Learn more about UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and where it got its name. Part of University College Dublin, it is recognized as one of Ireland’s premier business institutions. The school has a global reputation, proudly bearing the name of Sir Michael Smurfit, a knight, business leader, and philanthropist.
The UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School is characterized by its research focus and wide range of specialized master’s programs. Recognized globally, the school holds the triple crown of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA accreditations.
Its Full-Time MBA program ranked 91st in the Financial Times Top 100 in 2024. It is a recognized and respected business school in Ireland.
UCD Smurfit offers various programs. They offer a range of master’s programs, MBA, PhD, and business programs. Their courses include Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, and others. The master’s programs meet diverse needs, with full-time, part-time, and online options.
Their campus is located in the scenic seaside village of Blackrock. Students are both close to nature and a short drive from the lively city of Dublin. The school remains an appealing choice for many students.
Let’s take a deeper look into the school’s history and why it was re-named in honor of Sir Michael Smurfit.
Sir Michael Smurfit is a well-known Irish entrepreneur, businessman, knight, and philanthropist.
Sir Smurfit had great professional success in the global packaging industry. He was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jefferson Smurfit Group. Under Sir Smurfit’s vision, the company expanded exponentially.
The Smurfit Group successfully merged with Kappa Packaging BV to become Smurfit Kappa. Smurfit Kappa is one of the world’s largest producers in the paper-based packaging industry.
As a business leader in the public eye, Sir Smurfit experienced relatively little controversy during his life. His long-term friendship with Donald Trump may be unexpected to some. They have played golf and had dinner together. Sir Smurfit also lived in Trump Tower for part of his life. Despite this, he does not necessarily agree with Trump’s politics. In an interview with The Irish Independent, he stated, “I never believed that the really successful businessman makes a good politician.”
Sir Smurfit has overall maintained a positive public image throughout his life. In 2005, Michael Smurfit was appointed a knight for his significant philanthropic efforts. He donated to various organizations, such as the Royal Society of Arts, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and others. He also financially supported the creation of the Irish Studies Centre at the University of North London.
He is also the author of “A Life Worth Living: An Autobiography”, which was published in 2014.
Ultimately, Michael Smurfit remains well-known for his business success and philanthropic efforts.
The Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business is a tribute to Sir Michael Smurfit’s enduring legacy.
The decision to name the school happened in 1991, following a generous endowment in the late 1980s by Sir Smurfit. This endowment played a pivotal role in the school’s growth. His donations have contributed to the improvement of facilities and the creation of scholarships.
His contributions have supported the school in maintaining its excellence over the years, bolstering the school’s international reputation as well.
Sir Smurfit’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and leadership in business continues to inspire the school’s community.
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has shaped many leaders and innovators.
Christina Carey Dunleavy earned her MBA at UCD Smurfit in 2010. She has spent much of her career working in the entertainment industry. She is currently the Vice President of Disney CreativeWorks, Entertainment Solutions, and Multicultural & Inclusive Solutions at The Walt Disney Company. Her work entails creating meaningful marketing campaigns and multicultural ad sales, with a particular focus on equity, inclusivity, and diversity. She has won numerous awards, including Promax Awards, a Gold Clio, and a Bronze Cannes Lion.
Herman Errico earned his Executive MBA degree from UCD Smurfit in 2023. He was previously the Founder and CEO of Blendgate, an online marketplace for B2B technology consulting services for businesses. He notes that the skills and knowledge he gained during the MBA were instrumental in the development of Blendgate. He is now the Senior Product Manager at Vanta, a trust management platform that helps organizations with security issues.
Sir Michael Smurfit’s contributions have advanced the institution significantly and left a lasting mark.
He embodies the perseverance, strategic foresight, and business leadership that the school aims to instill in its students. Business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit continue to shine through in UCD Smurfit’s alumni.
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School continues to build a better future through education, research, and collaboration.
Discover more about UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School and its programs.
