An inspired start

Kellogg Dean Sally Blount challenges the high-achieving, diverse Class of 2015 to create organizations of lasting value
3 minute read

Daniel P. Smith

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Sitting alongside more than 600 classmates at Complete Immersion in Management (CIM) Week, the Kellogg School of Management’s annual orientation program for incoming Full-Time MBA students, Joe DeJean '15 listened to Kellogg Assistant Dean of Admissions Kate Smith '98 highlight the unique accomplishments of his newest cohorts.


"One of you," Smith said, "developed new technologies to protect America's energy infrastructure.

"One of you managed Nike's footwear business for emerging markets.

"One of you was Deputy Director of Natural Resource Development in Afghanistan and won the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

For DeJean, who choose Kellogg for its diverse culture, Smith's presentation further validated his decision to attend Kellogg. "I look forward to meeting interesting people from around the globe and in different career tracks," DeJean said.

The class profile
Kellogg’s latest arrivals feature high-achieving students from distinct personal and professional backgrounds.

Kellogg Dean Sally Blount challenges the high-achieving, diverse Class of 2015 to “Think Bravely” and to create organizations of lasting value

The Class of 2015 includes world travelers, athletes and artists. They arrive in Evanston with varied backgrounds – education, energy, technology, healthcare, nonprofits and more. Some have earned civic commendations, launched social impact startups and managed departments for Fortune 500 companies.

And all of them, Smith assured, add to Kellogg’s dynamic, world-class environment.

A challenge to ‘Think Bravely’

Sally Blount '92 championed Kellogg’s "Think Bravely" mantra and reminded students that Kellogg selected them for their intelligence and ambition as well as their desire to deliver positive change.

"We so believe in what Kellogg can do for you … and we want you to find out what kind of leader you will be," Blount said.

In a rapidly evolving 21st century landscape that demands resilient, forward-thinking leadership, Blount told students that Kellogg would educate, equip and inspire them to build strong organizations and leverage the power of markets to create lasting value.

"This is why I believe Kellogg is fundamentally different than any other business school in the world," she said.

Blount’s message resonated with incoming Two-Year student Ryan Vose '15.

"I liked Dean Blount’s point about … how we bring wisdom to [the market] through the organizations we build," Vose said.

The road ahead

Kellogg Dean of Students Betsy Ziegler urged the incoming students to enrich their Kellogg experience through various leadership and experiential opportunities, such as clubs and internships, and to pursue a regret-free MBA experience by acting with intent and taking risks.

"This is destined to be a life-changing experience, so embrace it and take advantage of it," Ziegler said.

Echoing the comments of many classmates, Aly Sivanich '15 said CIM Week’s opening festivities motivated and energized.

"I am inspired to be at a place that lives and breathes its purpose," Sivanich said, adding that she is particularly proud to attend a school with "some fearless woman leaders."