The Drucker School 2024 Year in Review

As we reflect on 2024, the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Graduate School of Management (the Drucker School) celebrates a year marked by purposeful growth and impactful achievements. From expanding academic offerings to amplifying global influence, our commitment to Peter Drucker’s vision of purpose-driven leadership and a functioning society has never been stronger. Each initiative underscores our dedication to instilling leaders with the skills, values, and insights needed to drive meaningful change in society.

Investing in Transformative Programs

The Drucker School has enhanced its portfolio of graduate degree programs with the introduction of two new MBA degrees and an expanded focus on doctoral education–a hallmark of CGU.

• Re-envisioning the PhD in Executive Management (EPhD): Building on a 40-year legacy, the EPhD has been redesigned to address the needs of today’s executives and leaders. The inaugural cohort includes 19 professionals who are engaging in research topics ranging from AI’s influence on creative industries to the role of leadership in underserved communities.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Developed in partnership with EHL Hospitality Business School (the world’s oldest hospitality school), the DBA begins fall 2025 and will provide a cross-continental doctoral experience focused on human centricity. This hybrid program combines Drucker’s management principles with EHL’s hospitality expertise, offering immersive residencies in California, Switzerland, and Singapore.
• Online MBA and Full-Time MBA in Management Sciences (STEM): The Drucker School remains committed to expanding access to our MBA degrees with the newly launched Online MBA and STEM-designated full-time MBA in Management Sciences. Unlike other business schools who have shifted their focus to specialized master’s programs, we have remained committed to offering a flexible and accessible MBA management education. These programs serve both working professionals and early-career students, equipping them with the analytical skills, technological insights, and critical perspectives needed to lead with purpose.

Strengthening Our Global Reach

This year, the Drucker School expanded its international influence through strategic partnerships, impactful forums, and notable alumni achievements.

• Boosting International Recruitment: Growing international enrollment is key to expanding our global reach. To support this goal, we partnered with QS, a global leader in promoting graduate education around the world (most notable for their rankings). For the first time in several years, we actively engaged in on-the-ground recruiting events in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.
• Drucker at Phoenix Forum: The Drucker School proudly served as the academic partner for the Phoenix Bay Area Financial Forum, which recognizes Chinese public companies exemplifying Drucker principles. This year, Provost Michelle Bligh represented the Drucker School at the forum, which was themed “New Opportunities, New Vitality.” The event brought together global leaders to discuss economic innovation and pathways for growth and garnered over one billion media impressions.
• Drucker Institute Japan Equity Fund: In collaboration with Daiwa Asset Management, the Drucker Institute introduced the equity fund, applying Drucker’s principles to guide sustainable business growth in Japan.

Advancing the Drucker Philosophy

The school of thought created by Drucker remains the cornerstone of our educational approach. In 2024, we introduced a series of initiatives that brought his business philosophy to life for students, alumni, and thought leaders. These will continue strong into 2025 and beyond.

• Virtual Tour of Drucker’s Home: We launched an immersive virtual tour of Peter Drucker’s home, offering insight into his life in Claremont where a majority of his works were conceived. The home also serves as a retreat space for faculty and doctoral students, inspiring reflection, writing, and innovation.
• Excellence in the Practice of Management Award: Parker Aerospace received the inaugural Excellence in the Practice of Management Award from the Drucker School this fall. The award celebrates their successful integration of Drucker’s ten management principles, which continue to drive their innovation, people development, and long-term impact. We look forward to extending this award to other deserving firms in the future.
• Frances and Peter: In November, the Drucker School hosted a screening of “Defining Moments”, a documentary on the life and leadership of Frances Hesselbein, a close collaborator and friend of Peter Drucker. The event underscored Hesselbein’s devotion to ethical leadership and echoed Drucker’s vision of human-centered management and social impact. The film has been featured at various festivals and be available to the public next year.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025

As we close the book on 2024 and look toward 2025, we are inspired by what we’ve accomplished together and the principles that continue to guide us. Even amid complexity and change, Peter Drucker’s vision of a functioning society—rooted in human values, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to the common good—remains a powerful beacon. This year’s achievements have reaffirmed our resolve to nurture leaders who will reflect these ideals in their organizations and communities. We look forward to continuing the great work of advancing Peter Drucker’s legacy and making a lasting impact in 2025.