Dean Jonathan Levin 2024 GSB Spring Reunion Address

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Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)

The GSB has an excellent faculty, a diverse student body, and strong admissions statistics.
The school is expanding its reach through global programs, online offerings, and executive education.
The Business, Government, and Society initiative aims to address societal issues through new classes, collaborations, and research projects.
The GSB community is known for its open-mindedness, curiosity, and commitment to dialogue.

The Dean expressed gratitude for the support of students, faculty, and staff during a challenging year.
A search committee will be formed to appoint the next Dean.
The Dean praised the strong leadership team and overall positive state of the school.
He will become Stanford's 13th president on August 1st and is excited about the opportunity.
He emphasized the transformative impact of Stanford on his life and the constant inspiration he finds on campus.
He acknowledged the current challenges in higher education but reaffirmed his belief in the mission of Stanford and its peer institutions.

Stanford GSB has a culture of being supportive and open-minded.
The school has become more diverse in terms of the backgrounds and experiences of its students.
Stanford is committed to creating a strong pluralistic community despite the diverse range of students.
The school has successfully fostered cross-functional collaboration through partnerships like the one with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action has led to changes in the admissions process, with admissions officers now blinded to race and ethnicity.
Stanford remains committed to having a broadly diverse class and providing generous financial aid.
Stanford's financial aid system is based on income and assets, making it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
The school has increased financial aid by 50% and implemented a program to support students from less affluent backgrounds.

Stanford has strong connections with China and has organized events such as the China Forum to foster collaboration and understanding.
Despite political tensions, Stanford believes it is essential for universities to engage with China to promote dialogue and mutual understanding.

American universities play a vital role as engines of innovation and places of learning, producing leaders and citizens who contribute to society.
Universities should focus on their core mission of fostering discovery and learning, avoiding political controversies and social justice issues.
By articulating and consistently following these principles, universities can rebuild trust and strengthen their position in society.