Want to learn more about the history, people, and places of Stanford GSB? These stories highlight memories of the past 100 years while looking forward to the business school’s next century.
Faculty talk about the ideas, innovations, and values of 100 years of Stanford GSB in this podcast where community plays a starring role. As professor Jeffrey Pfeffer says, “We are a people-based organization and the quality of the people makes the quality of the place.”
We Asked Our Community What Makes Stanford GSB Stand Out
Faculty and alumni reflect on the past century of the business school and how they see it tackling the challenges of the next 100 years. The secret sauce to Stanford GSB’s success, in professor Michele Gelfand’s view? “It’s a magical combination of humility, curiosity, and impact.”
The Nobel Winners of Stanford GSB
Six professors from the business school have been awarded the prestigious prize in economics since it was established in 1968. Just as their research redefined their fields, the award impacted them individually. “It’s kind of life changing,” said professor and dean emeritus A. Michael Spence.
This collection of stories illuminates the journeys, accomplishments, and challenges of students and faculty who were the first in their respective areas at the business school. These courageous individuals — starting with the inaugural two MBA graduates — helped pave the way for generations to come.
A Gathering to Celebrate Stanford GSB’s Legacy of Scholarship
“It’s kind of fun to be a graduate student,” remarked professor Susan Athey, as faculty, students, and alumni of the business school’s PhD program came together in this two-day event where stories, ideas, research, and much laughter were shared.
Whether helping build a new campus, creating a new curriculum, or establishing new programs, the role of the Stanford GSB dean includes charting a path forward. As professor and dean emeritus Robert Joss said, “I always figure the role of a leader is to see if you can change it for the better.”
“There Was a Revolution Here”: 100 Years of Business Education
The MBA curriculum has evolved over the past century to better suit the changing needs of the business landscape. “The school today is much more global in its outlook and its approach,” says former dean and professor Garth Saloner. “Over time, the MBA degree has matured.”
Purported Stanford GSB grad Monica Hall (left) meets with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. | Courtesy of HBO
Lloyd Lee of HBO’s Entourage attended Stanford GSB and “graduated top of my class only to take a job delivering mail to unappreciative overpaid little [unprintable],” he said on the show. Other fictional characters luckily fared better in their career paths with their MBAs in hand.
Things That Would Not Exist Without Stanford GSB Alums
Your $1.50 Costco hot dog is only one of the essential everyday items that have been made possible by graduates of Stanford GSB. Tony Soprano, Pringles chips, and Priority Mail? All thanks to the smarts of business school alums.
Cars used to have tailfins; now they plug in. The stylings and shapes may have changed, along with attitudes and approaches, but the overall ethos of Stanford GSB toward innovation, community, and excellence has stayed the same over the past century.
For 100 years, we’ve been dedicated to the things that haven’t happened yet, and the people who are about to dream them up. In 2025, we celebrated our Centennial through stories and events.
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