MBA Alums Support Dean's Fund

Storrs, CT (7/2/2008) - Finding ample funding for both established priorities and urgent needs is a common challenge faced by all schools and colleges. Each dean is assisted by an unrestricted fund that gives him the power to provide support where it's needed most.

Flexibility is what makes unrestricted funds indispensable, according to Christopher Earley, dean of the School of Business.

"Unrestricted funds provide the greatest flexibility because they can be directed to both short-term needs, such as helping retain a key faculty member who has received an offer from another university, as well as long-term needs, such as enhancing the school's global positioning through student or faculty exchanges and partnerships," says Earley.

The dean's fund at the School of Business recently received a boost from a pair of alumni who graduated from the MBA program. Larissa '93 '95, who also earned a B.A. in French and English from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Christopher '95 Chapin wanted to direct their gift to the area where it would do the greatest good for the school.

"We'd like to see the school continue to be a world-class institution, and see it develop into one of the best business schools in the country," says Mr. Chapin.

The Chapins wanted to give back financially and get involved with the school in gratitude for the education they received.

"We need to help young people coming out of the program," says Mr. Chapin. "From my experience on Wall Street, I see that alumni networks are a lot stronger in the top 10 schools. At UConn, we can take advantage of our alumni and build that kind of strong network."

"Without an education you can't do much. And without a good education, you can't achieve a high level of success," adds Mrs. Chapin. "The solid foundation we received at UConn helped us move forward in our careers. I think alumni have a responsibility to recognize that support, and give back to help others achieve their goals."

Earley notes that alumni will play an integral role in helping the school reach new heights.

"Alumni are absolutely critical to the school's success," he says. "Our alumni are not only helpful through gifts, but, more importantly in my view, they help guide the direction of the school, mentor our students and provide a network for helping students find jobs. They're also critical to the faculty who seek to advance knowledge in business education through interacting in the business community."

To support the dean's fund at the School of Business, contact Diana Timlin at 860.486.2656.

From the May-June 2008 issue of UConn NDC e-News and the Summer 2008 issue of e-Momentum.
School of Business Pressroom
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