Chicago Booth EMBA Alum Gift Expands Social Innovation

A $20 million gift from a Chicago Booth MBA alumni will support expanded research and programming in social innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago.Tandean Rustandy, MBA ’07, is the man behind the generous gift. Previously known as Chicago Booth’s Social Enterprise Initiative, the newly named Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation will serve as a hub for Booth School of Business students, alumni and faculty, and provide assistance and resources for tackling complex social and environmental problems.

“The Rustandy Center will provide a rigorous setting for students, faculty and colleagues to confront pressing challenges through social enterprise and innovation. The generosity of Tandean Rustandy will help to expand research, training and support in this emerging area for years to come,” Booth President Robert J. Zimmer said.

According to the UChicago, the center will work with nonprofit, for-profit and government organizations, serving as a resource for the university community as well as nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs and others committed to social impact. The Rustandy Center also aims to advance social innovation in five areas:

1. Research on social sector institutions
2. Training and networks for nonprofit board members
3. Development of innovative and experiential curriculum
4. Resources for students and alumni interested in social impact careers
5. Programs related to social entrepreneurship and social venture funding

Rustandy is the founder of Jakarta-based PT Arwana Citramulia Tbk, one of the best-performing ceramic tile manufacturing companies in world. He is one of the most successful alumni of Booth’s Executive MBA Program in Asia.

“Tandean was able to apply his Booth MBA education to expanding his already successful business. This most generous commitment from Tandean will secure the future of Booth’s social enterprise activities,” said Doug Skinner, Chicago Booth interim dean and Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting. “Our students and alumni are becoming increasingly interested in using their business training to solve social problems, and the Rustandy Center will serve as the venue for all of our efforts in this area.”

Rustandy says his belief in a socially beneficial approach to business was the reason why he donated such a large chunk of change into supporting Chicago Booth’s social impact research and programs.

“I’ve been blessed by God so what I have I need to give back–and I want to give to an institution that can create so much–not just for the U.S. but for all the world. That is why I want to give this gift to the University of Chicago and to Booth,” Rustandy said.

regions: Chicago

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