Student Catalog - Thunderbird School of Global Management

A N O TE FRO M TH E PRESI D EN TIt is a great pleasure to welcome you as new students to Thunderbird. Youjoin the school during very interesting and challenging times in the globaleconomy. And these times, more than ever, call for a new generation ofleaders—a new generation of T-birds. At no time in history has there beengreater need for managers who can lead global organizations, work withindividuals from diverse cultures, and direct the global network ofsuppliers, customers and partners. And at no time in history has there beena greater need for strong, ethical leaders who take a more responsible andsustainable approach to running their enterprises.Being a T-bird is not just about having a world-class education and beinglinked into a worldwide network, it is also about becoming a global citizen who is dedicated topositively impacting and making a difference in the world at large. I can think of no professionwith greater nobility nor that can have a greater impact on society than that of business leader. Asa business leader, the choices you make day in and day out can and will impact the people andcommunities in which you operate, and with that comes great responsibility.Thunderbird is committed to educating global managers who are also global citizens and whounderstand that businesses should contribute to creating and spreading economic and socialprosperity worldwide. We believe that management is a true and very important profession that, atthe end of the day, exists to serve society at large. We incorporate the principles of professionalpractice and global citizenship throughout the entire curriculum, and we hope to convey to ourstudents the idea that as true professionals, business leaders can provide competitive returns toinvestors by creating real value for customers and opportunities for employees and supplierswithout having a negative impact on the rest of society.Since 1946, Thunderbird has guided exceptional individuals to shape meaningful careers in globalmanagement, and you are now a part of that grand tradition. You now have the opportunity todraw upon unparalleled expertise and resources in global business not only from a diverse andworld-class faculty, but also from your fellow students who join you at Thunderbird from virtuallyevery corner of the world. The rich variety of experiences these individuals bring to Thunderbird isa source of incredible learning for each of you, and I urge you to interact and learn from them—both inside and outside the classroom. Your fellow students will be lifelong colleagues, friends andbusiness partners.You are now part of an extraordinary educational and life experience that not only will help youachieve professional and personal success in the global marketplace, but also link you into aworldwide network of global citizens who are committed to creating sustainable prosperityworldwide.Congratulations on choosing Thunderbird, and good luck with the hard work that lies before you. Ilook forward to our time together.Dr. Ángel CabreraPresident