From its inception 90 years ago as a regional school of business, to its role as an internationally recognized institution preparing principled leaders for global enterprise, Goizueta Business School has a long tradition of breaking new ground.

Goizueta celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gala on Wednesday, December 2 at the High Museum of Art. The event honored distinguished alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Goizueta, toasting the last 90 years through awards and a video program on how the school has helped shape the lives of many.

The following individuals were honored for their time, talent and contributions:

Outstanding Staff Impact Award:
• Julie Barefoot, associate dean and director of MBA admissions
• Andrea Hershatter, associate dean and director of BBA program

Outstanding Faculty Impact Award:
• Art Dietz, Mills B. Lane Professor of Finance and Banking (posthumous)

Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award:
• John Spiegel 65MBA, vice chairman and CFO of SunTrust Banks Inc. (retired)

Outstanding Corporate Partner:
• The Coca-Cola Company

During Goizueta’s first 90 years, the U.S. survived both the Great Depression and World War II, proving that crisis-driven change is not new. In the challenges of today’s economy, the future of business education remains strong.

Dean Larry Benveniste said there has been no drop-off in applications to Goizueta, underscoring the significance of business education and the Emory degree. “I believe Emory has always been a place with strong values and commitment to leadership. The education remains very valuable. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we look forward to another 90 years of excellence.”

Goizueta through the decades

1919-1929
On Feb. 18, 1919, the dean of Emory College, Howard Odum 1904C, recommended the creation of a “school of economics and business administration” to the Board of Trustees. The new school, in conjunction with the college, offered courses in economics, accounting, and business law. By 1925, there were 145 students.

1930-1939
In 1938, the business school moved to its home in the C.L Fishburne building. Three women earned degrees from the BBA program.

1940-1949
The school, reduced to one faculty member during WWII, merged with the college. Walter H. Rich, president of the Rich Foundation, donated $250,000 for the construction of a building. In 1949, the school was admitted to the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business.

1950-1959
After a lapse of two decades, the school began accepting female students again in 1954. In the same year, the MBA program commenced with 19 registered students.

1960-1969
In 1961, the Evening MBA program was introduced. When the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business began accrediting master’s programs, Emory’s program was one of the first to be approved. Four years later, Emory appeared on the list of the top American colleges and universities producing U.S. executives. The school also hosted the Intercollegiate Business Games—computer games whose format mimicked war games developed by the Rand Corporation.

1970-1979
In 1977, the school dedicated a $2 million addition and renovation of the Rich Memorial Building, incorporating two important features: the Management Center and the Computer Center. The Executive MBA program was created in 1979, and the school introduced the joint JD/MBA degree.

1980-1989
The school developed the first MDiv/MBA degree in the country. Years of thoughtful and steady expansion improved rankings: In 1986, the Gourman Report ranked the Emory graduate business program 26th in the country, and the Executive MBA program was ranked in the top 15 in a BusinessWeek survey.

1990-1999
In 1994, the school was renamed for Roberto C. Goizueta. A $20 million gift from the Goizueta Family Foundation and another $20 million from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation in honor of Goizueta ensured years of financial security for the school.

2000-2009
The millennium brought about a new PhD program in business administration and a new program in real estate. Goizueta installed its current dean, Larry Benveniste, in 2005.

Source: Goizueta Magazine Fall 2009

To read more about the school’s past, present and future, see the latest issue of Goizueta Magazine.