Alumni Magazine - Winter 2025 | Paul Merage School of Business

Shante Carter - Visionary Leader in Alumni Relations at UC Irvine

Shante Carter has built a distinguished career marked by a passion for numbers, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering alumni engagement. Her professional journey, which began in public accounting and evolved into executive financial leadership, reflects her dedication to leveraging financial expertise to drive organizational impact. "I have a passion for using what I call a superpower—understanding the numbers to tell a story so leadership can make effective and efficient decisions," Carter explains. READ >>

10 Tips on How to Stay Connected to UC Irvine

Staying connected not only enriches your life but also strengthens the Anteater community worldwide. Zot! Zot! Zot! 🐜

✔ Join the UC Irvine Alumni Association (UCIAA): Membership in the UCIAA offers access to exclusive events, professional development opportunities, and resources to keep you connected to the UC Irvine community.
✔ Attend Alumni Events: Participate in events such as Anteater reunions, networking mixers, Homecoming, Connect the Zots, and special programs like Lauds & Laurels to celebrate alumni achievements.
✔ Update Your Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are up to date with UC Irvine so you can receive newsletters, event invitations, and updates about the university and alumni opportunities.

DEAN'S CORNER

Dear Merage Alumni,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your endeavors. As we continue to expand our global impact, I’m delighted to share an exciting update about our upcoming international engagements.

From April 22–30, I will be joining Chancellor Howard Gillman and Dean Magnus Egerstedt of the Samueli School of Engineering on a remarkable journey to Japan and Taiwan. This visit represents an incredible opportunity to deepen our connections with alumni and partners across the globe, strengthening the Merage School’s presence as a leader in business and innovation.

If you’re in the region, I invite you to join us at two special alumni receptions:

Tokyo Alumni Reception: April 24 – Save the Date!
Taipei Alumni Reception: April 29 – Save the Date!

These gatherings promise to be memorable occasions to reconnect, celebrate our shared achievements, and hear about the Merage School’s latest advancements in AI, digital transformation, and beyond.

Your continued support and engagement inspire our mission to empower future business leaders. I look forward to meeting many of you in Japan and Taiwan this April.

Warm regards,
Ian O. Williamson
Dean, The Paul Merage School of Business

A Love Story That Began at Merage: Mark and Lisa Locklear MBA '84

Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Others start with something as simple as a smile and a little commotion. For Mark and Lisa Locklear, their journey together started on the first day of orientation at the Merage School in September 1982. Some love stories begin with grand gestures. READ >>

Supporting Wildfire Victims with Free Resources on Rebuilding

In response to the catastrophic California wildfires and North Carolina weather disasters, the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business is offering vital support to affected families by providing free access to an Amazon Best-Selling book that offers practical guidance on rebuilding and multigenerational living. READ >>

Class of 2015 Reunion and Homecoming

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since our MBA journey began, and now it’s time to come together to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished and experienced since then!

CLASS OF 2015 REUNION

Friday, February 28, 2025
Merage School
2:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Panel discussion with the Full-Time MBA Class of 2015, reception, and group photos

HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES

Saturday, March 1, 2025
UC Irvine Campus
2:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Homecoming Festival in the Park ($10)

UC Irvine Men's Basketball Game vs Long Beach State ($10+)

Joining Forte Foundation to Empower Women in Business Leadership

Building on a tradition of gender equity and excellence, the Merage School is proud to partner with Forte to drive opportunities for women in business. The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine is thrilled to announce its membership. READ >>

Launch Your Career with UC Irvine’s Master in Management Program

UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business is excited to introduce the Master in Management (MiM), a one-year program designed to provide recent graduates from all academic backgrounds with the essential business knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s competitive job market. The MiM program is perfect for individuals looking to pivot into business or those with non-business academic backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, making it an ideal choice for those eager to make a seamless transition into management. Whether your interests lie in marketing, operations, consulting, or finance, the MiM program provides a solid foundation and hands-on experience to help you succeed. READ >>

Future Leaders Initiative Wins Insight Into Diversity Award

The Merage School's Future Leaders Initiative wins the 2025 Insight Into Diversity Inspiring Programs in Business Award. The program empowers high school and community college students from Southern California's underserved communities, preparing them for careers. LEARN MORE >>

ptomsba Fully Online Part-Time Master of Science in Business Analytics Program Launches

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine is proud to announce the launch of Part-Time Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. This new, flexible program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled business analytics professionals, offering working professionals the opportunity to advance their careers while maintaining their current commitments. READ >>

Decoding Organizational Design: Insights from Professor John Joseph

Organizational design, a cornerstone of management theory, is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Professor John Joseph, from The Paul Merage School of Business, has brought fresh insights to the field with a landmark research review article. READ >>

Thanks for Giving - A Celebration of Community and Impact

We believe that education is a transformational force that shapes the future of business and society. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our dedicated donors, alumni, corporate partners, and friends. Every year, we take a moment to express our gratitude at our "Thanks for Giving" event—an evening dedicated to celebrating those who give their time, talent, and resources to empower our students, faculty and programs. An evening of appreciation... READ >>

How Territoriality Shaped Pandemic Behaviors

Social norms govern much of human interaction, from daily routines to extraordinary circumstances. Yet, as Professor Patrick Bergemann of the UCI Paul Merage School of Business notes, there is surprisingly little understanding of how norms originate. Together with Christof Brandtner of EM Lyon Business School, Bergemann set out to explore this elusive process. Their forthcoming article, “Territoriality and the Emergence of Norms During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” to be published March 2025 in the American Journal of Sociology, promises to shape both academic discourse. READ >>

Save the Date
Future of Finance - May 6, 2025

Join us at the Merage School on May 6 for The Future of Finance, where we'll explore how fintech, cryptocurrency and emerging technologies are transforming the financial industry. Featuring insights from Professor Michael Imerman and an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dean Williamson, this event will bring together thought leaders to discuss the future of strategic financial decision-making. Stay tuned for more details!

Alumni Magazine - Winter 2025