Sawyer Business School Reception
Celebrating the School's Recent Success and 50 Years of the EMBA Program
Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School will host a reception, "Celebrating Success and 50 Years of the Executive MBA (EMBA) Program" on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This occasion will bring together alumni, current students, faculty, and university leadership to honor the program's legacy and impact.
This celebration not only marks a significant milestone for the EMBA program but also highlights the strong network and community that Suffolk University fosters among its graduates. The event promises to be a memorable occasion, honoring both the program's history and the contributions of esteemed alumni like the late Michael Barretti, Sr.
This event is hosted by the Sawyer Business School Dean’s Cabinet and will be held at the historic Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street Boston, 02114.
Tribute to Michael Barretti, Sr.
During the event, there will be a tribute to Michael Barretti, Sr., a distinguished alumnus (EMBA ’82) who passed away in February 2025. In recognition of his dedication to Suffolk and the EMBA program, the Michael Barretti Professional Development Fund has been established. This fund is made possible by the generosity of David Lanci, EMBA ’02, and the NEXDINE Foundation. Whether you will be able to attend the anniversary event in September or not, you are invited to support this fund.
Sawyer Business School Historic Timeline
Since 1937, Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School has profoundly impacted the lives of its students and society at large.
1937
- Founding
The College of Business Administration was founded in 1937 by Gleason Leonard Archer based on the principle of “blending academic knowledge with practical skills.” It became the Sawyer School of Management in 1995 and then Sawyer Business School in 2006.
2022
- 75th BSBA Anniversary
Celebrated 75 years of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program, a milestone achievement in preparing business leaders for nearly eight decades. - Signature Immersive Learning Experiences for Students
- Founded X-Lab, a first-of-its-kind neuro marketing lab, enhanced through a strategic partnership with iMotions to advance cutting-edge consumer behavior education and research.
- Established the School's first student-run marketing agency, Suffolk in the Hub.
- Launched Tremont Fund, a student-managed investment fund.
- Celtics Partnership and 2025 AACSB Innovations that Inspire Award
Partnered with the 18-time NBA champion Boston Celtics and recognized with the prestigious 2025 AACSB Innovations that Inspire Award, showcasing innovative industry collaboration.
2023
- Launched Innovative and Engaging Business Foundation Core
The core includes a unique "Solving Global Wicked Problems" course at the sophomore level.
2024
- Graduate Program Anniversaries Joint Celebration
Commemorated milestone anniversaries: Master of Business Administration (75th), Master of Public Administration (50th), Master of Healthcare Administration (30th), and Master of Science in Accounting (30th) programs. - IMMERSESM Blueprint and Immersion Hub Launch
- White paper on IMMERSESM Blueprint published by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- Recognized at the Eduventures Innovation Awards for the development of the IMMERSE Blueprint course design, leading to the launch of the comprehensive Immersion Hub consisting of an Immersive Education Gallery and Trading and Tech Studio.
2025
- AACSB Reaccreditation
Celebrated AACSB reaccreditation and a distinguished 36-year legacy of accreditation excellence since 1989, with impressive achievements highlighted in the Review Report. - Eduventures Innovation Award
Received the 2025 Eduventures Innovation Award for our groundbreaking "AI Forward Business Curriculum," positioning students at the forefront of technological advancement. - EMBA 50th Anniversary Celebration
Commemorating milestone anniversary: Executive Master of Business Administration (50th).
Follow Suffolk’s EMBA program and connect with fellow alumni:
You can also follow the Sawyer Business School on LinkedIn: