Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. While Wharton has gained acclaim as an influential and highly respected business school, there are some facts that many people do not know about the school. If you are looking to enter into Wharton, of if you just want to get to know about the school, these five little-known facts should be of interest to you.
Wharton: a world first
Many people do not know that Wharton School is the world’s first business school. Joseph Wharton, a philanthropist and industrialist, founded the school in 1881. The original name of the institution was “Wharton School of Finance and Commerce.” Since it was first founded, the school has committed to a continuing tradition of innovation, collaboration and discovery.
Wharton: continuing innovation
Aside from being the first business school in the world, Wharton has continued to make world-firsts throughout its history. As a leader in business education, Wharton continued their innovation by publishing some of the first business textbooks between 1881 and 1910. The school is also known for having the first research center at a business school: the Industrial Research Unit, established in 1921. Wharton’s Securities Industries Institute is the first and longest-running executive education program, which began in 1953 and continues to the present. There are a number of other innovations and firsts in the history of Wharton.
Wharton: faculty fact
The faculty at Wharton is known as the largest and most cited business school faculty in the world. As of 2007, the faculty was composed of over 260 members. Having such an accomplished and influential faculty has helped Wharton become one of the most respected business schools in the world.
Wharton: keeping ties
Another little-known fact about Wharton is that their alumni network is massive and widespread. Currently, there are over 82,000 alumni members all around the world. These members are spread out amongst over 140 countries. With over 80 alumni clubs and representatives around the world, Wharton has a powerful and active alumni community.
Wharton: rank facts
There are numerous journals, magazines and intitutions that have ranked Wharton amongst the top business schools in the United States and worldwide. Throughout the years, Wharton has garnered numerous first-place rankings for its MBA and undergraduate programs. Wharton enacted a policy in December of 2003 declining active participation in business school program rankings. They made this policy out of concern for the privacy of their alumni and students.
Photo Credit : Chris Radcliff
