Message From the Assistant Dean of Advancement and External Engagement: Michael Paulus

Greetings from Whitman! As you have read throughout this issue, our school is at the start of an exciting transformation—one that focuses entirely on elevating the student experience and, as a byproduct, leading the Whitman School into becoming a top 25 undergraduate program.

While we outline how key components of the Whitman 2030 Transformation plan will directly impact current and future students, it’s important to also recognize how achieving this goal will affect our alumni and parents. The tradition of excellence and innovation at Whitman is one that has existed since our founding as a business school. Our alumni are business leaders, industry experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs. Our network is far-reaching and passionate about helping each other find opportunities to thrive and succeed. 

Our ambitions of becoming a top 25 program aim to ensure that the rest of the business and higher education community see what we have always known to be true: that our community is one of a kind and that the investment you make attending Whitman sets you up for success. 

As partners in our progress, alumni, parents and friends will be the driving force behind the momentum and success of Whitman 2030.

This work has already begun! Empowered by our donors, Whitman enters the 2025-26 academic year on the heels of our most successful cash fundraising year on record. Thanks to this collective generosity, Whitman has been able to support students with resources at a whole new level.

There is a place for everyone in the new chapter of the Whitman School. I invite you to explore how you can be a part of the momentum. Whether by attending an event, making a gift, providing internship and career opportunities to students, joining the Whitman Leadership Circle or simply coming back to campus to reengage with our community, we hope to hear from you soon.

Be Orange. Be Whitman.

Sincerely, 

Michael Paulus

P.S. The advancement and external engagement team is excited to welcome alumni, parents and friends to our new home in the Whitman Alumni Center in Suite 114 in the Whitman School of Management building. Visit us the next time you are on campus.