( L to R ) Joyce Kang , M . P . I . A . ’ 15 , Leila Ahlstrom , M . P . I . A . ’ 15 , Elizabeth Batty , M . P . I . A . ’ 16 , and Parul Agarwal , M . P . I . A .’ 15 , attend the GPS launch .
Dean Peter Cowhey says change is “ in the DNA ” of the School of Global Policy and Strategy .
Some alumni took a bit of convincing that the name change was the right direction . What was the process for bringing them on board ? PC : We brought our alumni into the process immediately as part of the focus group used to determine what makes us unique and sets us apart from our peer programs . They were included as we determined brand attributes that guided the new name . Of course , that was only a small representation of the alumni , and clear communication was key to bringing everyone else on board .
We held town halls , virtual and in person , to explain the evolution of the school and why GPS was our choice for the future . We had our senior staff reaching out directly to our alumni leadership , making sure that they understood the rationale for the change and had all their questions answered . This group became a resource for all alumni and were some of our first brand ambassadors .
And while , as you point out , some alumni took a bit of convincing , the overwhelming majority were supportive of the change and applauded the school for staying competitive and current . The teaching and research conducted have been keeping pace with market demands , and this name change signals the schools ’ responsiveness . GPS is on the forefront — and that ’ s what you want in an alma mater .
And lastly , why “ GPS ”? Is the School of Global Policy and Strategy ready to guide the world ? PC : We have built a solid foundation on both qualitative and quantitative excellence . We are renowned for our expertise in the Pacific region . Adopting GPS allows us to position the school as it continues to move forward , broadening its scope to include a wider global focus and creating room for new degrees . Solution driven . Pacific focused . Global results .
Philanthropy Supports New GPS Trajectory
Joan and Irwin Jacobs designated $ 4 million through their Dunaway Foundation to expand GPS ’ s Center on Emerging and Pacific Economies into the Center for Global Transformation . The center focuses on understanding the consequences of global economic changes and technological growth .
GPS ’ s Japan Forum for Innovation and Technology — made possible by a $ 300,000 pledge from Japanese IT company Broadband Tower , Inc .— will serve as a hub for cross-disciplinary research on contemporary business , science and technology in Japan , including associated policies .
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