Ashoka, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs, is launching a pilot program called "Changemaker Campuses" in which Ashoka applies its considerable talents and resources as a catalyst for positive social change to America's university campuses. Ashoka selected the University of Maryland as one of only four campuses across the United States to serve as the pilot program for its campus initiative. The University of Maryland is represented in this initiative by a team of students from across the entire university campus.

On Monday, October 20, 2008, Smith students learned an important lesson about ethics: “Do the right thing, and when you are not sure -- consult.” This was the central message from guest speaker Jeffrey R. Hoops, Ernst & Young’s Ethics and Compliance Officer for the Americas as well as the Chief Privacy Officer. Hoops has worked for Ernst & Young since 1974, and for most of that time advised clients on tax matters. In 2005, he was appointed to his current role, in which he originated the first ethics and compliance program at Ernst & Young.

The Smith School was proud to host the Second Annual Mergers & Acquisitions Competition on Oct. 16 and 17. The event, organized by Smith’s MBA Finance Association, challenged teams of MBA students from leading business schools to create and deliver M&A pitches to a panel of executive judges. Students from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business won the $5,000 first prize. Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management’s students took the $2,500 second prize, and Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management’s students won the $1,000 third prize.

College Park, Md. – October 20, 2008 – The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business today announced the winners of its second annual Mergers & Acquisitions Competition, held October 16-17. The event, organized by Smith’s MBA Finance Association, challenged teams of MBA students from leading business schools to create and deliver M&A pitches to a panel of executive judges. Students from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business won first prize, $5,000.

The inaugural session of the Smith Speaker Series was launched with much fanfare on October 14, 2008. The speaker, Gary Williams ’68, is the head coach of the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball team. Smith School Dean G. “Anand” Anandalingam opened the session and welcomed Coach Williams, applauding him for his achievements and contributions to the University of Maryland.

terpAMA , the undergraduate student society for the marketing department at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, has been in focus recently for numerous reasons. One major accomplishment is its recognition by the American Marketing Association (AMA) as one of the top 16 collegiate chapters in the country this year. Mary B.

On October 3, 2008, students from all of Smith’s MBA programs gathered at Van Munching Hall for the Smith Consulting Forum, a full-day event featuring speakers, panels, and networking opportunities. Now in its tenth consecutive year, the forum is a collaborative effort of the MBA Consulting Club, faculty, staff, alumni, and corporate partners. Those who attended were able to enjoy interactive consulting-related activities, with a focus on learning about the consulting profession and making personal connections with professionals in the field.

Students in management and organization lecturer Paulo Prochno’s Global Strategy class received a special guest lecture from Israeli professor and former Philips Israel CEO Dr. Uzi de Haan, on Thursday, October 2, 2008. De Haan discussed his experiences at Philips and provided an overview of the current business climate in Israel.

The Smith School’s undergraduate program kicked off the new school year in fine style with its Fourth Annual Business Week, September 8-12. This year’s featured Business Week speaker was Richard Perlmutter, co-founder ofArgo Development Company, which develops retail, office, residential, industrial, and urban mixed-use projects throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

College Park, Md. – August 26, 2008 — The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business today announced it is offering the Smith EMBA Speakers Series, a unique forum presenting innovative ideas and knowledge for business executives. The series will be offered without charge and will feature Smith’s world-leading faculty and business leaders. Topics will offer solutions for common strategic challenges as well as information about how Smith’s top-ranked Executive MBA program offers opportunities for further career development. The series includes: