For its commitment to creating and incubating business innovation and fostering entrepreneurship, AACSB International—the world’s largest global education network—recognized Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business & Economics. They were one of only 35 business schools from around the globe to receive this distinction for helping the next generation of business leaders.
“I am pleased to recognize the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics for its commitment to developing thoughtful, dynamic education experiences that instill entrepreneurship and creative thinking in its students,” said Thomas R. Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACSB International, in a press release. “Entrepreneurship is about problem solving and working to make improvements – whether on a business or society at large—and AACSB celebrates the Lazaridis School for striving to instill that same sense of responsibility in its business education curriculum.”
The recognition came as a result of the inaugural AACSB Entrepreneurship Spotlight Challenge, which highlights accredited schools that offer innovative and creative best practices through entrepreneurship programs. Each accredited school was invited to submit an example of their commitment to student learning and the opportunities they provided for students to gain business skills necessary for success. The challenge focused on uncovering each school’s unique approach to engaging the business community, expanding education outside the classroom and positively impacting society. The selection process also included a panel of judges made up of corporate leaders from a variety of disciplines including venture capital, consulting and accounting.
In total, 120 schools across 34 countries submitted a nomination to the AACSB and only 35 schools were eventually chosen. The chosen schools were picked as leaders in fostering and developing entrepreneurship at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
For the Lazaridis School, the Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation played a large role in its nomination. The Center offers students experiential learning opportunities in entrepreneurship and social innovation. “The Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation is one of Canada’s longest-running post-secondary organizations dedicated to entrepreneurship education for students, alumni and the community,” said Micheál Kelly, Dean of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, which houses and operates the Schlegel Centre. “We are deeply proud of our reputation for offering innovative and immersive entrepreneurship education and for being leaders in entrepreneurship education,” they added. “This recognition is a testament to our leadership in this area.”