“We extend our heartfelt thanks for this remarkable display of goodwill and partnership by the alumni community.”
David Bach, IMD President
The MBA5 Scholarship – named for the fifth MBA class to graduate – will support future MBA students and enhance IMD’s ability to attract top talent. The announcement comes just in time to benefit hopeful 2026 MBA applicants who will be stepping onto IMD’s campus 50 years after the Class of 1976.
The alumni behind this initiative are keenly aware of the transformative power of their IMD education and its ripple effect across the communities they go on to serve. Reflecting on his time as a student, John Gallagher (MBA 1976) says, “I’ve always considered it a special place and I owe much of my success to the people I met there – they were exceptional. It was a very nurturing environment for me – and, eventually, for my daughter.” John’s daughter was an MBA Class of 2018 graduate. He adds, “I’m so glad that other young managers will have the same opportunity that we had.”
Access to an IMD education
This sentiment is echoed by many alumni who credit their success to the rigorous and enriching experience in the program. Through the MBA5 Scholarship, alumni are demonstrating their eagerness to share their success with future generations by affording exceptional young leaders access to an IMD education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Omar Toulan, Dean of the MBA, Hilti Chair, and Professor of Strategy and International Management, says: “This transformational donation enables us to attract the best and brightest minds from all backgrounds. Scholarships such as this have the potential to create multiplier effects for the institution, helping IMD get the word out to students who might not otherwise apply. The MBA5 Fund will attract future leaders from all over the world and generate the lasting impact we strive for here at IMD.”
IMD President David Bach commends the Class of 1976’s lasting commitment to inspiring what is and challenging what could be, adding, “We extend our heartfelt thanks for this remarkable display of goodwill and partnership by the alumni community. The MBA5 Scholarship Fund will enable us to support the most exceptional candidates and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent them from reaching their leadership potential. The impact of this generosity will transcend IMD, as empowered graduates navigate society’s challenges and contribute to a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world.”
Inspiring other alumni
The MBA5 Scholarship is also a call to action for the entire alumni community. The hope is that this initiative will inspire other alumni to empower future generations of MBA candidates. “We see this as seed funding. It would be incredible to have other proud MBA5-ers to contribute and build on it,” states Woods Staton (MBA 1976).
There is a palpable sense of pride and anticipation as the alumni community prepares to celebrate this milestone. “We were MBA pioneers and trend-setters in ’76,” smiles Woods, “and I’d be willing to bet we can still set a trend for IMD alumni today.”
Those interested in commemorating their class reunion with the gift of scholarship are invited to contact the IMD Development and Alumni Relations Office for a personal consultation or visit here to donate online.
The MBA5 Scholarship Fund will be administered by the IMD Scholarship Foundation, established in accordance with Article 80 of the Swiss Civil Code, with a registered office in Lausanne. Applications for the scholarship will open in early 2025.
