konkala 24MBA

“It’s inspiring to engage with such passionate individuals,” says Konkala. “These are people dedicated to placing humans and the planet at the forefront of business decision-making.”

Group Mentality

As a finale to his time in graduate school, Konkala was on a team that participated in the Rice University CleanTech Innovation Case Competition—and won.

“The achievement was the culmination of weeks of hard work,” he says. “I am immensely proud to have represented Goizueta.”

His first team project—or a version of it—was Goizueta’s Leadership Reaction Course. All graduate students participate in the course before their first semester begins. Konkala says this bonding experience, with then-strangers, is one of his favorite MBA memories.

But his absolute favorite MBA experience was joining the Goizueta Advanced Leadership Academy. Students who join the academy take additional classes, listen to guest speakers, attend seminars, and participate in tailored coaching sessions to help develop their unique leadership skills. They round out the program with a capstone trip to the British Virgin Islands.

Out at sea, students took turns filling different roles on the boat, including a day as captain.

All of us are and have been capable leaders. But one muscle or skill that we had to really flex again was how to be a good follower and support the captain and each other.

Sai Konkala 24MBA

Beyond these leadership tests on the water, Konkala enjoyed the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and simply enjoy the British Virgin Islands during his final spring break of graduate school.

“I worked in high-stress environments prior to business school. Being able to remain calm and focused on the task really reflected back to the team. It enabled us to be collected and unified.”

These team-building experiences—in addition the friendships and collaboration Konkala formed in the classroom—taught him something else, too. He recognized that a belief he once held about business school was simply not true.  

When applying to schools, Konkala thought the environment would be fiercely competitive. In his mind, students would be so pitted against one another that securing a job in the southeast would prove a challenge.

However, starting with the recruiting process, he found that applicants supported one another. That support continued from fellow students in the program, all the way through the Leadership Reaction Course and well into his final semester. Konkala now knows just how supportive the Goizueta community is.  

I discovered a remarkably collaborative community. Competition took a backseat to camaraderie.

Sai Konkala 24MBA

“There is very much an attitude of ‘lift as you climb’ at Goizueta,” he says. “I truly value that.”

Looking Toward the Future

With his time at Goizueta coming to an end, Konkala is excited to be joining Deloitte as a senior consultant. He plans to put all the knowledge and skills gained from the last two years to work. He hopes to “steer industries towards reducing their environmental footprint, promoting zero waste, mitigating pollution, and uplifting communities.”

Working closely with businesses—with these goals in mind—Konkala will draw from what he learned in the strategy class taught by Renée Dye, associate professor in the practice of organization and management. Often, the broad strokes mission and vision language that companies proclaim differs from the nuanced approaches they take in situations. There is no one-size-fits-all language or strategy that works across industries either, explains Konkala. These discrepancies can be confusing to employees and hinder a company’s progress. That’s where Konkala hopes to come in.

“One of the most valuable takeaways from my time at Goizueta has been the ability to dissect the relationship between a company’s stated language and its actual strategy.”

Long-term, Konkala aspires to fill the initial gap he noticed that lead him to Goizueta. He wants to use strategy to better connect the creatives and the business teams in the media and entertainment companies. He may also open a plant and coffee shop. His direct study as a Business & Society Institute Fellow explores the business case for a sustainable coffee farm that accounts for climate change.

Or, maybe he’ll launch a sustainable fashion brand.

Or, maybe, he’ll do it all.

“I aspire to make business a potent force for good.”

This May, hundreds of Goizueta graduates will walk through our doors ready for the workforce. Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities. Continue to check out the stories of our amazing students all month long.

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or make a career pivot, our full-time Two-Year MBA will prepare you to challenge business as usual and become the innovators who disrupt it. Learn more here.

The post From CNN to MBA: Former Journalist Plans to ‘Do Business For Good’ appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Barron’s last role working with the organization was as director of patron services. She says the highlight of that job was interacting with visitors and donors and “seeing them experience something special at concerts.” That position also had her engaging with the fundraising, finance, and marketing departments—learning the ins and outs of a smaller-scale organization.

During her tenure at the Erie Philharmonic, Barron discovered a passion for marketing strategy. Eventually, she reached a point where she was ready to pivot her career. It seemed to Barron the only way to move into a new-to-her industry, such as hospitality or tourism, was to return to school. She decided an MBA would help her hone her business skills and continue refining her leadership acumen.

So, she moved from Pennsylvania to Atlanta to join Goizueta Business School’s One-Year MBA program.

“When looking at different MBA programs, Goizueta drew me in with its small size as well as the people I met in the process. They were welcoming and friendly, exactly what I wanted in a program,” shares Barron.

Growth Through Feedback

Pursuing her MBA at Goizueta has provided Barron with the knowledge and skillset to pivot from the nonprofit sector. Her long-term career goal is to bring her skills back to the arts nonprofit arena one day. In the meantime, her self-confidence has grown during the short time she’s spent on campus. There’s one refrain that Barron and her classmates have heard over the last year. “Feedback is a gift.” It’s through this feedback that she has been able to learn and grow the most.

“Outside of my coursework, the thing that will help me the most post-graduation is how I have grown as a person,” shares Barron. “I also believe it’s important to learn different leadership styles, especially ones that you’re not very comfortable with.”

With that in mind, Barron dove headfirst into the bevy of leadership opportunities that Goizueta has to offer. She served as the vice president of the Goizueta Board Association, which hosts the famous weekly KEGS. Additionally, Barron spent time as a Delta Leadership Coaching Fellow and Goizueta IMPACT Coaching Fellow. She also is finalizing her Certificate of Advanced Leadership. This program requires students to complete a few extra courses, activities, and a capstone in their last semester.

“I wanted to take advantage of all opportunities during my one year at Goizueta,” says Barron about her full workload.

The IMPACT experience, which she is currently involved in, has been particularly profound, says Barron. She’s been able to compile everything she’s learned over the course of her degree and practically apply it before she graduates.

“Leading a team when you’re not doing the day-to-day is a very important thing to know. It’s common in the workplace,” says Barron. “IMPACT has been one final learning opportunity, helping a first-year student group work with a real client. It has given me real-life experience.”

This May, hundreds of Goizueta graduates will walk through our doors ready for the workforce. Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities. Continue to check out the stories of our amazing students all month long.

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or make a career pivot, our full-time One-Year MBA will prepare you to challenge business as usual and become the innovators who disrupt it. Learn more here.

The post From Bassoonist to Business Leader: Finding Harmony in the One-Year MBA Program appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

While she didn’t have any shortage of analytical know-how, she was concerned about her lack of financial prowess.  

“Everyone I spoke to during the recruitment process reassured me that I would be welcomed into the program. They assured me that my lack of financial knowledge wouldn’t be a hindrance,” she says.  

As she looks forward to graduation, that sense of belonging and community remain strong.  

My years of exploring other paths have been an asset to the program rather than something I had to compensate for.

Mack Morris 24MAF

Morris will be staying at Emory after graduation. The soon-to-be graduate of the Masters of Analytical Finance program is looking forward to her job as investment analyst for Emory Investment Management. There, she’ll be working with the public equity team to continue to put the university’s endowment fund to good use for current and future students.

“It feels so cool to be staying with Emory,” she says of her new job. “With this being only a one-year program, it can be hard to feel connected to the university. But knowing I’ll be here [after graduation] has kept me engaged in the classroom and motivated to stay involved in the campus community.” 

Before graduate school was a thought in Morris’ head, she was a student at Missouri State University. Somehow, she managed to wrangle the coursework of two bachelor’s degrees and three minors—at the same time that she was working.  

Her background is focused in academia. Morris held roles as a teaching assistant, student ambassador and regional lead for Cengage Learning, and eventually as a financial aid and scholarship advisor for AmeriCorps. 

The Good Samaritan (Financial) Outlook 

After visiting her best friend, who was already living in Atlanta, Morris fell in love with the city. She attended improv and filmmaking events with her friend, who’s an actress. Morris said it was this experience—the arts community—that drew her.  

“When I decided to move to Atlanta, I wanted to spend a year doing something completely unrelated to anything I had done before,” says Morris.  

This desire led her to AmeriCorps because “it’s a values-driven organization that takes people from all backgrounds.” The year-long role exposed her to new experiences and new people.  

“I loved working on a small team of devoted professionals. I saw the impact of my work every day and felt motivated to do even the smallest tasks,” says Morris. 

During her yearlong role, she began to realize she was missing something: the analytics. Through her conversations with high school students and families, she also realized where her strengths were.  

My comparative advantage was in quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and talking about finance. I could do so in a way that non-finance people could understand. As I met with financial professionals and researched opportunities, I felt pulled to a career in finance.

Mack Morris 24MAF

“I knew I wanted to see a more tangible impact from my work. Finance seemed the perfect intersection of my training and my desire to do good in the world,” says Morris. 

To better launch that career, Morris began looking at graduate school options. While she had the strength for analysis, she wanted to learn more finance-specific skills and the resources to figure out the perfect next step for her career in this industry. 

Since she was already located in Atlanta, one program stood out. 

Making the Most of a 10-Month Program 

Though Goizueta’s Masters of Analytical Finance program is less than one year long, it’s action-based. In addition to a hefty courseload, students receive ample networking opportunities. These include listening to guest speakers, off-site trips, and participating in community events. It was through these non-classroom experiences that Morris began to feel like a full-fledged member of the greater Atlanta financial community. 

“I went to the Chartered Financial Analyst Society annual forecast dinner with some of my classmates. I saw at least a dozen familiar faces there from people we had been introduced to within the program.”

It made me feel like I belonged here and made me less nervous to talk to new people.

Mack Morris 24MAF

Morris also loved the trip to New York City. While she has no immediate plans to move to the Big Apple, Morris says the experience allowed her to deepen connections with classmates, identify other job opportunities, and learn more about the industry culture. 

“You get what you put into the program,” Morris advises future students. “I was shocked. I learned so much and realized how many opportunities I had to deepen my knowledge, expand my network, and try new things. Take advantage of every opportunity.” 

This May, hundreds of Goizueta graduates will walk through our doors ready for the workforce. Learn more about the celebration and register for Goizueta’s Commencement activities. Continue to check out the stories of our amazing students throughout April.

Interested in Goizueta’s 10-month Masters of Analytical Finance program? Apply today. 

The post How One Master of Analytical Finance Student Plans to Do Good With Her Degree  appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Over several days, 5,091 degrees were awarded to Emory students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

In addition to the university’s BBA ceremony on Monday, May 9, at the Quadrangle, diploma ceremonies were held for students in the Evening MBA, Executive MBA, One-Year MBA, Two-Year MBA, and Master of Business Analytics programs.

Graduating Students Have Learned to Adapt, Pivot, and Innovate

Interim John H. Harland Dean Karen Sedatole praised the dedication and determination of the 2022 class for persevering under the unique circumstances of the past several years.

During my career, I have celebrated many student achievements and taken part in many graduation ceremonies, but this one is special and significant. Your experience was like no class before you, but you have persevered and grown in so many ways. Over the past four years, we’ve watched you support each other through triumph and challenge; adapt, pivot, and innovate; push yourself to what you thought were your limits–and then push even further.

Interim John H. Harland Dean Karen Sedatole

Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves commented on the future ahead for graduates: the cures, careers, and companies the now-alumni will create with their shared determination, knowledge, and force of will. “Georgia’s own Ray Charles once said, ‘Dreams, if they’re any good, are always a little crazy.’ I think what he’s saying is that to other people—those who don’t know what you are capable of—your dreams and goals, if they’re big enough, might sound too ambitious, too bold, impossible to attain.

But take a look around you. It’s clear there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.

Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves to graduates

To enhance the digital experience of Commencement, the “memories” section on the Commencement website shared well wishes from friends and family members to campus organizations, including Emory Campus Life, which sent congratulations to the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American graduates. Parents’ messages spoke of the pride and joy they felt at celebrating such a major life accomplishment. As Cheyenne Arreola wrote to Nikolas Walls 22BBA, “Congratulations on your graduation. We celebrate how far you’ve come. We have faith in you and how far you’ll go. With love and pride.”

Film and Media Leader Tyler Perry Encourages Graduates to “Chart Your Own Course” and “Leave Your Own Footprints”

Although he’s a Louisiana native, Tyler Perry has done much for the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta, especially. Tyler Perry Studios, a massive 300-plus acre compound in south Atlanta has brought over 400 jobs to the area since it was founded in 2006.

“Tyler Perry is a visionary creative force—writing, directing, producing, and performing in plays, films, and TV shows that move, entertain, and inspire,” said Fenves. “Equally impressive are his endeavors as a philanthropist, humanitarian, and social justice advocate. Whether funding scholarships for talented students, covering the grocery bills of elderly Atlanta residents or supporting global disaster relief, he is renowned for creating opportunities and giving back to his community.”

As the Commencement speaker, Perry told stories about fatherhood and finding professors in his life–in his own unique way. Despite not attending college, Perry considers the wise mentors he’s had over the years as his professors. He encouraged graduates to also seek out those who will support them along their own journeys.

“This is your life to live,” said Perry. “Don’t be afraid to chart your own course or make your own way. Have an incredible work ethic; look for your professors; and leave your own footprints.”

In addition to Perry, who received an honorary Doctorate of Letters, two other honorary degrees were awarded. Louise R. Glenn received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and Sally Q. Yates an honorary Doctorate of Laws. Glenn was a founding trustee of the Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, which established the Glenn Family Breast Center in 2013, the first named center for a specific type of cancer at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute. Yates is a former acting U.S. attorney general and former U.S. deputy attorney general, who played a large part in the Department of Justice’s priorities and initiatives during her almost 30-year tenure.

To close the BBA Commencement ceremony for Goizueta undergraduates, Sedatole shared a prediction.

In this room today, I see our newest graduating class, but I also see enormously talented and principled leaders ready to solve the biggest problems of our future. I cannot wait to see where you go next, the ways you will continue to thrive, and how you will leave your mark on the world around us.

Interim John H. Harland Dean Karen Sedatole

For more Emory Commencement stories, updates, photos and videos, and celebration details, visit commencement.emory.edu.

The post Goizueta Graduates Gather on Campus to Celebrate Commencement–Together appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.