Larry Brilliant of Google.org to Speak at Presidio School of Management 2008 MBA Commencement

Fifth class of MBA graduates helping lead businesses to be more environmentally, socially and financially sustainable


SAN FRANCISCO (June 3, 2008) – Presidio School of Management, which offers MBA and executive programs in sustainable management, today announced that Larry Brilliant, M.D., Executive Director of Google.org, will deliver the commencement address to its graduating Class of 2008.

The graduation ceremony is set for Friday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio of San Francisco. This year’s fifth graduating class has 51 students and is the largest since the MBA program started in 2003.

“We are proud of our 2008 graduating students and excited to see how they are helping businesses adopt sustainability practices that benefit all stakeholders and, by doing so, gain market advantages,” said Seyed Amiry, CEO, Presidio School of Management. “We are also honored to have Dr. Larry Brilliant giving this year’s commencement address. Larry exemplifies the role each of us can play—personally and as business leaders—to solve critical social, economic and environmental issues.”

Dr. Brilliant today works with Google’s co-founders to define the mission and strategy of the company’s philanthropic efforts. He oversees Google.org’s major initiatives, which are aimed at reducing global poverty, improving the health of the least advantaged in the world and addressing climate change.

Dr. Brilliant’s commencement speech is expected to be particularly inspiring to Presidio graduates who were challenged to think strategically from a “whole systems” perspective, develop outside-the-box ideas that contribute to a sustainable future, and live and act in a responsible, ethical manner.

Throughout the two-year program, students work with major organizations on a range of sustainability initiatives. Oftentimes, the work leads to internships and, upon graduation, full-time jobs. The 2008 graduates have landed positions at organizations including Mattel, Saatchi and Saatchi S (formed earlier this year after parent company acquired Act Now, a top sustainability consultancy headed by Adam Werbach), Natural Logic and the City of Berkeley. Positions range from Senior Sustainability Analyst and Global Sustainability Specialist to Sustainability Assistant to the Mayor.

“Our graduates are pioneering new industries and changing existing ones,” said Amiry. “They are making their mark in renewable energy, green building, international development, carbon trading. They are helping federal and municipal governments adopt sustainable practices and helping consumers know what they can do to go green. It is truly exciting to see how our program is helping develop the next generation of business leaders.”

About Presidio School of Management
Presidio School of Management in San Francisco, California, offers innovative MBA and executive programs in Sustainable Management that integrate environmental, ethical and socially responsible concerns into every course. Since 2003, Presidio features world-class faculty members, bringing the latest in this fast growing field. Close to 300 MBA students and graduates in the Presidio MBA program earn practical experience working with businesses and organizations to deliver sustainable results and bottom-line value. Presidio School of Management is an affiliate of Alliant International University, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For more information, please visit us at: www.presidiomba.org.

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Lori Sinsley

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Presidio School of Management

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