A Message from the Dean

Greetings from the University at Buffalo School of Management.

In May, we sent nearly 1,400 graduates into the workplace to launch or grow their careers. My message to them was three-pronged and simple: Be bold, be resilient and be grateful.

Upon reflection, it occurs to me that this advice is appropriate for all of us as individuals, and for us as a business school. In particular, much of our success can be tied to boldness.

The resounding theme that cuts across the school’s initiatives in entrepreneurship, health care management, leadership and social innovation is boldness, and in this issue of Buffalo Business, you’ll see many examples of the bold participation we are known for. Our cover story, "The Rise of Bitcoin," gives examples of how faculty, alumni and students are venturing into the realm of this enigmatic cryptocurrency and learning about its risks, rewards and applications.

Our intrepid students are making their mark every day. In Startups, you’ll find stories on about how the winners of our Panasci competition are taking advantage of our many entrepreneurial resources to launch their new startup, and how UB MBAs faced off against students from around the country and won the first-ever UB MBA Case Competition, sponsored by Dun & Bradstreet. In addition, you'll see how a contingent of 19 management students traveled to Costa Rica and gained a greater appreciation for how culture, geography, historical issues and other factors can affect the way businesses operate in other countries.

You can also read about audacious faculty research in the areas of cloud computing, HIV online support, and IPO analysts in Insights, beginning, as well as bold alumni like Cindy Lawrence, BS ’88, who are taking their passions and translating them into successful careers.

E. Han Kim, PhD ’75, has made a bold statement about his confidence in the School of Management by making a $1 million gift to our doctoral program, for which we are truly grateful.

And no conversation about being bold would be complete without mention of the University at Buffalo’s $650 million campaign, Boldly Buffalo, to transform our students, empower our faculty and improve our world. I encourage you to take a look at the many opportunities available for you, our valued alumni and friends, to boldly support the school, our students and faculty.

All the best,

Paul Tesluk
Dean