The John M. Olin School of Business has received a $2 million grant from SBC Foundation, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. The gift, to be distributed over 10 years, will support the construction of the Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center. Completion of the five-story building is expected in early 2001 at an estimated cost of $50 million.
"Washington University would not enjoy its present stature without the kind of partnerships we have formed with companies such as Southwestern Bell Telephone and its parent company, SBC Communications," Wrighton said in acknowledging the gift. "We are grateful for the wonderful support from SBC Foundation, which will enhance our ability to provide high-quality education for executives in this region."
Executive education programs continue to grow at major business schools as an increasing number of middle- and upper-level managers embrace lifelong learning and return to the classroom.
"This gift will assist in the creation of a much-needed facility to expand Olin's executive education programs," said Stuart I. Greenbaum, Ph.D., dean of the business school. "The building will enable us to fulfill our commitment to career-long learning, and, through the executives we educate, we can contribute to the vitality of the entire business community."
The school intends to expand its custom programs, which use innovative techniques and content designed specifically for client companies. The school also plans to begin offering open-enrollment programs, addressing a range of topics and open to executives of any company. Typical programs vary in length from two days to three weeks.
In addition to these professional development programs, the business school offers three degree programs for executives --executive master of business administration, executive master of business administration in manufacturing and operations, and executive master of business administration in health services management, designed in collaboration with the School of Medicine.
This gift supports the Campaign for Washington University, a current initiative
to raise $1 billion in gift support to continue to enhance the University and
bring greater benefit to the St. Louis region. The campaign, due to conclude
in mid-2004, has raised $885.9 million to date.