Conference welcomes a world of MBAs

Goizueta is closing in on the top business schools, as it proved by hosting the 2002 Graduate Business Conference, held April 18–21. The event drew 150 delegates from business schools around the world.

Catherine Seltzer ’02MBA, chair of the Goizueta 2002 leadership team, described the event as “a focus on the world of business, and on how delegates can prepare to re-enter the job market after completing their MBAs.” This year’s theme, “Getting to the Future First,” was originally conceived to address the changing landscape of business; unfolding world events brought a new perspective to the insights offered by business leaders and former President Jimmy Carter.

The first full day was “Corporate Day,” featuring Carter’s keynote, and afternoon panels covering: the financial services industry and the economy; anti-globalism and branding; entrepreneurship; healthcare and nutrition in developing nations; and business in a world of change. Saturday’s “Student Day” program offered a presidents’ forum for student-body presidents and workshops on leadership and campus life.

MBA Program Director Kembrel Jones ’00MBA said the conference was an important debut for Goizueta on the international scene. “It allowed us to showcase our professors and our facilities—and most importantly, our students—to representatives of all major business schools.”

The event was the twentieth conference sanctioned by the Graduate Business Foundation, an educational organization that seeks to encourage leadership, innovation, and networking among MBA student leaders. Corporate sponsors included Delta Air Lines, Wachovia, Merck, EarthLink, The Coca-Cola Company, and Financial Times. The 2003 conference will be held at the University of Virginia.—Sarah Banick

Former President Jimmy Carter provides the keynote address at the 2002 Graduate Business Conference, "Getting to the Future First."

Former President Jimmy Carter with the GBC2002 leadership team (from left): Sue Elbert, Karl Barham, Trey Clayton, Lisa McLeod, Catherine Seltzer, Marc Smith, President Jimmy Carter, Pete Contrucci, Susan Pinkerson, Kore Breault, Scott Hayward, Kembrel Jones, Jed Selkowitz, and Ailene Sorice.