The incoming class of MBA students enthusiastically kicked off the school year with a packed orientation schedule from August 15 to August 22.
Approximately 200 students representing 21 countries were ushered into the new academic year with a robust agenda of activities and celebrations, beginning with a warm welcome from Andrew Medvedev, dean of the Weatherhead School of Management, followed by a series of inspiring presentations from faculty and staff.
The first-day鈥檚 events topped off with a celebratory dinner at the Cleveland Museum of History, where new students mingled with faculty and staff along with alumni able to attend.
This year鈥檚 new class represented notable statistics, giving way to an even more diverse, leadership-focused, and educated student body than before. Among full-time MBA students, women comprised 41% of the total incoming group, while underrepresented minorities represented 17% of domestic students in the same category.
Approximately 16% accounted for first-generation students, described as the first in their families to attend a college or university. Weatherhead also proudly welcomed a United States veteran to the school.
Regarding the full-time MBA program, Stephanie Nunley, director of admission and senior recruiter at Weatherhead, said the incoming class represents a broad spectrum of industries, backgrounds, and countries, further enriching the learning environment.
"As we continue to build a vibrant and diverse MBA community at Weatherhead School of Management, we鈥檙e thrilled to report a strong admissions cycle, with 49 students enrolled in the full-time MBA program this year鈥攁long with a 20% increase in applications,鈥 she said.
Nunley encouraged alumni to stay engaged with the program by connecting with current students through mentorship, networking opportunities, or guest speaking opportunities.
鈥淥ur alumni鈥檚 support is invaluable to helping guide and inspire the next generation of business leaders,鈥 Nunley said.