Yale SOM Welcomes New Students to Residential Programs
Orientation Week began on August 12 with welcoming remarks from school leaders in Shen Courtyard.
The newest students in Yale SOM’s residential master’s degree programs filled a sunny Shen Courtyard at Edward P. Evans Hall on August 12 for welcoming remarks and advice from school leaders.
“It’s my happy task this morning to welcome you to the Yale School of Management, to your orientation, and to the place that will be your home—not only for the next year or two but, we hope, for the rest of your life,” Dean Kerwin K. Charles told the more than 500 students gathered for the event that kicks off the school’s weeklong orientation.
In attendance were new members of the full-time MBA, Master of Advanced Management, Master’s in Global Business and Society, Master’s in Systemic Risk, and Master’s in Asset Management programs, as well as the inaugural class in the Master’s in Technology Management, SOM’s newest degree program.
Entering students in the MBA for Executives program began their Yale SOM careers last month.
Charles noted that while many different interests and ambitions draw students to SOM, they are united by their support of the school’s mission to educate leaders who serve both business and society.
“We are producing leaders who will transform society and leave it—whatever roles they play, whatever spheres of influence—better than they found it,” Charles told the assembled students. “It’s a mission we should all be proud of.”
Charles added that at SOM, students will find an international, diverse community of peers, a world-class faculty, an integrated core curriculum that will challenge and inspire them, and the opportunity to enroll in courses across Yale’s other schools.
“I look forward to seeing and meeting you all over the next couple of years,” Charles said.
Anjani Jain, deputy dean for academic programs and professor in the practice of management, encouraged students to embrace the intellectual rigor and ethical development that will characterize this chapter in their lives.
“We look forward to teaching you and learning from you,” Jain said. “We welcome your ideas and suggestions.”
Students also met Rebecca Udler, assistant dean of student and academic affairs, and Abigail Kies, assistant dean of career development. Kies is serving as interim dean of students while the school seeks a replacement for Sherilyn Scully, who recently retired after 17 years at SOM.
Orientation Week at SOM will include team-building exercises, social outings, campus tours, and introductions to student life opportunities and resources. New students will also hear addresses from Corey Harrison ’11, CEO and co-founder of the technology company Flip AI, and from Yale President Maurie McInnis.