Partner Sites


Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

Who Are The Famous Names Behind The World’s Best Business Schools?

From John L Kellogg to Wafic Saïd, who are the world’s best business schools named after?

Sat Feb 12 2022

BusinessBecause

What’s in a name? As it happens, quite a lot. Top business schools around the world take their names from local businesspeople, famous donors, and all-star alumni. 

Harvard Business School is named after an early donor, John Harvard, a puritan clergyman who emigrated from England to Massachusetts. NYU Stern School of Business is named after Leonard Stern, CEO of petcare giant Hartz Mountain Industries.

But in recent years, the people behind the names have come under closer scrutiny. In 2020, Bayes Business School in London discovered that the school’s former name sake, the English merchant Sir John Cass, accrued much of his wealth from the slave trade.

In response, the school launched a consultation to change the name, rebranding from Cass to Bayes Business School by the end of the year. 

So, who are the names behind the business schools? Here’s what you need to know about the people who give their names to 10 of the world’s best-known schools. 


1. John Molson School of Business, Concordia University


f30e44865a0eebd6070cebaa924c70b65d90cfdd.jpg

Image © John Molson School of Business via Facebook 


Based in Montreal, this Canadian business school takes its name from the eighteenth century entrepreneur, John Molson. 

Molson was born in England in 1763, and orphaned at just eight years old. At 17 he suffered an unknown illness, leading his doctor to recommend some time at sea—considered restorative in that period.  

This cure turned out to be a stroke of luck. He decided to sail to Quebec, where he established a small brewery that went on to popularize beer in the territory. By 1795, he was producing 54,000 gallons of ale and beer annually. 

Later in life, he also helped fund Canada’s first railroad. John Molson School of Business was re-named in the entrepreneur’s honor in 2000, following a $20 million donation from the Molson family.


2. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

This famous Illinois business school bears the name of John Harvey Kellogg—an inventor, businessman, and health activist who lived from 1852 to 1943. 81c58a19bffd24eeb017637bad323b3ef1093b01.jpg

Kellogg is best known for the invention of the breakfast cereal, corn flakes, but he also founded a spa-like sanitarium that treated the elite. Kellogg was an early proponent for the ‘clean living’ movement—advising the public against alcohol and tobacco, and encouraging exercise and fresh air.

Although he was ahead of his time in many ways, some of Kellogg’s views were deeply troubling. Later in life he became a staunch proponent of eugenics, backing the idea of forced sterilization and opposing interracial families.

image ©FotoGuy 49057 under this license


3. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 


This Philadelphia business school is named for its founder: the entrepreneur and industrialist Joseph Wharton.  b77a7cfb793f2f0971991042cca00d9ca4dfe77c.jpg

A Philadelphia native, Wharton began his business career aged 19, when he apprenticed as an accountant. He took this business savvy to co-found a white lead manufacturing business with his brother aged 21, and later went on to patent a brick pressing machine, before joining the Lehigh Zinc Company, eventually overseeing the entire operation. 

In 1881, Wharton established the world’s first business school to formally teach others what he had learned in industry. The school bears his name to this day.

Image Wharton © via Facebook


4. Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University


bea14ddb14429d2a1f241f53ecc425c78cfd7863.jpg

Image © SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business via Facebook


Singapore Management University’s graduate business school is named after Lee Kong Chian—a prominent Chinese businessman and philanthropist operating between the 1930s and 1960s.

He grew up between China and Singapore, eventually settling in the latter and beginning his career as a teacher. In 1917 he became a manager at the Tan Kah Lee Rubber Company, and after learning all he could went on to establish his own business—the Nam Aik Rubber Company—in 1928.

By growing rubber trees and pineapple for export, he expanded the business across Southeast Asia, and became one of the wealthiest people in the region. 

Lee established the Lee Foundation in 1952, overseeing philanthropic work in education. Lee’s children, who now manage the foundation, went on to make a sizable donation of $37 million to Singapore Management University. 


5. Walter A Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley


8bea3e87a2053749a8c2d2f57d49725f54879e74.jpg

Image © Berkeley Haas via Facebook


Walter A Haas was an American businessman in the twentieth century, best known for his tenure as president and CEO at Levi Strauss & Co.

During his tenure with Levi Strauss, Haas led the company through the Great Depression, overaw racial integration in its factories, and popularized the brand world wide. 

Haas graduated from the University of California Berkeley’s College of Commerce in 1910, and went on to lead the school’s first advisory council, and act as a benefactor for the rest of his life. 

When Haas’ children continued the legacy of attending the school and offering donations, the school opted to name it after him.


6. Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

One of the top business schools in the UK is named after Wafic Saïd, a financier and businessman.  ab12b8dfcd92451b73bedcbe24eb8a918481de8d.png

Raised in Syria, Saïd fled to the UK following a military coup in the 1960s. He went on to start an international career in banking, having studied at the Institute of Bankers in London. 

He’s best known for helping to orchestrate the Al-Yamamah arms deal in 1985. One of the biggest arms deals in history, the trade saw Saudi Arabia purchase millions of dollars worth of British weaponry. 

Saïd is also founder of the Saïd Foundation, a charity that helps children and young people with disabilities in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan.

In 1996, the foundation donated £20 million (around $26 million) to found the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.  

Image © David Fisher under this license


7. Bayes Business School, City University of London

London’s Bayes Business School is named after Thomas Bayes, an English theologian and mathematician working in the eighteenth century.  61b741c14bce1070a099576123acf194f013aaf6.png

He’s best known for Bayes’ Theorem: a probability and statistics principle that states you can get closer to the truth by constantly updating your beliefs based on new evidence.  

The school was renamed in 2020 when it came to light that its former namesake, seventeenth century merchant Sir John Cass, acquired part of his fortune from the slave trade. 


Image © Mark Riehl under this license


8. Stanford Graduate School of Management, Stanford University

Stanford University, and its Graduate School of Management, are named for Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane.  36ae89722e367b2c8707a719e4e10da9174e24b4.jpg

Leland was a merchant and politician, who served as governor of California between 1862 and 1863. Originally from the East Coast, he moved to California during the gold rush, and established a general store that grew into a large business. Later on, he was a significant investor in the Central Pacific Railroad, and founded an insurance company that persists today as Pacific Life.

Along with his wife, Jane, he established Stanford University in 1885, aiming to improve the San Francisco area through education. 

The university’s official name—Leland Stanford Junior University—was given in honor of the couple’s only child, who they’d lost to typhoid a year earlier. 

Image © Ed Bierman under  this license


9. Otto Beisheim School of Management, WHU


eac4dbc63fb07d8218483f17fe57c48cc60bce94.jpg

Image © WHY Otto Beisheim School of Management via Facebook


The Otto Beisheim School of Management is part of WHU in Vallendar and Düsseldorf, Germany. 

Its namesake was a twentieth century German entrepreneur, who founded the cash and carry chain, Metro AG. In 2004, he expanded his remit into real estate, opening the Beisheim Center, which houses businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Berlin.

Throughout his life, Beisheim donated to WHU and supported the institution’s growth into one of Germany’s top business schools. The School of Management was named after him in 2005.


10. Darden School of Business, University of Virginia


c95e615a6ca5df594742159eb344d1dfb81b345c.jpg

Image © Darden School of Business via Facebook


Darden School of Business in Charlottesville, Virginia, is named after Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr, a lawyer and politician born in 1897.

A Democrat, Darden acted as US Representative from Virginia for several years, and was later elected Governor of Virginia with 80% of the vote. During his tenure as Governor, Darden eliminated the state debt, introduced a state-led pension plan for teachers, and allocated extra funds to public services.

He also acted as the third president of the University of Virginia, and gave his name to the institution’s business school when it opened in 1955.



Who are the world's most famous MBAs? 

Explore notable alumni from top business schools

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

Chen

Verified

5/10/2024

Blended

Unlocking My Potential at City University London

My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.

Elora

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Rather interesting

The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.

Barbara

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Urban campus life

At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities

RECAPTHA :

84

88

5d

c6