We celebrated the GSB Class of 2023 this month on a glorious afternoon in Frost Amphitheatre. Henry Fernandez, MBA ’83, advised the graduates that “to accomplish really big things, you first have to accomplish a lot of really small things.”

When I think back on the school year, I will remember both the big and small accomplishments. The energy and enthusiasm in classrooms, at events, in town square, and at reunions were electric after years of distance and masks.

It was also a year for renewing connections beyond campus. We sent students for global experiences, hosted the Stanford Asia Economic Forum in Singapore, and held the Seed Global Summit in Mumbai. This month I led a delegation of business school deans to DC to meet with Members of Congress and leaders in the White House about the future of business education and the economy.

Sustainability was a major focus area for the school this year. We introduced new classes, hosted conferences, and created a university-wide climate entrepreneurship program together with the new Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. We see a similar opportunity to be at the forefront of advances in AI and other emerging technologies. 

Lastly, I’m sure many of you saw the recent news about the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. Attracting a talented and broadly diverse class remains a top priority for me and the school. As I wrote in my latest Stanford Business Magazine column, “Education fundamentally is about encountering differences: different ideas, different people, different cultures.” We will continue to uphold the law, adapt to the new landscape, and bring exceptional students from all backgrounds to the GSB. (You can read the Stanford University president’s message here for more context.)

There’s so much momentum for the school, and I already am looking forward to next year.