Laxman Panthi was born and raised in Nepal, and earned his undergraduate degree in India. When choosing to pursue his Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.), however, he chose to do so in the United States, at ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ, which he calls âthe greatest school in the USA.â
âThe universityâs outstanding M.B.A. program was a main reason I chose to attend ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ,â Laxman said.
The impactful generosity of others is one of the reasons Laxmanâs attendance at ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ is possible.
Laxman is the first recipient of the Dr. Albert and Dorothy Heinlein Graduate Scholarship Endowment, created by Dr. Albert Heinlein and his children, Karen Fuller â73, and Douglas Heinlein â80. They established the scholarship specifically for students pursuing an M.B.A., in tribute to Dr. Heinleinâs longtime teaching career in the College of Business Administration (COBA), and his late wife Dorothyâs work at ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ in the area of international student programs. The Heinleins (as evidenced by the number of international graduate students who came to live with them over the years), had a special place in their hearts for international students, and they worked to support students in need who would have a great impact on the global economy.
In early December 2016, Dr. Heinlein, Karen, and her husband, Doug Fuller â73 held a poignant meeting with Laxman at the COBA building, where 31 years before, Dr. Heinlein occupied an office on the fifth floor.
Dr. Heinlein joined ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ in 1962. Before retiring as a professor emeritus from ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ 23 years later, his most notable achievements included developing a computer program to project the number of M.B.A. classes needed to keep pace with enrollment, which created a more efficient path for students to obtain their degree.
Putting students first, enhancing the universityâs global competitiveness, increasing the enrollment of international students and providing a high-quality, global education for all students are top priorities for ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ and key components of . Laxman is a great example of the results of the universityâs efforts.
âAmerican curriculum, especially at ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ, uses cases which bring reality and true experiences to the table,â Laxman said. âThis better prepares students for their professional careers.â
And thanks to the Heinlein Scholarship, Laxman is already making an impact. As part of the Full-Time M.B.A. program, Laxman works on actual projects for ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ business partner, Bridgestone, an international manufacturer. He is also assisting with the creation of a program that will match graduate students in the Executive M.B.A. program with an Executive M.B.A. alumnus.
âLaxman is a very intelligent, hard-working M.B.A. student,â said Robert Hisrich, associate dean for Graduate and International Programs, and the Bridgestone Chair at COBA. âReceiving the Heinlein Scholarship is very meaningful.â
As an international student, Laxman represents something Dr. Heinlein always felt was vital: connecting with international students and creating lifelong bonds for global awareness.
âHaving an international experience brings all kinds of cultural experiences to the forefront,â Dr. Heinlein told Laxman. âIf you maintain the friendships and networks with people you meet along the way, the world will be a better place.â
(Ed. Note: Sadly, Dr. Heinlein passed away on March 8, 2017. Our condolences to his family and many friends.)
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