March 13, 2018 – A long-time supporter of Bocconi University, Fondazione Pesenti once again participated in the Donor Event, the annual institutional gathering where the University meets and thanks alumni, companies, institutions, and foundations that contribute to its growth.
“Stories of Merit” Donor Event | Bocconi University and Pesenti Foundation – photo courtesy of unasfidapossibile.it
The 2018 Donor Event, titled “Stories of Merit”, was entirely dedicated to the importance of creating new opportunities for deserving and capable young people—regardless of their geographic or socio-economic background—who, through their commitment, ideas, and concrete projects, contribute to improving the world we live in.
Bruno Busacca, Pro-Rector for Development and Alumni Relations at Bocconi University, opened the event:
“About 1 in 5 Bocconi students receives financial aid, with the goal of increasing total investment by 2020 to open the University’s doors to anyone with talent and motivation, regardless of their social and economic circumstances.
Today we are here to share the stories of three outstanding students who have been given the opportunity to build their future. A special thank you goes to all those who have supported the University over the years.”
Gianmario Verona, Rector of Bocconi University, highlighted the university’s achievements in innovation and research:
“Bocconi is ranked 4th in Europe and 11th worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings in Social Sciences and Management.
Human capital is at the heart of Bocconi’s strategic program in recent years and the ranking results—where three out of four indicators relate to academic reputation and scientific output—demonstrate the strength of the investments we are making.
In the global academic market, our competitors are increasingly institutions like Harvard and the London School of Economics, with whom we compete for the best young researchers. More and more professors are choosing Bocconi because they know they will find an ideal environment to continue their work as scholars and educators.”
Bruno Pavesi, Managing Director of Bocconi University, added:
“Knowledge that matters—these are the words I’d like to open with At the core of all our development plans must be the value of people and the value of knowledge.
Outstanding faculty who know how to produce impactful research and teach effectively, blending theory and practice as engines of knowledge.
Outstanding students—future leaders who are eager to learn and to grow society in their careers. Enabling them to thrive in an innovative environment, within a cutting-edge urban campus, whether as professors or students (regardless of their economic background), is an act of philanthropy and a highly meaningful social contribution we can all be proud of.
So thank you, to all of you who have supported us.”
Stories of Merit
During the evening, three impactful projects promoted by the University were presented—initiatives in research, entrepreneurship, and social relevance—told through the voices of those leading them: Bocconi students who are scholarship recipients, and the faculty members guiding them.
These are three “stories of merit” that demonstrate the profound impact a generous act can have on the life of a bright and motivated young person—and, through their growth, on the creation of a fairer, more sustainable, and merit-based society.
Research: The IGIER Visiting Students Program
Francesco Giavazzi, Full Professor of Economics, opened the session on research with the story of Pier Francesco Mei Innocenti, a second-year student in the MSc in Economic and Social Sciences, who is participating in this year’s IGIER Visiting Students Program:
“Thanks to your support, I had the opportunity to challenge myself and engage in research from the early stages of my academic journey.”
The IGIER (Innocenzo Gasparini Institute for Economic Research) aims to attract some of the best young European—and especially Italian—economists who are usually working abroad (mainly in the United States), offering them a research environment comparable to that of leading American universities, where they can develop their projects and collaborate with both Italian and international scholars.
Entrepreneurship: Bocconi Start-Up Day
The story of Francesca Lisi, a first-year student in the MSc in International Management, was introduced by Stefano Caselli, Pro-Rector for International Affairs:
“I was lucky to have many people around me who supported me through this intense and challenging project, which was made possible also thanks to the scholarship I received.”
Francesca is one of the 350 team members of Startup Day, Bocconi University’s initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and startups, and at showcasing the wide range of activities the university undertakes in these areas.
Social Impact: The Project “Giving Meaning to Profit”
Giorgio Fiorentini, Senior Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, presented the story of Giulia Bono, a first-year student in the MSc in Marketing Management. Her story stems from the project “Giving Meaning to Profit”, an initiative that offers young students the chance to face the world of work through a hands-on experience, where economic professionalism is aligned with the creation of social impact.
“When I received the email inviting me to the selection for ‘Giving Meaning to Profit’, I felt it was time to put into practice everything I had learned. That’s how my adventure with the non-profit organization Avvocato di Strada Onlus began—a project that provides legal assistance to homeless people.”
In closing, Mario Monti, President of Bocconi University, emphasized the importance of these initiatives:
“The Donor Event is a time to thank those who, during 2017, placed their trust in the University, sharing our commitment to shaping a new vision of the future.
Today is a moment of exchange—of gifts and of hope: the students gave us their stories, they shared three wonderful experiences, and they showed us how a donation can truly bear fruit.”
Fondazione Pesenti and the Innovative Power of Youth
“A long-standing supporter of Bocconi University, Fondazione Pesenti is committed to scientific research and solidarity projects that seek to find solutions to major social challenges.
Since 2006, the Foundation has supported Bocconi with generous donations, allocating contributions to both our faculty and students.
In the past three years in particular, the Foundation has endowed the course in Sustainable Operations Management, taught by Professor Alberto Grando, Full Professor in the Department of Management and Technology.
But the Foundation firmly believes in the new generations and in their innovative strength: this is why, in addition to supporting teaching, it also aids our students through the Partial Tuition Waiver program.”
Excerpt from Donor Report 2017
unibocconi.it unasfidapossibile.it Donor-Report (2011-2017)
Gallery
(foto Courtesy of unasfidapossibile.it)
