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Faculty & Staff Achievements
A Century of Purpose: USF School of Management Celebrates 100 Years at Centennial Gala
The University of San Francisco School of Management marked a historic milestone on September 25 with a Centennial Gala that brought together alumni, faculty, students, and friends to celebrate 100 years of leadership, service, and purpose. Held at The Conservatory at One Sansome in downtown San Francisco, the evening honored the school’s proud legacy and looked ahead with excitement to its next century of impact.
Dean Otgo Erhemjamts opened the celebration by welcoming guests and reflecting on the enduring vision that has guided the school since its founding in 1925.
“Our story began with a bold vision to develop principled leaders who would serve with purpose and meet the needs of an ever-evolving city and its organizations,” Dean Erhemjamts said. “A century later, that vision continues to guide us.”
The Dean thanked the many supporters, sponsors, and members of the university community whose generosity and dedication have sustained the School of Management over the past century. She extended special recognition to “Leading with Purpose” sponsor Race Capital, led by USF alumnus Alfred Chuang ‘82, along with other event sponsors and partners who helped make the evening possible.
The program featured remarks from USF President Salvador D. Aceves, the university’s 29th president and a proud alumnus of the School of Management’s accounting program. University Chaplain Father Donal Godfrey, S.J. offered an invocation, grounding the celebration in the Jesuit values of gratitude, reflection, and community.
Adding to the night’s honors, the City of San Francisco issued a mayoral proclamation declaring September 25, 2025, as USF School of Management Day—recognizing the school’s century-long contributions to the city’s growth, innovation, and ethical leadership.
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Guests were then treated to a Centennial video capturing moments from the school’s past and present, followed by the debut of the new centennial history book, 100 Years of Purpose, Leadership, and Service at the University of San Francisco School of Management, authored by University Historian Emeritus Alan Ziajka.
In his remarks, Ziajka shared the themes that run through the school’s history: Jesuit heritage, professional excellence grounded in liberal arts, service to community, innovation, and resilience.
“Ultimately, this book is dedicated to the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators who have built the School of Management over the past century,” Ziajka said. “The world is better for the contributions of the USF business community.”
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of a new tradition: the “Heart of a Don Award,” created to honor alumni whose lives exemplify leadership, service, and community spirit. The inaugural award was presented to Jeff Silk ’87, vice chairman and co-chief investment officer at Fisher Investments, a USF trustee, and a steadfast supporter of the university.
Dean Erhemjamts presented Silk with a sculpture of Los Lobos de Loyola, symbolizing generosity and the Jesuit spirit of giving to all.
“Jeff, your support of the School of Management nourishes our being—our students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” she said. “Thank you for your dedication and the example you set for all of us.”
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The evening also featured an inspiring keynote conversation with Andrew Jack, Global Education Editor at the Financial Times, who in a conversation with Dean Erhemjamts offered a global perspective on the evolving role of management education and the skills leaders will need in the next century.
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In her closing remarks, Dean Erhemjamts reflected on the spirit of the evening and the bright future ahead for the School of Management.
“Reaching 100 years is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to the people who have believed in this institution, generation after generation,” she said. “As we look to the next hundred years, we remain committed to being at the forefront of ideas, entrepreneurship, and solutions that make the world better.”
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Guests enjoyed walking through a retrospective gallery of photos from the last 100 years as they hung from the ceiling of the history display and toasted to the school’s centennial and continued the celebration at a festive after-party at Holbrook House, closing an evening filled with pride, gratitude, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Thank you to our sponsors—Race Capital, Holbrook House, Bricoleur Vineyards, The PlumpJack Group, Dodge & Cox, San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, USF Dons Athletics, Theoni Lifestyle Event Rentals, JL IMAGINATION, Garden Party SF, VIVAS Graphics for Spaces, J.P. Morgan, and our individual sponsors—whose generosity made this milestone celebration possible.
