Fowler College of Business Impact Report FY23-24

Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Dear Donor,

Greetings from the Fowler College of Business, where we continue to deepen our commitment to providing students with a future-focused education.

This year, we implemented new initiatives to enhance student career and professional readiness, including the introduction of an “executive coaching clinic” and the integration of several Artifcial Intelligence-driven instructional tools into the curriculum. Students attended networking and professional development opportunities through our Career Management Center and 25 student clubs.

Expanding experiential learning, where students apply their knowledge to real-world situations, is a high priority for the college. This hands-on approach occurs throughout our undergraduate and graduate programs, with students engaging in semester-long consulting projects for regional, national, and international companies, as well as in case competitions, internships, and professional development workshops.

Your support has been instrumental in these developments, allowing us to equip our students with the skills and experiences necessary for success in an ever-evolving business landscape. We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to sharing more successes as we continue to innovate.

Dan Moshavi, Ph.D.

Thomas and Evelyn Page Dean Fowler College of Business

Changing Lives through Philanthropic Support

Christopher Michael Pendleton Endowed MIS Scholarship

The Fowler College of Business received a planned gift to provide scholarship support to students in the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department, encouraging students as they gain knowledge on cutting-edge topics such as artifcial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital innovation, and transformation.

James Silberrad Brown Center for Artifcial Intelligence Endowed Fund

The James Silberrad Brown Center for Artifcial Intelligence received a signifcant gift to support program operations, which will continue to propel the program toward its goal of becoming the country’s leading educational center for AI.

Marylinn J. Metzke Endowment

The endowment will provide support in perpetuity for student and staf entrepreneurial initiatives in the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, ZIP Launchpad, and Mission Valley Innovation District at San Diego State University.

Student using PitchVantage, a new AI tool adopted by the Fowler College of Business

Living the Aztec Experience

Hanen Fazai, Class of 2024

Class Level: Graduate Student

College: Fowler College of Business

Major: MBA

Through the MBA program at SDSU, I acquired a diverse set of skills including leadership, management, entrepreneurship, project management, analytical skills, and strategic thinking. These competencies have prepared me to add signifcant value to companies and excel in the business world.

The MBA program's emphasis on business strategy and decision-making has been benefcial. I enhanced my data analysis and business intelligence skills, which are crucial in today’s data-driven environment. Leadership and management courses, along with a strong focus on communication skills, further equipped me to lead teams efectively.

The James Silberrad Brown Center for AI has been a great place to grow and learn about cutting-edge technologies and their applications in business. Additionally, the Career Management Center provides exceptional support for students through career fairs and more.

Overall, the opportunities and resources provided by the Fowler College of Business at SDSU have been invaluable in shaping my career and personal growth. I extend my gratitude to the faculty, staf, advisors, and peers who have contributed to my growth and success. It's been an incredible journey.

“

Overall, the opportunities and resources provided by the Fowler College of Business at SDSU have been invaluable in shaping my career and personal growth.

Celebrating Shared Success

Recent Rankings

#33 Part-Time MBA Program (Public), #53 Nation, U.S. News & World Report, 2024

#11 Entrepreneurship (Public), #30 Nation, U.S. News & World Report, 2023

#6 Undergrad International Business (Public), #13 Nation, U.S. News & World Report, 2023

#31 Best Business Program (Bachelor), Best Accredited Colleges, 2023

#35 Career Outcomes (Public), #79 Nation, Poets & Quants, 2023

#19 Academic Standards (Public), #47 Nation, Poets & Quants, 2023

Statistics of Interest

The Top 10 Degrees for 2024 listincludes fve majors in the Fowler College of Business:

No. 3: Business Administration - Marketing

No. 4: Business Administration - General Business

No. 5: Business Administration - Finance

No. 8: Business Administration - Management

No. 10: Business Administration - Accounting

Recent Highlights

Accounting lecturer Narelle MacKenzie and marketing lecturer Kristine Ehrich were named the 2023 Glazer Outstanding Lecturer Fellowship Endowment recipientsfor their outstanding teaching and service to San Diego State University and the Fowler College of Business.

Best Accredited Colleges ranked FCB No. 31 for Best Business Program at the bachelor's level.

Top 10

Five college majors were ranked in the Top 10 Degrees for 2024: Accounting, Management, Finance, General Business, and Marketing.

Helping to Build a Brighter Future

Achievements:

Michelle Dean, Ph.D.

Title: Professor, Management Department

College: Fowler College of Business

Management professor Michelle Dean named the recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributor from the Fowler College of Business for 2023.

Dean’s nomination for the award was based on her “leadership role in human resources management curriculum development and maintenance, her deep commitment to student success,” as well as her establishment and work with the SDSU chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which has won national recognition numerous times.

“

Congratulations, Dr. Dean, on being the recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributor!

Faculty Achievements

Achievements:

Kaveh Abhari, Ph.D.

Title: Professor, Management Information Systems Department

College: Fowler College of Business

Management information systems (MIS) professor Kaveh Abhari named as a 2024 Presidential Research Faculty Fellow for his work in the Digital Innovation Lab, where he and his students examine and enhance digital technologies to increase equitable access to entrepreneurship, innovation, and STEM learning.

Abhari currently leads federally funded research and service projects on inclusive teaching, social learning, and alternative education. In addition, he teaches core and elective MIS courses such as systems analysis, business intelligence and data analytics, and digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Achievements:

Erlinde Cornelis, Ph.D.

Title: Associate Professor, Marketing Department

College: Fowler College of Business

Marketing associate professor Erlinde Cornelis is the recipient of the SDSU Senate Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing her signifcant contributions made to students, respective academic disciplines, and the campus communities.

Dr. Dan Moshavi shares, “She brings her passion for sustainability to the classroom, engages students across learning styles, and regularly demonstrates a continuous improvement ethic."

Centers and Institutes

The Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate

Hosted two breakfast seminars that brought together current students, alumni, and the community to discuss important real estate topics and projects for San Diego. The events were well attended and the Center looks forward to continuing to provide similar programming in the future.

The Next Phase of SDSU Mission Valley Breakfast Seminar held on January 18, 2024 drew a total of 144 attendees.

The San Diego Port Waterfront Development Updates Seminar held on April 25, 2024 drew a total of 102 attendees.

Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business

Organized an international experiential learning trip for our undergraduate accounting students in Germany. This opportunity allowed 10 students to immerse themselves in German culture and business practices and included the opportunity to visit the SAP Headquarters. For many students, it was their frst time traveling abroad, making this experience both educational and transformative.

Hosted an export training program tailored for 100 minority-owned businesses in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. This program aimed to equip business owners with the necessary skills and knowledge to expand their operations internationally, fostering economic growth and diversity within our community.

One of our proudest achievements this year was hosting the inaugural Binational Youth Summit. With over 200 high school teachers and students from San Diego and Tijuana participating, the event, held at San Diego State University, was a remarkable success. It was a great honor to have Wendy Gillespie join us and speak with the students, and the summit efectively showcased the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges.

The Charles W. Hostler Institute

Hosted two high profle events this year drawing 180+ attendees and ofered students, faculty, and a growing SDSU community the opportunity to hear from prominent international speakers. Attendees enjoyed presentations from Ambassador W. Stuart Symington regarding multiple postings in Africa as well as experiences held by H.E. Ramón de la Guardia, Ambassador from Panama to the United States of America.

The San Diego Port Waterfront Development Updates Seminar

Centers and Institutes

Corporate Governance Institute

Hosted Shareholder Activism: The Good, the Bard, and the Ugly event on April 30 with David Batchelder and The Hon. Leo Strine (ret.), speakers, and David Katz, moderator.

CGI Research Team Roundtables: Faculty from the Management, Finance, and Accounting Departments came together throughout the year to discuss and share their research with one another.

James Silberrad Brown Center for Artifcial Intelligence

Hosted a Fall Open House 2023 and Explore SDSU Spring 2024: Both of these events were great opportunities to expose the SDSU community and students to the center’s projects and the opportunities that the center can ofer them.

Pepper, a 3-foot-3 droid at SDSU’s James Silberrad Brown Center for Artifcial Intelligence, amuses student researchers with programmed jokes and serves as a tool for teaching them about AI in a Fall 2023 SDSU Research Magazine Feature, “How to Teach a Robot a Joke”

NBC featured JSBCAI in article "SDSU researchers develop AI robot hoping to help those with mental health concerns"

Lavin Entrepreneurship Center

SDSU's Lavin Entrepreneurship Program is ranked #11 (public) by U.S. News & World Report.

25 Students completed the frst year of the Lavin program and 30 students completed the second year.

37 Professionals and entrepreneurs mentored Lavin students.

Hosted two speakers as part of the L. Robert Payne Lecture Series: Fall 2023 welcomed Maya Madsen, Founder and CEO of Maya’s Cookies, who shared insights on building a top-tier, Blackowned, gourmet vegan cookie brand. In Spring 2024, Kevin Gelfand, co-founder and CEO of Shake Smart, enlightened us with his story of pioneering nutritious meal options for busy individuals, marking a milestone in student-owned, on-campus businesses.

Pepper, one of the center’s veteran robots, reacting to the interviewer as he asks questions regarding artifcial intelligence and Pepper’s role at the center.

Fowler Scholars Program

The Fowler Scholars Program is a cohort of 18 undergraduate students from all class levels in the Fowler College of Business. We achieve the program’s goal of developing ethical business leaders through multiple executions during their four years at SDSU.

First, we meet during our weekly Fowler Scholars practice, discussing key topics such as leadership, ethics, and corporate culture led by either the Fowler Scholar director or recognized business executives and leaders.

Next, each Fowler Scholar is assigned and actively participates in a yearlong “real-world” project, working with local businesses analyzing and solving timely challenges and opportunities.

Finally, the program hosts yearly business trips to either local businesses or national/international destinations, meeting with senior leaders to discuss current and future business challenges. The program will be expanded to include transfer students in the upcoming academic year.

Students at the 2024 Fowler Scholars Reception

Icebreaker activity at the 2024 Fowler Scholars Reception

Social Impact Programs

BrightSide Produce

BrightSide Produce is committed to increasing access to healthy food options in underserved communities through produce deliveries while reducing food waste and strengthening the local food system in San Diego County. The organization provides undergraduate and graduate students with valuable hands-on experience running a distribution business that operates as a nonproft and works with retailers to introduce, manage and grow a new product category to meet the local community's needs.

Weekly produce distribution to 30 partner stores located in National City, South, and Southeast San Diego.

As a result of BrightSide's services, the majority of residents in National City have access to a store that sells produce within a quarter mile of their homes.

Delivery from BrightSide Produce

Over 200 students have participated in the BrightSide Produce Internship Program.

2024 Chinyeh Hostler Social Venture Challenge

Nine teams from fve Southern California universities pitched solutions to water-related problems for nearly $40,000 in prizes during the 2024 Chinyeh Hostler Social Venture Challenge, hosted by the Fowler College of Business and the Division of Research and Innovation.

An SDSU team of three female engineers took home the grand prize of $15,000 as well as additional cash prizes from the March 15 event.

Women in Leadership

The 8th annual Women in Leadership Conference was held on March 7, 2024 with the theme of “Finding Power Through Your Passion.” The conference drew over 600 attendees for presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that focus on the issues faced by women in the workplace, while providing SDSU students and other attendees with the skills and confdence needed to successfully meet those challenges.

Providing Resources for Today’s Students and Tomorrow’s Aztecs

New Endowments

Beta Alpha Psi Endowed Scholarship

Jack McBirnie Endowed Scholarship

Janie Chang Endowed Scholarship

Josh Wooldridge Jr Endowed Scholarship

Marilynn J. Metzke Endowment

Endowments (Active)

A.P.I.C.S. Endowed Scholarship

A.R. Bailey Dean’s Endowment

Accountancy Advisory Board Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow Endowment*

Accounting Associates Endowed Scholarship

Accounting Excellence Endowment*

Adrienne & Juan Vargas Fowler College of Business Faculty Excellence Endowment*

Agnes Wong Nickerson and Owen Murdoch Endowed Scholarship*

Alexander and Jeannette Srbich Endowed Scholarship

Alexis Stathis Endowment Scholarship*

Alexis Stathis Real Estate Endowment*

Alvord Branan Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Artificial Intelligence Lab Program Endowment*

Baxter Endowed Scholarship*

Bernard J. Nydam Memorial Endowment

Bost Family Endowed Scholarship

Burnham Foundation Real Estate Endowed Scholarship

Business Ethics Research Endowment

Carol Bentley Ellis Endowment for Faculty Excellence in Marketing*

Catherine M. Stiefel & J. Keith Behner Business Professional Skills Initiatives

Catherine Stiefel and Keith Behner Fowler Scholars Endowed Scholarship*

Catherine Stiefel and Keith Behner Fowler Scholars Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship*

Charlene Lewis Endowed Accounting Scholarship*

Charles Hostler Institute Endowment

Charles Lamden Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy Endowment

Christina Velasco Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Christopher Michael Pendleton Endowed MIS Scholarship*

Clay Family Fowler Scholars Scholarship Endowment

Conrad Gorospe Excellence in Finance Endowment

Considine Accounting Endowment

Corporate Governance Institute Endowment*

Corporate Governance Institute Shareholder Value Endowment*

David and Deborah Hawkins Endowment for Excellence*

David Belcher Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Deborah Boyce Endowed Fowler College of Business Scholarship*

Dennis and Elaine G. Szeto Endowed Professorship in Finance*

Director of The Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate Endowment*

Dittamore/Qualcomm Endowed Scholarship in Accountancy*

Dr. Thomas Warschauer Endowed Professorship*

Dwight J. and Barbara J. Newell Endowed Scholarship*

Ed Davis From Cancer to College Scholarship Endowment

Edward and Milray Kuhlken Endowed Scholarship

Edward G. and Mary Lee Cannizzaro Endowed Scholarship in Accountancy*

Edward G. Gergurich Memorial Scholarship Endowment*

Edwin Baldry Sales and Professional Development Endowment

Elias J. Katzen Endowed Scholarship

Elizabeth A. Galligan Endowment

Ellen G. and Edward G. Wong Endowed Scholarship*

Ellen Sue Gerber Memorial Endowment Entrepreneurship Excellence Endowment

Estate Planning Professors Endowment

Fackler Fowler Scholars Scholarship Endowment*

FCB Honors Program Endowed Scholarship

Finance Department Excellence Endowment

Fowler College of Business Emergency Fund Endowed Scholarship*

Fowler College of Business Endowment

Fowler College of Business Faculty Excellence Endowment*

Fowler College of Business Mentor Program Endowment

Fowler Scholars Endowed Program Fund

Frances Torbert Endowment

Frederick W. Pierce Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship*

Frederick W. Pierce Finance Endowed Scholarship*

Frederick W. Pierce Real Estate Endowed Scholarship*

Gary and Nancy Beardsley Endowed Scholarship*

Gene Whittenburg Memorial Endowed Tax Scholarship*

George and Ruth Warwick Endowed Scholarship in Real Estate

Georgia Amsden Endowed Scholarship

Gerdau Family Endowed Scholarship*

Gex Family Scholarship Endowment

Gilbert J. Martin Foundation Endowed Scholarship*

Glazer Outstanding Lecturer Fellowship Endowment*

Goddard Family Faculty Endowed Fellowship in Auditing*

Greg and Elisabeth Fowler Career Management Center Endowment*

Greg and Elisabeth Fowler Financial Data Endowment*

Griffith Family Guardian Scholars Endowed Scholarship*

Henry Family Endowed Scholarship*

Ilgaz - Pala Family Aztec Cooperative Fund Endowment*

James & Margaret Polak Endowed Scholarship

James E. Williamson & Francine J. Lipman Endowed Scholarship*

James Silberrad Brown Center Director Endowment

James Silberrad Brown Center Fellowship Endowment

James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence Endowment

James Silberrad Brown Scholarship Endowment

Jeffrey Glazer and Lisa Braun Glazer Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship in Management*

Jim & Janet Sinegal Guardian Scholars Business Endowed Scholarship*

Jim and Lisa Givens Accountancy Endowed Scholarship*

John and Billie McAvoy Scholarship Endowment

Julie Dillon Endowed Faculty Fellow in Real Estate*

Karen Wilcken Special Project Student Endowment*

Keller Excellence in Financial Services Endowment*

Ken Marino Director of Taiwan Program Endowment

Kenneth and Theresa Kurita Endowed Scholarship*

Kenneth S. and Iona R. Wade Scholarship Endowment

Kent and Kim Grubaugh Scholarship Endowment

Kreitzer Fowler Scholars Scholarship Endowment

L. Robert Payne Lectureship Endowment

Lang Endowed Professorship in Leadership Development*

Larry and Madeline Petersen Endowed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

Larry and Madeline Petersen Entrepreneur in Residence Program Endowment

Larry Icerman Seed Fund Endowment*

Lavin Entrepreneurship Center Endowment

Leonard H. Lavin Entrepreneurship Center Endowment

Leslie and Jim Levinson Guardian Scholars Business Endowed Scholarship*

Leslie Kim Wellman Endowed Scholarship*

Lindsay and Brownell, LLP VITA Endowed Scholarship*

Lisa and Michael Schweitzer Faculty Excellence Endowment*

Management Department Excellence Endowment

Management Information Systems Department Excellence Endowment*

Marjorie L. Reed Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mark and Debbie Lindner Endowed Scholarship for Fowler Scholars*

Marketing Department Excellence Endowment

Mary Allis Curran Endowed Scholarship*

McKasson Endowed Scholarship*

Mehdi Salehizadeh Legacy Endowed Scholarship*

Michael and Hillary Kanigher Financial Services Scholarship Endowment

Monica F. Williams Endowed Scholarship

Murphy Family Emergency Assistance Program Endowment*

Mutter Family Endowed Scholarship*

Nielander Alessio Endowed Scholarship for Veterans*

Nielander Alessio Endowed Scholarship in Finance*

Novak Family Scholarship Endowment*

Osinski Family Women in Entrepreneurship & Leadership Endowment*

Padres Guardian Scholars Endowed Scholarship*

Pat Theodora Fund for the Digital Future*

Paul Kurtz and Genevieve Jane Crecelius Endowed Scholarship in Accounting*

Peter and Elaine Shaw Endowed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

Prebys Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship

QUALCOMM Endowed Directorship

Ralph V. Whitworth Chair in Corporate Governance Endowment*

Raymond and Mary Ann Slawinski Endowed Scholarship

Real Estate Professorship Endowment

Reisweber Family Endowed Scholarship*

Richard and Susan Seiler Endowed Faculty Fellow in Taxation*

Robert and Amy Abramson Endowed Professorship in Finance*

Robert E. Duke Endowed Scholarship

Robert F. Driver Endowed Scholarship

Robert Hess Endowment

Ron Fowler EMC Internship Endowment

Rosas Family Endowed Accountancy Scholarship*

Rowling Family Scholarship Endowment*

San Diego Padres Veterans Endowed Scholarship*

School of Accountancy Advisory Board Endowment

School of Accountancy-ALEX Endowment

Scott Burns Memorial Endowed Scholarship

SDSU Outstanding Student Endowment

Sharon Lightner Beta Alpha Psi Endowed Scholarship

Southeast Asian Endowed Scholarship

Sprouse Endowed Professorship*

Steven D. Davis Accounting Endowed Scholarship

Steven L. Black Endowed Scholarship for Real Estate

Stiefel/Behner Student Endowment in Accounting

Terry L. Atkinson Endowed Professorship in Finance*

Thomas and Evelyn Page Dean of the Fowler College of Business Endowment*

Thomas Newton, Jeffrey Jellison, Edwin Baldry and Tory Hazard Endowed Scholarship*

Tiger and Dragon Endowment*

Toole Family Endowed Scholarship

Vern Odmark Endowed Chair

WAFC Business Endowment

Wells Fargo Financial Market Laboratory Endowment

Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business Endowment*

Will Snyder Endowment

William and Karen Brack Endowed Professorship in Finance*

William and Karen Brack Endowed Scholarship*

William E. Cole, Sr. CPA Endowed Directorship

*Created in conjunction with the Fowler Match

Thank you for your generous support.