Drucker Year In Review 2022
We began 2022 by laying a firm foundation with the launch of the Drucker School of Management’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. Developed with the input of alumni, students, staff, faculty, and Drucker Board stakeholders, the plan is firmly anchored in Peter Drucker’s philosophy that responsible management is the backbone of a functioning society. If you have not read the plan, I encourage you to do so.
People-Focused and Purpose-Driven
A key area of emphasis this year has been to better frame the Drucker School brand and make it accessible to new audiences who have a deep need for our ideas. Our vision is to develop leaders and guide organizations to create a better society. We have the ability to achieve such a lofty pursuit via the intellectual grounding of our work. As I often say, the Drucker principles have never been more important than they are today.
Meeting Students Where They Are
The Drucker School has embraced multiple modes of course delivery to allow easier access and greater flexibility for our students. Our new approach to program delivery includes courses offered in hybrid, online, and in-person modalities. While this mix will likely evolve over time, we remain committed to providing access to our programs and faculty in a way that makes the most sense to students. After all, as Peter Drucker said, the main goal of any organization is to attract and keep its customers.
Growing Our Network
Central to our mission is collaborating with partners who support the school: alumni, businesses, and leaders from a range of industries and backgrounds. The Drucker School stands out in the world of business schools by having a tight network of people and firms who see great value in a core philosophy. We made several advances in 2022 to expand our network, including a new partnership with SMA Consulting, celebration of our fifth year of partnership with the Executive Leadership Institute of the California Police Chiefs Association, an entrepreneurship certificate with Defy Ventures for formerly and currently incarcerated people, and an expanded Drucker Board of Advisors.
Investing in the Drucker School
Philanthropic support continues to generate game-changing opportunities. In February, CGU received a $42 million commitment from the family foundation of our alumnus Patrick F. Cadigan—the largest gift in the university’s nearly 100-year history—that will provide a new building to house the School of Arts & Humanities while creating transdisciplinary opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Drucker School will be an active partner in these opportunities and pursue additional philanthropy to strengthen our role in the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship at CGU. The gift honors the memory of Patrick F. Cadigan, a real estate investor and former tech CEO who earned both his graduate degrees from the Drucker School (master’s in 1978 and PhD in management in 1980). He had the good fortune to study under the legendary Peter Drucker.
We also received a $1 million gift from alumnus Peter Sealey and his wife, Elizabeth, in support of the school’s Global Family Business Institute. The endowment will be used to recognize exemplary contributions of enterprising family businesses who exemplify core Drucker philosophies.
Looking Over the Horizon
I am excited for what lies ahead in 2023 as we continue to invest in the Drucker School’s strategic plan and thrive as an inclusive and innovative enterprise. It will take a diverse community of scholars, students, alumni, and organizational leaders, as well as a keen focus on enrollment growth and revenues, to achieve our goals. It will also require curricular innovation that provides relevant programs to new audiences. One such example is our new SOAR Program—a yearlong certificate program designed to provide accomplished people in mid-life the time, space, community, and curriculum to create the next phase in their journey. (Please see the associated article in the December issue of Drucker 4 Today.)
Over my 18 months as dean, I have confirmed what I believed when I arrived: CGU and the Drucker School are very special places in the world. We are poised for great things in 2023, and I look forward to leading these efforts with all of you in pursuit of our bold vision for the future.
Happy holidays and my personal best for a fruitful and joyous new year.