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UCD College of Business alumnus receives AACSB's inaugural Influential Leaders Award

  • Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2015

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Philip Berber, a distinguished alumnus from UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business, has been recognised on the 100 AACSB Influential Leaders list of honourees. Philip Berber joins other notable alumni from business schools accredited by global accrediting body and membership association for business schools, AACSB International. The 100 leaders nominated by AACSB are making an international impact through their business acumen, leadership, or entrepreneurial success.

Philip is a Texas-based technology entrepreneur, now engaged in philanthropy, international aid, social entrepreneurship and impact investing; he is co-founder and chairman of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. Since 2000, A glimmer of Hope have constructed more than 9,000 projects and distributed more than 44,000 microfinance loans to help those living in rural Ethiopia. The model focuses on integrating four areas of development: water, health, education, and microfinance to provide those living in extreme poverty with the best chance of improving their lives.

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean of Business at UCD said: “We are proud that Philip has been selected among the first 100 AACSB Influential Leaders. Philip’s accomplishments is a shining example of the extraordinary contribution UCD Business alumni make daily in the fields to which they have devoted their lives, and he provides incredible inspiration for our current students. We congratulate Philip on this well-deserved recognition.”

“I am delighted to receive this award, especially on behalf of the Business School at UCD” Philip Berber said in response to the announcement. “The lessons learnt, both academically, and in terms of ethics and leadership, have served me well over the many years since I graduated. When I revisit UCD Business School these days I see the progress and the changes – yet the underlying values, and the engaging and bright students, remain. May this award inspire others on their journey”

For the nomination process, AACSB developed a short list of open-ended questions that provided a framework for expectations for nominees. From April to June 2015, AACSB-accredited schools nominated their notable alumni who have made, or are making, an impact in the world. From the submitted nominations, AACSB’s selection committee reviewed and chose stories that showed the positive impact that business school graduates have made on society.

Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International said: “It is my honour to recognise Philip Berber for his contributions as an Influential Leader, and to thank UCD College of Business for its dedication to providing a business education environment based on engagement, innovation, and impact.

“If told, the success stories of all business school graduates would fill unmeasurable volumes. AACSB is honoured to celebrate Philip – and the collective 100 Influential Leaders – as a representation of how business school alumni have positively influenced society, as well as the management education industry’s past, present, and promising future.”
For the full list of recipients, visit www.aacsb.edu/Influential-Leaders

UCD College of Business is a triple accredited global business school based in the international capital city of Dublin, Ireland. We are the only Business School in Ireland whose degrees are consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world. Led by a commitment to research, innovation and impact, our purpose at UCD College of Business is to re-imagine education in an open world providing transformational learning experiences. Right across our portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, executive and international programmes, we strive to educate skilled, engaged, reflective individuals who have an understanding of their capacity and responsibility in a complex and globalised world. In addition to our Dublin base, we operate international programmes in Hong Kong, Singapore & Sri Lanka. www.ucd.ie/business

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