Tepper School of Business, part of Carnegie Mellon University, is renowned for its business education. It seamlessly blends analytics, entrepreneurship, and management science. The school was named in honor of David A. Tepper. Let’s delve into the story of the man behind the name.
The Tepper School of Business, originally named the Graduate School of Industrial Administration, was established in 1949. It is part of Carnegie Mellon University and is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Their mission is to create forward-thinking leaders to spearhead the “intelligent future.” Tepper School of Business aims to blend business, human creativity, and technology to address global challenges and create a better future. In particular, the school focuses on tackling challenges surrounding AI, data, and the digital transformation. This ethos of pushing boundaries and developing new ways of thinking continues to push Tepper to the forefront of higher education.
At Tepper, students can pursue various master’s degrees. The school offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics, a Master of Science in Management, a Master of Science in Product Management, a Master of Integrated Innovation for Products & Services, and a Master of Science in Computational Finance.
Who is David Tepper, and why is he the namesake of the Tepper School of Business?
David Alan Tepper is a well-known figure in finance. He earned his stripes as an American hedge fund manager and later became the President and co-founder of Appaloosa Management in 1993. He is now recognized as one of the world’s top billionaires. He also owns the Carolina Panthers, an NFL (National Football League) team.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978, David A. Tepper completed his MBA at Carnegie Mellon University in 1982. In his early career in finance, he worked with Goldman Sachs and other well-known institutions. In 1993, he left Goldman Sachs to start Appaloosa Management with Jack Walton, his former colleague.
The school was renamed in 2023 after David Tepper generously donated $55 million.
In November 2013, David Tepper donated an additional $67 million towards developing the Tepper Quad. The Tepper Quad is an innovation hub that connects all seven campuses, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. It is, metaphorically and literally, a place where business, technology, and analytics intersect.
David Tepper’s donations have cemented his legacy at the school and significantly advanced the school’s mission, fostering an environment where innovative business education thrives.
The Tepper School of Business prides itself on nurturing students who remain connected as alumni for life, contributing significantly across various sectors and industries. Tepper School of Business also has the unique distinction of having nine Nobel laureates as alumni.
Eric Butler (BS/CIT (1981), MSIA (1986)) was awarded the Tepper Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award due to his remarkable career accomplishments and his volunteer service to the Tepper School. Eric had an outstanding 32-year career with Union Pacific Railroad. He retired in 2017 from being Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He also served on the Tepper Business Board of Advisors and Tepper School Alumni Board, was a W.L. Mellon Speaker, and participated in other Tepper School of Business initiatives.
Laurie Barkman (MSIA 1999) received the Tepper Alumni Service Award. She received the award in honor of her outstanding volunteering for the school. She was a volunteer for her class reunion, an admissions volunteer, a speaker, and the President of the Tepper School Alumni Board from 2010-2016. She was also awarded the Tepper Women in Business “Alumna of the Year.” In addition to this, she is an adjunct professor at Tepper. She also works as an author, award-winning podcaster, advisor, and keynote speaker for her firm, the Business Transition Sherpa.
Tepper alumni continue to redefine success, embodying the school’s adherence to excellence, innovation, and global impact. We are curious to see what the future will bring for Tepper School of Business.
Since its founding in 1949, the Tepper School of Business has revolutionized problem-solving and inspired forward-thinking leaders. David Tepper’s generous contributions furthered the school’s mission significantly.
In an increasingly fast-changing world, the Tepper School of Business and its graduates will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the intelligent future.
Discover more about Tepper School of Business via their profile page.
