The Department of Marketing and International Business is looking forward to prospective initiatives thanks to a recent $250,000 gift from Interpublic Group.
According to Kapil Bawa, chairman and professor of the department, a proposal was submitted to Interpublic back in 2008 as a request for a financial contribution that would enhance the educational experience of students, allow faculty to build on the program's curriculum, and "help to close the gap between strong programs and the vision for the future of the program."
"We are deeply appreciative that the Interpublic Group saw the value that such a gift could add to our program, and we are grateful for their generous gift," said Bawa.
Business Wire, a commercial news distributor for companies and organizations, reported that Interpublic Group CEO Michael Roth stated that the monetary gift is "a sound investment."
"Baruch College, with its highly diverse and motivated student body, has the talent pool from which the next generation of visionaries and leaders in marketing and advertising," said Roth.
According to the company's website, The Interpublic Group is a global provider of advertising and marketing services specializing in consumer advertising, interactive marketing, media planning and buying and public relations.
"We have a continuous ongoing relationship with Baruch," said Eileen P. Mullarkey, a corporate communication representative from Interpublic Group. Mullarkey also stated Roth is an alumnus from Baruch College.
The new gift, which will be spread over a five-year period, will help launch a number of academic incentives.
Pending for fall 2010, a new concentration in digital marketing will be offered for students, as well as development of the advertising curriculum to include new electives. Other courses under development include web analytics, social media and new ventures; all are meant to adhere to the "recent evolution" of marketing practices, according to Business Wire.
Business Wire also reported that the funding would support the marketing program's designation of six students as marketing fellows, recognizing them for their outstanding work. The objective will allow students to "represent the department at a variety of public forums."
Future initiatives include an upgrade to the Marketing Resource Lab, which will be used to organize a pending public relations networking event. The gift will also support student participation in advertising competitions and internship opportunities, as well as faculty research in digital marketing, advertising and international marketing.
"These activities will help prepare our students for the future and enhance Baruch's reputation as a leader in marketing education," said Bawa.
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