Two newly formed advisory councils will play an important role in helping guide the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business as it enters its second century. Launched in April 2015, the membership of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) and the Investment Center Advisory Council (ICAC) consists of seasoned executives and business leaders. The BAC will advise the dean on school-wide strategic directions, reputation-building, marketing and fundraising. The ICAC will offer advice and support to faculty and the dean’s office about enhancing the Investment Center and associated educational programs in finance in ways that align with the school’s strategic directions.

According to Dean McFarlin, “These new councils will operate as ‘think tanks,’ helping us stay connected to evolving business trends and ensuring we align with those trends as a school and in specific programs. Having outstanding advisory councils will help us provide a distinctive education in the Spiritan tradition, place our students in top positions, support the work of our faculty, and enhance our ability to have an impact in the corporate community.”

Advisory Council members are alumni and friends of the school who are business executives with impressive credentials and accomplishments in some of the finest companies in the world. They are not only distinguished leaders, but have a demonstrated commitment to the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business and to Duquesne University.

“It’s been humbling to have such distinguished business leaders join as inaugural members of the BAC and ICAC,” says McFarlin. “And while we will continue to recruit new members into the fold over time, it’s clear these are councils poised to have an impact from the start. I’m excited about the role they will play in helping us to develop centers of excellence, build our resource base and strengthen relationships with major constituencies as the business school enters our second century.”