BABSON IS STRONGER THAN EVER BECAUSE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
This fall, we are turning aspirations into reality. We are actively investing in entrepreneurial leadership, including breaking ground on a new Executive Lodge and Conference Center to support lifelong learning. Our signature entrepreneurial leadership education is reaching more people—from our expanded Professional and Executive Education portfolio of online and flexible courses to our inaugural cohort of doctoral students. We are also celebrating wider recognition from around the world. In addition to continued stellar rankings from the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, and more, we received new accolades from LinkedIn that highlighted the strength and successes of our alumni network.
Everything we achieve is guided by our goals to reinforce Babson’s position as the top authority on entrepreneurial leadership, empower learners of all ages, and generate a strong return on investment for our students. We could not achieve these goals without supporters like you.
I am constantly impressed by the ability of the Babson community to create opportunities and solve any challenge. This past year, you have come together in record numbers to support our College. You also continue to grow a one-of-a-kind global network that promotes innovation and helps our students succeed. Because of everything you do, Babson can set its sights higher.
Thank you for being part of our community, and for making a difference on-campus and worldwide.
Edward Chiu
Governor Craig R. Benson Endowed Executive Vice President for Advancement
YOUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS
14.4K donors supported Babson in FY2025, with a total of $78.2M committed.
This year’s total propelled us past $650M towards our $750M goal in our Babson ELevates campaign – investing in learners, faculty, programs, and spaces that make Babson stand out in hands-on, student-focused entrepreneurial leadership education.
FUND FOR BABSON
Thank you to our generous donors who committed $2.4M in unrestricted funds, ensuring that we can meet the needs of our campus and community anytime.
MAKE YOUR MARK
More than 2.5K supporters came together for our annual giving challenge in 2024 to raise $562.7K.
Alumni, students, families, staff, faculty, and friends contributed to their favorite initiatives, competed to unlock challenge funding, and showed the strength of the Babson community worldwide.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Challenge Winners:
1. Phi Gamma Nu
2. eTower
3. Babson India Graduate Club
International Impact Challenge Winners:
Costa Rica – Latin America Division
Switzerland – Europe Division
United Arab Emirates – Asia & Middle East Division
WORLD-CLASS RANKINGS
A Babson education delivers results and recognition, thanks to supporters like you. BEST COLLEGE in America
– The Wall Street Journal, 2025 # 2
#1 IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Undergraduate Programs, 29 consecutive times – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
#1 MBA IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
32 years in a row
– U.S. News & World Report, 2024
#1 IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Northeast Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
– Entrepreneur magazine, The Princeton Review, 2024
#1 UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL by salary potential – Payscale, 2024
NEW IN 2025: LinkedIn rankings spotlighted the power of the Babson community—No. 1 for the strongest alumni network in the country, No. 1 for the largest share of alumni who become founders or entrepreneurs, No. 1 for fueling business development careers, No. 1 for alumni working internationally, and No. 7 overall in the United States.
#1 BUSINESS SCHOOL for return on investment
– Payscale, 2024
COMMENCEMENT 2025
Babson celebrated the Class of 2025 with speakers and honorary degree recipients who exemplified the many ways entrepreneurial leaders can make a difference—and who have had their own impact on the Babson community.
CEO and co-owner of Boston Globe Media and active partner in Fenway Sports Group Linda Henry ’00, H’19 addressed the undergraduate class and surprised the new graduates with commemorative Babsongreen Red Sox caps.
Co-Founder and former CEO of Blink UX
Karen Clark Cole H’25 received an honorary Doctorate of Entrepreneurial Leadership and shared lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey with the graduate class.
Peter H. Lunder H’25, P’86’90 and Paula C. Lunder H’25, P’86’90 received honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their philanthropic leadership across numerous sectors and organizations.
Leonard “Len” C. Green H’25 received an honorary Doctorate of Entrepreneurial Leadership in recognition of his transformative impact on the Babson community over many years as a professor, mentor, and supporter.
EXTENDING OUR LEAD IN ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
Babson’s expertise in entrepreneurial leadership keeps growing thanks to the supporters who have invested in the learning experiences and academic excellence that keep us at the top.
EXPANDING OUR SALES LEADERSHIP FOOTPRINT
Interest in sales has been growing at Babson in recent years—centered on the principle that ideas and ventures do not sell themselves but require persuasive ability to bring them to life. This skill has proved valuable for students seeking careers in sales and many other sectors, cementing its vital role in entrepreneurial leadership training.
The program’s expansion reached new levels in 2024 with the launch of a new concentration followed by an inaugural summit in the fall. With enthusiastic sponsorship support, the summit brought together more than 200 sales leaders and Babson community members to network, share insights, and support each other. It is now slated to be an annual event.
“Our inaugural Sales Leadership Summit sparked a surge in alumni engagement, expanded our sales curriculum with hands-on learning, and launched a sales podcast. It also led to increased enrollment in sales courses, development of a sales call simulator, and graduation of the first set of sales concentrators. More than a decade of work has come to fruition and is growing in impact. The second sales leadership summit on September 17, 2025 was in response to the demand of our community to continue the momentum unleashed by the first summit.
“We’re infinitely grateful to the sponsors of our 2024 summit: AHEAD, Staples, ZoomInfo, Doering, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Corporate Turnaround, Citywide Boston, and Muffin Town.”
VINI ONYEMAH PROFESSOR OF SALES & MARKETING AND CHAIR, MARKETING DIVISION
INVESTING IN OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Richard W. Sorenson MBA’68, H’23, P’97’00, G’27 and Sandra Sorenson P’97’00, G’27 have long recognized the importance of the arts at Babson. For more than 25 years, they have made transformative investments in facilities, scholarships, and programming for the College’s creative community. In honor of their latest commitment, Babson rededicated the Richard & Sandra Sorenson Center for the Arts in 2025.
The Sorensons’ support has helped set Babson apart as a business school— empowering learners to combine technical skills with a creative mindset to become innovative entrepreneurial leaders across every sector.
“Being involved with the arts at Babson has been an incredibly enriching experience. While Babson is known for its entrepreneurial environment, having a dedicated space to focus on my art has reinforced and deepened my passion for fashion. It not only keeps me motivated but also allows me to explore how I can merge my two greatest passions—entrepreneurship and fashion—into a future career. This experience has shown me that creativity and business are not separate but can work together to build something truly unique and impactful.”
ROSIE RUBEN ’27
SORENSON ARTS SCHOLAR
INVESTING IN FOOD BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Every year, students come to Babson with goals of creating impact in the food business—from new ventures to existing companies. A gift from an anonymous foundation has unlocked new opportunities for them by establishing a Food Business Lab. Powered by the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership, this interdisciplinary program will address the food sector’s most pressing needs today.
The Lab will be an experiential learning hub that engages learners in the future of sustainable food businesses—helping them achieve their career goals and become founders and business leaders who can drive both economic and social value.
FROM THE FOUNDATION:
“Food is one of the most universal and critical industries in that it directly affects health across cultures and communities. We’ve seen how innovation in food can drive impactful and meaningful change—creating and improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables to sustain underserved communities and improve nutrition, to transforming supply chains. Babson’s focus on entrepreneurship is the ideal place to channel our philanthropy—supporting new generations of thinkers and founders who will rethink what we eat, how we source it, and how to best reach communities in need.
“We are excited to see students use cuttingedge technology and tools to collaborate across disciplines; to take risks and test their ideas. We don’t view the lab simply as a facility, but rather a launchpad for the kind of ventures that will shape and transform the food industry and bring health to communities.”
INVESTING IN FACULTY
Fashion, Entrepreneurial Leadership, and a Dynamic New Partnership
When Jonathan Epstein MBA’98 was exploring ways to make a difference at Babson, he knew what he wanted to do after just one conversation with Dr. Caroline Daniels, Professor of Practice in the Entrepreneurship division.
Caroline has spent the past decade building up Babson’s Fashion Entrepreneurial Initiative, supporting students at the intersection of fashion and entrepreneurship. Learning about her work quickly inspired Jonathan, one of the most well-known streetwear curators in the United States. As the CEO and Founder of Supergl0rious, a Boston-based streetwear think tank, he and his team work with high-end fashion brands and elite resellers in New York and Boston. Supergl0rious offers business strategy consulting services, private shopping for professional athletes and musicians, and historical curation of rare streetwear fashion items.
Together, Caroline and Jonathan have partnered to expand fashion business education at Babson and position students for career success in this vast global industry.
“When you think about fashion and beauty, it’s textiles, it’s home fashion, it’s jewelry, it’s cosmetics, it’s chemicals. It’s huge,” Caroline explains. “Ultimately, we want to attract more companies to recruit at Babson.”
Since connecting with Caroline, Jonathan has supported her work with both funding and time. He established the Jonathan Epstein Endowed Fashion Fund for student initiatives and programming, as well as the Jonathan Epstein Term Chair in Entrepreneurship and Fashion, awarded to Daniels. He has also guest-lectured in numerous classes, participated in many events for both the Fashion Entrepreneurial Initiative and the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute, judged business competitions, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, created a consulting project for a group of undergraduate students, and connected with alumni to foster Babson’s growing network in the field.
Jonathan has been thrilled by the opportunity to help students bring their entrepreneurial leadership training to the fashion industry. “For me, it makes perfect sense, because I’m passionate about the end product but also understanding how it goes from an idea and a designer’s vision to delivering ROI for a company,” he says.
The term chair is a meaningful investment in Caroline’s work, giving her the resources she needs to conduct research, contribute to academic knowledge in the field, and pass her expertise along to her students. For Jonathan, funding her chair helps spotlight her impact. “The most important element of the program’s success is Caroline,” he asserts. “She’s unbelievable—super inspiring. I had a lot of teachers at Babson I was very close with, but I think she’s probably one of the most creative, critical-thinking educators I’ve ever met.”
Increased funding has already enabled Caroline to expand programming and bring a robust slate of industry speakers to campus. She has also arranged for the Babson community to have a professional-level subscription to leading industry publication The Business of Fashion, with access to news, analysis, job listings, and more. “The term chair is a huge differentiator, because it’s recognition, but it’s also resources,
and highlights student and alumni interest in the fashion industry, one of the largest industries globally by economic value and workforce,” she says. “And it’s fabulous to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and develop things, and mentor students. Jonathan is a great partner and brings exciting and creative ideas and experience to fashion at Babson.”
Alumni Access— Business of Fashion Subscription Babson’s Business of Fashion subscription benefits students and alumni alike. By logging in with a Babson alumni email account, you can access the platform’s robust resources from across the globe.
Jonathan has already been inspired by the impact of his support whenever he engages with participants. “I’ve probably spoken a dozen times in the last 16 months and sat in on four or five panels and half a dozen classes. And what I’m constantly impressed by is that these students already have the entrepreneurial mindset and are getting the right education to be able to ask the right questions. And to have been able to help with that is great. It’s the ultimate reward.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR CENTERS & INSTITUTES
Supporters have enabled our award-winning Centers and Institutes to grow their programs and thought leadership in their specialized fields, empowering entrepreneurial leaders on campus and worldwide.
Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship
B.E.T.A. CHALLENGE
Alumni and friends dedicated time and philanthropy to the Blank Center’s signature pitch event in 2025, serving as judges and sponsoring prizes. Student and alumni ventures competed for cash prizes totaling more than $150,000 plus in-kind services donated by sponsors.
Bertarelli Institute for Family Entrepreneurship
RIBERAS FAMILY HONORED WITH BABSON-CAMUS GLOBAL FAMILY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
The Bertarelli Institute hosted a special ceremony to honor the Riberas family, founders and leaders of the automotive company Gestamp, with the Babson-Camus Global Family Entrepreneurship Award. Made possible with support from Cyril Camus ’91, P’26, the award is the first of its kind to honor distinguished entrepreneurial multigenerational business families that have created significant economic and social value across generations.
C. Dean Metropoulos Institute for Technology and Entrepreneurship
AI SHOWCASE
232 Babson community members came together for the Metropoulos Institute’s inaugural AI Showcase event in 2025, empowering students and alumni with innovative AI-based ventures. The event was an important opportunity for Babson’s newest Institute to build awareness on campus at the intersection of entrepreneurial leadership and new technologies.
CELEBRATING LEADERS AT DISRUPTION DINNER 2024
The Frank & Eileen™ Center convened community members and leaders for their annual Disruption Dinner, “Shattering Glass Ceilings, One Digit at a Time.” The 2024 program highlighted finance industry sectors where women have historically been underrepresented in leadership roles. Ruzanna Queenan, CFA, MBA’13 served as keynote speaker, and Allison Byers, Modjossorica (Rica) Elysee; Ab Igram MBA’96; Stephen Martiros ’83, MBA’85, P’21; and moderator Dr. Shakenna K. Williams ’94 served on the panel.
Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership
Institute
for Social Innovation
SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
The Social Innovation Fund was officially launched in Spring 2025 under the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership with a new website, after its pilot under the Institute for Social Innovation in 2024. The fund provides Babson students, through the Blank School, with support for experiential learning opportunities—whether led by Babson, partner organizations, or self-directed by students.
Kerry Murphy Healey Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship
INAUGURAL HEALTH PITCH COMPETITION
The Kerry Murphy Healey Center partnered with the Blank Center and Metropoulos Institute to launch its first-ever Health Pitch competition in Fall 2024. Supporting our growing number of students interested in healthcare sector careers, the competition celebrated innovation and showcased ventures that addressed pressing industry challenges.
Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
NEW CORPORATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute has been actively expanding its lifelong learning opportunities with franchise certificate programs for corporate partners. It launched a new certificate program for Edible Brands in the past year, educating participants in ways to scale ventures with a specific emphasis on the franchise business model.
COMING SOON
Introducing the
TARCO
Institute for Real Estate and Entrepreneurship
Babson is launching its newest institute thanks to the vision and support of Todd Ruderman MBA’99, founder of TARCO Properties. Its vision is to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to explore real estate as a powerful vehicle for innovation, wealth creation, and community impact.
BABSON FINTECH STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION
The Cutler Center hosted the third annual Babson FinTech Startup Pitch Competition in Fall 2024. Student teams presented startup ideas to a group of fintech professionals, including Babson alumni, for the opportunity to win cash prizes. The judges were Peter Gordon MBA’96, Jason Hoch, Benjamin Narasin ’87, and John Reed Stark P’27. Thanks to a generous donation from Narasin, the prizes were doubled from the past two years.
Stephen D. Cutler Center for Investments and Finance
INVESTING IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Babson understands that education does not end with college graduation. Capital project supporters are helping us reshape our campus for lifelong learning—empowering professionals at all career stages with Babson’s groundbreaking approach to entrepreneurial leadership.
NEW EXPANSIONS AT THE HERRING FAMILY ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP VILLAGE
The Herring Family Entrepreneurial Leadership Village (HELV) officially opened in Fall 2024 and has been bringing Babson’s educational mission to life ever since.
The first phase of construction created space for a vibrant living-learning community on campus, with generous support from donors. The HELV is now the largest residence hall on campus and home to the College’s signature Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) course.
Thanks to continued philanthropy, the HELV is embarking on a second construction phase that will fully convert the facility to support not only undergraduate programs but graduate as well. When it is completed, the HELV will be the largest investment in entrepreneurship education at Babson.
COMING NEXT – EXECUTIVE LODGE AND CONFERENCE CENTER
The HELV expansion is just one part of a capital plan to transform Babson’s learning experience at all ages. The College has also undertaken an ambitious initiative to build a new Executive Lodge and Conference Center (ELCC), a lodging and event space for professional and executive learning programs.
Supported substantially by philanthropy, this new facility will be a vital investment in our lifelong learning strategy. It will serve professional and executive education participants with boutiquestyle lodging, event venues, and cutting-edge learning spaces.
INCREASING LEARNERS’ RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Career preparedness is infused into every aspect of a Babson education, but it takes resources beyond the skills we teach in the classroom. Supporters have found many unique ways to help students maximize their Babson experience and achieve their goals.
INVESTING IN SCHOLARSHIPS
From donations to Babson’s general financial aid to establishing named scholarships for specific interests or experiences, scholarship donors make a powerful impact on our community.
One new program launched in FY2025 was the Franchise Leadership Scholars cohort, dedicated to improving access to franchising education and career preparedness for more learners. Managed by the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute, this scholarship supports students with a demonstrated interest in franchising plus financial need. Along with funding, cohort members have opportunities to participate in events and a dedicated group project.
Scholar Reflections
“I envision franchising as a powerful vehicle for global business expansion, not only empowering entrepreneurs but also creating a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Recognizing that many business owners may not know the steps to scale internationally, I am dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources and strategic guidance to bridge the gap between ambition and execution, ensuring sustainable and innovative growth on a global scale.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to not only receive a scholarship but also be part of a program much larger than myself—one that fosters growth, learning, and meaningful impact.”
JOSELYN ARMAS ’28
“Learning about franchise models has broadened my perspective, showing me how they can create accessible pathways to business ownership— especially for those who might not have traditional opportunities.
“This realization has inspired me to not only pursue a career in franchise operations and financial strategy but also to educate underrepresented communities about franchising. Many individuals, like myself before college, may not even know this path exists. My goal is to bridge that gap by ensuring more people—particularly in Latin America have the knowledge and resources to explore franchise ownership as a means of economic empowerment.”
JUAN GRULLÓN ’27
SUPPORTING CAREER PREPAREDNESS –
CREATIVE APPROACHES
When Gary and Celia Sandler P’06 were exploring opportunities to make a difference, they were inspired by a funding program at the Hoffman Family Undergraduate Center for Career Development (CCD) that helps students purchase outfits for interviews, conferences, and other professional opportunities. They have now strengthened the program’s future with a gift to establish the Sandler Family Endowed Professional Attire Fund.
The program supported 62 students in 2024-2025, more than half of whom were first-generation. The Sandler family’s endowment ensures that the fund can empower more learners to compete for career opportunities with confidence, long into the future.
“I go to a lot of networking events, pitch competitions, and business panels, and I know how much first impressions matter…I would stress about what to wear and whether I looked like I belonged in the room.
“Receiving a new suit has helped me shift my focus. I no longer have to worry about what I’m going to wear to the next event or if I’ll feel out of place. Instead, I can spend more energy preparing to speak, connect, and be present. That peace of mind makes a big difference. The Professional Attire Program assisted in my ability to show up, speak up, and follow through— and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
ZAINABOU THIAM ’28 FUND RECIPIENT
Donors have helped the CCD expand its signature trek program this year—bringing students to explore a featured industry firsthand in major employment hubs. Students are selected from a competitive application process to spend two days visiting companies, building networks, learning about opportunities in the field, and shaping their own career plans.
The CCD was able to expand the program to the real estate industry in 2024-2025 thanks to philanthropy, with treks to New York and Miami. The inaugural New York Real Estate Trek was made possible by an anonymous gift from Babson parents who were excited by the opportunities it provided for students.
“As parents, it has been very meaningful for us to provide financial support for the Real Estate Trek event in NYC. Within a few months, the program was put into place and executed with an amazing experience for the students that participated. It allowed them to build leadership skills, network, foster community, pursue passions, and enrich their interest in real estate. Having like-minded students, professors, Babson staff, alumni, as well as President Spinelli attend made for an unforgettable experience. It has been rewarding to see an idea and event come to fruition so quickly and seamlessly. Supporting Babson has had an immediate impact, and we encourage anyone able to, to do so as well.”
ANONYMOUS BABSON PARENT SUPPORTERS
Professional conferences give students important insights and new industry contacts, but registration and travel costs can be a barrier for many. Matthew Rubin ’01 made a gift to help 15 Babson students attend the 2025 National Retail Federation Conference in New York, where they benefited from a full schedule of events and networking.
“NRF helped me to understand where the retail industry is currently at and what skills are important to be successful in retail. It was amazing to see so much representation from the Babson community… and getting to know alumni while seeing all they have accomplished.”
MICHELLE
GUZOWSKI ’26
“Babson helped me throughout my entire career, whether it was the curriculum that I benefitted from or the students that I went to school with that I have remained friends with to this day and have even done business with throughout my career…This was a way of saying thanks and making sure that the next generation of leaders is equipped with all the tools they need to be successful and get exposed to some of the innovative things happening in retail today.”
Donors to the Carol Hacker Student Life Fund help learners participate in programs that enrich their college experience in new ways. One important opportunity has been funding to participate in short-term electives abroad. Student recipients from the past year reflect on how these experiences have shaped their lives, perspectives, and future goals.
Reflections on Cape Town
“The Carol Hacker Student Life Fund didn’t just support a trip; it supported a student who once didn’t believe she belonged in rooms like this. It supported someone who once questioned her ability to lead, now standing in Cape Town listening, learning, and reimagining what leadership could look like.
“This program became a pivotal chapter in my Babson journey. I returned to campus not only more informed but more inspired. I am now taking what I learned and applying it to my ventures, my leadership in student government, and my personal mission to create economic opportunity through entrepreneurship. I’ve seen what’s possible when business becomes a tool for social change—and I know I wouldn’t have had this clarity without the opportunity this funding gave me.”
JOLIE WYATT ’26
Reflections on Dubai
“Back in Boston, Dubai still echoes in my philosophies and brainstorm sessions. I probe for invisible stakeholders, give research questions an extra lap, and draft investor-ready pitch decks with confidence rooted in firsthand grit. The Carol Hacker Student Life Fund did more than cover flights; it gave me a lens, a mentor, and a muscle for depth. My promise in return is straightforward. I will turn those lessons into positive efforts at Babson and business ventures that cut through mirages and build something real.”
VANESS REECE GARDNER ’26
INVESTING IN ATHLETICS
3.99K donors gave $4.37M total.
$1.96M donated to our varsity teams and clubs sets them up for success.
BAREFOOT ATHLETICS CHALLENGE 2025: BEATING OUR BEST
Babson supporters came together to invest in our studentathletes, show their team pride, and make the 12th annual Barefoot Athletics Challenge our most successful ever.
Teams competed to unlock a new set of “Beat Your Best” challenge funds this year—rewarding the highest percentage increase in donor counts from past years. And with record-breaking donations, everyone benefited with funding for equipment, travel expenses, coaching, and much more.
More than 3.1K donors raised $472.7K.
Established by former Babson President Brian Barefoot ’66, H’09, P’01 and Pamela Barefoot, the annual challenge encourages alumni, parents, and fans to support Babson’s athletics program and student-athletes.
“We have players coming back to matches around the Boston area or when we go to California. When someone comes to a match, they get hooked on the team, and the energy, and the environment. It’s not like they just come once—now, any match that we have in their area, they’ll come. They’re really enjoying the success of the team. A lot of that is coming off their hard work too, and they’re excited to see the programs continue to grow.”
A HISTORIC YEAR FOR BABSON TENNIS
Both women’s and men’s tennis have been reaching new heights on a national scale. The women’s team has made headlines the past two years with Olivia Soffer ’25 and Matia Cristiani ’26 winning back-to-back NCAA doubles championships. Olivia was also selected as the women’s tennis finalist for the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year—the first in Babson history to receive this prestigious honor. It was also a historic season for the men’s team, culminating in their first NCAA Elite Eight appearance.
Today, a supportive alumni community is growing and adding to the program’s energy—from recent graduates who maintain close friendships and stay in touch with the current team, to people who have rekindled their attachment to the program.
GREG BOXER’S TRANSFORMATIVE ICE HOCKEY GIFT
A goalie on the men’s ice hockey team during his time at Babson, Greg Boxer ’07 credits coach Jamie Rice ’90 with instilling the mindset and work ethic that shaped his life trajectory ever since. This year, he established an endowed gift to name the Boxer-Rice Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach position in perpetuity.
This gift will make a lasting impact on the team for generations to come. Endowed coach positions ensure budget stability and strengthen hiring and retention rates, which in turn will position Babson men’s hockey to continue to thrive with inspiring leadership.
“There’s no way I would be where I am in life without the mentorship and guidance I received from Coach Rice. Being able to provide this investment into the program on his 20-year anniversary was a special way to celebrate a man that I deeply respect and admire.”
GREG BOXER ’07
Learn more about the impact of our generous Babson Athletics donors in FY2025.
MICHAEL KOPELMAN BABSON DIRECTOR OF TENNIS AND HEAD MEN’S TENNIS COACH
PLANNED GIVING SPOTLIGHT
INVESTING IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND OPPORTUNITY
Grant Kehres ’74 MBA’76 seized as many opportunities as he could during his time at Babson. He approached college as a serious job, filled his schedule, enjoyed learning as much as possible, and discovered that he had run out of available classes after only two and a half years, graduating as Valedictorian. He then became a double beaver, completing his MBA shortly thereafter.
One experience that stands out for him was competing in and winning the inaugural Babson investment game. Each student had 12 weeks to invest $100,000 and see how much they could grow it. Grant won with a 45 percent return in the 12 weeks—a 195% annualized return— thanks to a strategic decision to sell at what turned out to be the right time.
Ever since, Grant has continued to build his understanding and experience in investments and economics while founding and heading Florida’s premier real estate law
firm. Through a current seed-money gift and later more from his estate, he plans to create a program inspired by that competition— a merit scholarship for talented finance students, an investment fund for them to actively manage, and a term chair for a faculty member to support them.
Grant hopes that this program will give students opportunities that he wishes he had when he was their age, to see how much they can achieve with high-level, live actual investing. “I was always thinking when I was young, if I had a million dollars I could show the world what I could do,” he recalls. “That was always in the back of my head when I was in my early 20s. So let me give somebody a chance to do what I wish I had the chance to do.”
“I was always thinking when I was young, if I had a million dollars I could show the world what I could do.” — Grant Kehres ’76 MBA’76
He also hopes that as future scholars learn and grow as investors, they will build the fund to heights that would be impossible in one lifetime. “They’re going to be my alter egos going forward. They’re hopefully going to grow that fund into what I wish I had more time to grow.”
Grant aims to be actively engaged with each Kehres Scholar—a partnership that will make his contribution unique among estate gifts. One of his goals while alive is to pass on to each Scholar the benefits of his years of active securities selection and portfolio management success. “One of the hardest things is not knowing when to buy, but when to sell,” he explains. “This is something that was not discussed back in my Babson days. It’s quite the art. I’m hoping to have an opportunity to have a one-on-one with some of the Kehres Scholars to say, here’s what I’ve learned. Put this to good use.”
More broadly, he also hopes to inspire new scholars to make the most of their Babson careers: “My Babson experience was invaluable. You probably don’t really appreciate it until you look back in the rearview mirror, but I hope I can instill upon current and future students that their time at Babson is a special period in their lives. Managed well, it can create a sound foundation for them to build on for themselves and their communities.”
THANKS TO YOU…
Babson is a thought leader.
Babson empowers more entrepreneurial leaders every year.
Babson is reaching communities everywhere.
Babson sets learners up for success. And more!
We can achieve our mission and make a difference because of change-makers like you. Thank you again for your support.
