Celebrating Success

The final event for Suffolk Weekend was a reception to applaud the successes of the Sawyer Business School (SBS) and to mark the 50th anniversary of the Executive MBA (EMBA), which was the first of its kind in New England.

Sawyer Business School Dean Amy Zeng told the crowd of more than 130 that SBS had recently received an extension of AACSB accreditation for business and accounting programs. In her remarks, the dean shared some of the agency’s feedback:

“The Sawyer Business School stands out for its innovative learning initiatives, strong industry connections, and commitment to societal impact. The Winternship Program, AI curriculum integration, IMMERSE℠ framework, and strategic focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have positioned SBS as a leader in experiential and socially responsible business education.”

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a professional development fund named for Michael Barretti, Sr., who himself was an EMBA graduate (Class of 1982) as well as a marketing instructor and the director of the EMBA program from 2004–13. The fund was established by David Lanci, EMBA ’02, co-founder and CEO of NEXDINE Hospitality. Barretti mentored Lanci when he was in the program, and the two kept in touch for more than two decades. Barretti was, as Lanci notes, “a strong, warm-hearted personality.” The fund will support experiential learning for Sawyer Business School graduate students, covering leadership coaching, travel seminars, and professional development programs.

Philanthropy isn’t new to Lanci or NEXDINE, which has supported the Suffolk CARES Pantry since 2019. The Pantry provides food and other household items to students in need at no cost.

At the event, President Marisa Kelly thanked Barretti’s children, Michael Barretti, Jr., and Dina Lattanzi, and gave them gifts in his honor. “He will long be remembered as a faculty leader, mentor, and a friend,” Kelly said.

Make a Gift to the Sawyer Business School or the Michael Barretti Professional Development Fund today.

Event Gallery (click the "i" to see the captions)