Unlike author Tom Wolfe’s famous Bonfire of the Vanities, these future Wall Street Masters of the Universe won’t end up in the Bronx.
They’ll begin here, at the first-ever permanent home of Fordham University’s school of business.
And they’ll actually train on the floor of a trading room – with no federal bailouts guaranteed.
Led by Fordham president, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., school officials and alumnus dedicated the new Gabelli School of Business in Hughes Hall Thursday, Sept. 27 after two years of $38 million in renovations.
Mario Gabelli, founder, chairman and CEO of GAMCO investors and a Fordham alumnus, recently pledged $25 million to Fordham to help build, the best and brightest faculty from across the country while also expanding the business school’s programming capabilities for its students.
“You cannot overstate the impact of a donation like this,” said McShane. “Mario Gabelli’s extremely generous gift greatly enhances Fordham’s ability to deliver a world-class business education.”
The headquarters of the business school was previously located on the third and fourth floors of Faber Hall, but many of its classes were spread out across the Rose Hill campus.
Hughes Hall, previously used for student housing, was completely redesigned with world-class amenities including six meeting rooms, three conference rooms, study lounges, faculty offices, administrative offices, a 160-seat lecture hall and seven classrooms.
While the dedication was just held, Hughes Hall has been “open for business” since the fall semester began in late August.
“Our school has been growing steadily for a decade, and now we finally have a facility that meets our 21st century needs and supports our transformed business curriculum,” said Donna Rapaccioli, dean of the Gabelli School.
Students enrolled in the business school receive internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, a professional development program, and access to unique programs, including curriculum in entrepreneurship and an undergraduate program in value investing.
