On May 23, the Opening Ceremony for the 23rd Cohort of the Fudan University – Washington University EMBA Program was held at the Zhengli Campus of Fudan University School of Management.
Dean Lu and Dean Mazzeo each delivered remarks to the new cohort.Dean Lu Xiongwen noted that the Fudan University – Washington University EMBA Program has consistently performed strongly in the Financial Times (FT) Global EMBA Ranking, securing 3rd place worldwide in 2024,an achievement stemming from years of sincere collaboration between the two universities. Cohort 23 marks the first intake to kick off its studies at the Zhengli Campus of Fudan University School of Management. The students will have access to world-class teaching facilities and educational resources on-site.
Dean Lu emphasized that Fudan University School of Management is committed to empowering science and innovation through management expertise to support the future growth of tech and innovative enterprises. He encouraged students to follow developments in science and innovation, and integrate such insights with management knowledge to drive sustainable corporate growth.Against a complex and volatile global landscape, he advised students to keep track of shifts in global politics, economies and cultures. Diligence throughout the program serves not only individual career advancement but also contributes positively to global economic progress.
Dean Mike Mazzeo congratulated the students on embarking on a new chapter of their lives. Amid severe global challenges, the Fudan University – Washington University EMBA Program has consistently upheld its philosophy of high-quality teaching development, continuously attracting outstanding managers to pursue studies. This would not have been possible without the close partnership and joint efforts of both universities. He expressed confidence that throughout their upcoming learning journey, students would gain knowledge and friendships that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Director Paul Shao presented an overview of the Cohort 23 new students. The cohort features broad industry representation and robust professional backgrounds. International students account for 12% of the class, bringing extensive management experience. Thirty-eight percent hold positions at the Vice President level or above, while 17% are company founders or partners. Compared with Cohort 22, Cohort 23 comprises more professionals from local enterprises and science and innovation companies. Specifically, students from local enterprises make up 44% of the cohort, and those from science and innovation enterprises account for 8%.
Professor Zhao Minyuan remarked that students who choose the Fudan University – Washington University EMBA Program share a common trait: they take pride in lifelong learning and uphold the spirit of communication and collaboration. For over two decades, the program has adhered to proven teaching theories and thinking frameworks to cultivate students’ long-term decision-making capabilities. Moving forward, the curriculum will continue to evolve with the times, placing greater emphasis on integrating AI into business education practices, focusing on cutting-edge industry developments and global economic trends, and delivering a more enriching learning journey for Cohort 23.
"When you have to choose one of the following two courses, which one would you prefer?" As the faculty representative, Dr. Zou Deqiang delivered a speech. Using the students’ course selection decisions as an example and drawing on Construal Level Theory (CLT), he vividly and engagingly illustrated how to make more rational decisions under the influence of various decision factors, including alignment with learning objectives, teaching quality, workload, and time convenience.
At the ceremony, Dean Lu Xiongwen and Dean Mike Mazzeo presented the Fudan University insignia and Washington University insignia respectively to Fu Liqiang, student representative of Cohort 23.
At the ceremony, Dean Lu Xiongwen and Dean Mike Mazzeo presented the Fudan University badge and Washington University badge respectively to Fu Liqiang, student representative of Cohort 23.
As the alumni representative, Zhang Ya from Cohort 21 shared advice with the new students. Studies in the Olin program help participants build a sophisticated framework for business strategy. She encouraged the Cohort 23 cohort to strengthen communication and collaboration with one another, maintain curiosity throughout their studies, stay steadfast in their convictions, and embrace uncertainties in the external environment with a positive mindset.
Subsequently, Wu Kaikai, student representative of Cohort 22, passed the flag to Shen Jiani, student representative of Cohort 23, marking the official admission of Cohort 23 into the Fudan University – Washington University EMBA Program community.
