(L-R) Jim Famalette (Gottschalks), Ted Upland (SCU alum ’78), Michael Schriver (DFS), Gail Kirby (SCU), Bob Mettler (Macy's West), David Folkman (Regent Pacific Mgmt.), Steve Ladwig (IBM), Phil Schlein (U.S Venture Partners), Joe Tomaselli, Dale Achabal (RMI), Tom Fanoe, Elliott Brown (Springboard Forward), Cynthia Gamage (RMI), and Kirthi Kalyanam (RMI).

We’ve all heard about the three most important things in retailing: location, location, location. Well, we are very fortunate that the Retail Management Institute suite in the new Leavey School of Business building is in the 100 percent location!

At a recent RMI Advisory Board meeting, I shared the exciting news about the new location for the Institute adjacent to the commons in the new business school building. This location will provide a high level of visibility for the Institute in one of the most traveled areas on the ground floor of the building. For the first time, we will have offices together for the RMI staff and research faculty, as well as meeting areas for students, visiting recruiters, guest speakers, and executives in residence.

The new building and home for RMI is now under construction. In fact, the steel infrastructure is completed with the interior framing and mechanical system installation well underway. The building will be more than twice the size of Kenna Hall with 12 classrooms, a cybercafé, student breakout study rooms, and a series of executive-style conference rooms. It will be home to more than 1,800 undergraduate business majors, 1,200 MBA students, and 150 faculty and staff.

If you have recently been to campus you saw how this building has already transformed the main entrance to the University. For the latest photos and information, visit www.scu.edu/business/building/.

Last May, when the University Trustees endorsed the decision of its Executive Committee to begin construction, they recognized some level of risk by proceeding without the fundraising completed. Yet, they were confident that with over $40 million raised to date, the $48 million goal would be achieved.

To help us close in on our overall goal, we’re inviting all alumni and friends of RMI to join members of our Advisory Board in raising $250,000 for the RMI suite. To date, we already have gifts and pledges exceeding $100,000.

(top) Barry Posner, dean of the Leavey School of Business, gives RMI Advisory Board members a tour of the new business school building.
(bottom) RMI Advisory Board members tour new business school building.

While touring the building recently with students, faculty, and Advisory Board members, Dean Barry Posner said, “The Retail Management Institute has been an important partner in the business school for over 25 years. The 500 alumni who got their start through the Retail Studies Program are moving into significant leadership positions at retailers, suppliers, and related companies around the world. Every investment—no matter the size—ensures the future vitality of RMI and the business school.”

It is our goal to complete this effort before year-end. While certainly a challenging goal, it is definitely worth the effort, as these new facilities will truly reshape the future of RMI. If we can get 100 percent participation from alumni and friends I’m sure that we will be successful.

Please contact the Institute directly at 408-554-4960 or via e-mail at RMI@scu.edu to make your contribution or pledge toward the RMI suite in our new building. Don’t forget corporate matches, as they will certainly help us reach our goal much faster!

Thank you in advance for your support. We all look forward to seeing you at the dedication of the new building next fall.

Retail Management Institute - Santa Clara University
rmi.scu.edu