The Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business was established in 1898 as the College of Commerce. It is the oldest public university business school in the US. Throughout its history, the school has been committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. The school offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master’s degrees and MBAs. It consistently ranks among the top business schools in the nation and globally.

Located in Berkeley, California, the Haas School of Business benefits from its close proximity to Silicon Valley, enabling strong partnerships with tech giants, start-ups, and venture capital firms. This strategic location provides students ample opportunities for internships, networking, and post-graduation employment in the thriving tech ecosystem.

Who was Walter A. Haas?

The Haas School of Business is named in honor of Walter A. Haas, Sr., a prominent business leader, philanthropist, and alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley. Born in 1889, Walter was a key figure in the growth and development of Levi Strauss & Co., the iconic American apparel company best known for its denim blue jeans.

After earning his Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in 1910, Walter joined Levi Strauss & Co., where he worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming president and CEO in 1928. Under his leadership, the company expanded its product line, improved manufacturing processes, and fostered a culture of corporate responsibility.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Walter was deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. The Walter & Elise Haas Fund, founded by Walter and his wife, supports education, arts, and social welfare.

In 1989, recognizing the Haas family’s contributions to the university and the business world, UC Berkeley named its business school after Walter, honoring his legacy of leadership and philanthropy.

Controversies surrounding Levi

The name of an institution often reflects its history and evolution, a testament to individuals who significantly contributed to its growth. In the case of the Haas School of Business, the name honors Walter A. Haas, a transformative figure whose influence continues to be felt. Yet, just as the business world is dynamic, so are the narratives shaping our institutions.

The legacy of Walter lives on in Levi Strauss & Co.  Like many other apparel companies, Levi Strauss & Co. has faced criticism for its labor practices, particularly in overseas factories. While these issues primarily arose after Walter’s time as CEO, some argue that the company’s historical emphasis on cost-cutting and efficiency laid the groundwork for later problems.

Additionally, the production of denim, a core product of Levi Strauss & Co., has been linked to significant environmental impacts, including water pollution and high water usage. Critics may argue that Walter, as a leader in the industry, contributed to these environmental issues. However, according to their 2021 sustainability report, the company has set ambitious targets to cut their carbon footprint, water usage, and waste production. 

As UC Berkeley navigates the changing landscape of business education, it may consider broadening representation by honoring other significant contributors. This could include diverse alums who have achieved remarkable success or other philanthropists who have generously supported the school’s mission.

In parallel, Berkley Haas might undergo a strategic shift in focus. As business education evolves to meet global challenges, the institution could emphasize new study or research areas, such as sustainable business practices, social entrepreneurship, or digital innovation. A name change could reflect this new direction, ensuring that the school’s identity aligns with its vision for the future.

While the Haas name carries substantial weight and history, these potential factors could influence the school’s naming decisions in the years to come.

Notable Berkley Haas alumni: Who could the school be named after in the future?

While the Haas School of Business continues to honor Walter A. Haas’s legacy, it’s worth exploring some of the most successful and influential alums who may one day have the school named after them. These individuals have significantly contributed to various industries, demonstrating the versatility and excellence of a Berkley Haas education.

UCB Desoer School of Business

Barbara Desoer is another accomplished Berkley Haas alumn who graduated with an MBA in 1977. She has held various leadership positions in the banking industry, contributing to the growth and development of some of the world’s largest financial institutions. Desoer served as the CEO of Citibank, N.A., and as the COO of Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group. In 2007 Desoer received the Business Leader of the Year / Lifetime Achievement Award from Berkley Haas. A year later, she was named one of the 50 most powerful women in business by The Wall Street Journal. In 2009 Forbes recognized her as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world.

UCB Narayen School of Business

Shantanu Narayen earned his MBA from the Haas School of Business in 1993. As the CEO of Adobe Inc. since 2007, Narayen has been instrumental in transforming the company into a leading software provider. Under his direction, Adobe has grown significantly and expanded its product offerings, including developing Creative Cloud and Document Cloud. Narayan was awarded the Business Leader of the Year / Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

UCB Rice School of Business

Paul Rice Paul Rice, a graduate of the MBA Class of 1996, is the Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Through Fair Trade USA, Rice has helped to bring awareness to issues related to labor and environmental standards and has worked to ensure fair compensation for workers in developing countries. He received the Leading Through Innovation Award from Berkeley Haas in 2019. 

These notable alumni represent just a fraction of the successful and influential leaders from the Haas School of Business. Their accomplishments and contributions to various industries showcase the school’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. While there is no indication of renaming the school, in the future, these individuals exemplify the values and aspirations that define the Haas School of Business.