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Helping Students Lead and Succeed: The Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business at Dean College

The School of Business at Dean College has long been home to some of the most popular programs and unique learning opportunities for students. Now, the school is adding a new level of stature and prominence to its programs with a momentous announcement: it will be known as the Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business.

 

The naming honors alumnus and longtime benefactor Dean R. Sanders ’47 and his tremendous lifetime giving, which culminated in a donation of more than $3 million—the largest estate gift in the College’s 156-year history. Sanders, who attended Dean Academy from 1945-1947, spent his entire working life at The Espoma Company, transforming the small company his father started into the lawn and garden industry’s leading organic plant food manufacturer. 
The Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business serves to not only honor Sanders’ transformational estate gift—which will impact all current and future Dean College students—but also to inspire students with his success story. 
“At Dean College, we believe that the true success of the Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business comes from the programs and faculty and staff who support those endeavors,” said Dr. P. Gerard Shaw, Dean of the Sanders School of Business. “The enhanced stature of associating the School of Business with the Sanders name and this successful family business will carry us to the next level of the complexities of business management education.” 
The Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business is currently home to more than 500 full-time students, making up over 45% of Dean’s total enrollment of 1,200 students. With programs ranging from Business Management, Finance, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Management and Marketing to Sport Management, Esports Management, Athletic Coaching and Recreation Management, Sports Broadcasting and Communications, Dean’s business program offers a wide variety of options that attract students in significant numbers. In fact, Sport Management and Business Management are the two most popular majors for bachelor’s degree students in the Fall 2021 semester. Students in the School of the Arts, Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and School of Liberal Arts can also supplement their primary course of study with a double major or minor in the Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business for a full interdisciplinary education.
Students receive a strong foundation in business theory, paired with exceptional hands-on experience and practical application. All students must also complete at least one internship prior to graduation, working for strategic partners including Dean’s exclusive academic partnership with Kraft Sports + Entertainment. These real-world opportunities set students up for success in their future careers. The partnership with Kraft, for example, provides students with access to stadiums and facilities, chances to meet professional athletes and executives and internships at the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Boston Uprising—preparing students to launch a career in sports.
There are also countless opportunities for business students to network with industry leaders, pursue internships and careers and learn from professionals in the field. The Dean Leadership Institute in particular welcomes guest speakers to share their stories and expertise with students. Past speakers have included executives from Nike, Microsoft, The Kraft Group, Life is good. and more. Alumni go on to work for regional, national and global organizations, including Liberty Mutual, Kraft Sports + Entertainment, Bose Corporation, Boston Celtics, Dell Technologies and more.
With the naming of the Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business, Dean College is elevating the impact its business programs will have on the next generation of students. And though the school now has a new name, its Mission remains the same as ever: helping students lead and succeed.