SGE history

In 2002, motivated by his desire to see the Johnson Graduate School of Management continue as a leading provider of solutions to the most difficult challenges of our day, the late Samuel C. Johnson endowed the SC Johnson Professorship in Sustainable Global Enterprise. Sam set a visionary tone by stipulating that the role was to enhance students’ understanding of global sustainability and prepare them to be leaders of equitable, as well as economically and environmentally sustainable enterprises.

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“Sam Johnson’s commitment will bring energy and resources that will allow us to build significantly on what we’ve begun doing and create a program that’s world class.”

– Stuart L. Hart, SC Johnson Chair Emeritus in Sustainable Global Enterprise

A second generous gift provided an initial endowment and operating funds to establish the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise in 2004 with Stuart Hart as its Founding Director. Mark Milstein became the full-time Director of the Center in 2006, with Dr. Hart continuing as the Samuel C. Johnson Professor in Sustainable Global Enterprise until his retirement in 2013.

20 for 20 alumni highlights

As part of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise’s 20th anniversary in 2024, we are highlighting 20 influential or notable alumni in the field of sustainability. We received nearly 110 submissions nominating 59 Cornell alumni from across the years and programs.

A small committee of alumni helped read the submissions and choose the 20 individuals to highlight, based on their engagement and demonstrated notable leadership, impact, and/or achievements in the domain of sustainability (environmental and/or social impact) in their careers and/or personal pursuits.

As our anniversary year was so busy, we are continuing to publish our highlights into 2025.

Congratulations to all of our nominees! Those in bold were selected to be highlighted.

  • Amanda Archila
  • Anshul Bakhda
  • Kehkashan Basu
  • Pinaki Bhattacharyya
  • Lydiah Bosire
  • Kaitlyn Briggs
  • Michael (Ted) Briggs
  • Nelly Cady-Kruse
  • Michael Callender
  • Christina Chan
  • Gilda Charles
  • Rob Collier
  • Justin DeKoszmovszky
  • Pierre-Henri D’haene
  • Raghu Dharmaraju 
  • Lauren Dowler
  • John Fay
  • CJ Fonzi
  • Jeff Fuchs
  • Linda Giuliano
  • Dan Goldman
  • Taryn Goodman Gallery
  • Dhanur Grandhi
  • Rachel Greenberg
  • Jonathan Greene
  • Natalie Grillon
  • Christy Harrington Guthman
  • Sarah Howe
  • Geoff Johnson
  • Kevin Johnson
  • Fred Keller
  • Ian Kline
  • Kamillah Knight
  • Agata Kosctecka Smeets
  • Ray Lansigan
  • Eric Lee
  • Michele Malejki
  • Georgia Maloney
  • Emily Nyrop
  • Esohe Denise Odaro
  • Rishad Olpadwala
  • Kristin O’Planick
  • German Peralta
  • Alejandra Plaza Limon
  • Thomas Rabon

Read 20 for 20 alumni highlights

20th anniversary celebration

Over 100 Center alumni, students, partners, and connections came together at Glasshouse Chelsea, NYC on October 10, 2024 to reflect on the past, present, and future of the Center and sustainability’s role in business education.

Workshops: envisioning the future of MBA education for social and environmental impact

Over the past 20 years, the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise has worked to ensure MBA students gain the knowledge and experience they need to be leaders in today’s marketplace. As we look ahead, we are reevaluating the future needs and skills essential for students to effectively manage the complex social and environmental issues facing companies in a rapidly evolving global landscape. What are the core skills and tools students need to be prepared to lead on pressing global challenges like climate change and inequality? Join us for an interactive workshop during our 20th anniversary year to help shape the future of management education at Cornell.

Previous Workshops

NYC climate week workshop

  • When? September 25, 2024
  • Where? NYC

Chicago workshop

  • When? August 6, 2024, 5-8pm
  • Where? Chicago, IL TBD
  • RSVP to CSGE@cornell.edu

Reunion workshop & sunday brunch

  • When? June 7, 2024 from 1:30p-2:30p
  • Where? Ramin Parlor, Sage Hall

Reunion sunday brunch

This is an informal, drop-in gathering for alumni and families at the home of Mark Milstein & Monica Touesnard to reminisce all things SGE over the past 20 years! This is not part of the official reunion weekend activities. Please RSVP to receive details and so we can plan appropriately. We look forward to catching up!

  • When? Sunday, June 10, 2024 from 10a-12p
  • Where? The home of Monica Touesnard and Mark Milstein
  • RSVP by May 31, 2024: csge@cornell.edu