Haas, Koret Celebrate Completion of High-Tech Learning Center

Dean Rich Lyons and Koret Foundation CEO Jeff Farber jointly cut the ribbon Jan. 12 on the new Koret Interactive Learning Center, the first renovation completed as part of the Campaign for Haas capital campaign and the dean's strategic plan to transform the Haas campus.

"This is the perfect exemplar of what the next level will feel like," said Dean Lyons at the event, calling the Koret Center a morale booster that will benefit not only the school’s teaching but also its research mission.

Richard “Dick” Greene, BS 60, JD 63, a Koret board member and UC Berkeley Foundation trustee, was instrumental in accomplishing the project. Assistant Dean for Budget and Operations Alice Kubler, who served as the project manager, assisted with the ribbon cutting.

The new 70-seat, tiered classroom boasts state-of-the-art video conferencing, dual-screen projectors, extensive white boards, and a high-tech lectern with touch-screen controls. The learning center also includes two break-out rooms that will double as a behavioral lab for the school’s faculty.

The project was funded in part by a $1.5 million grant from the Koret Foundation, a private philanthropic organization created by the estates of Joseph and Stephanie Koret, founders of the Koret of California sportswear line.

Haas received the grant during the silent phase of its five-year capital campaign, the Campaign for Haas, and began construction on the Koret Interactive Learning Center at the end of May.

The Evening & Weekend MBA Program began using the Koret classroom this week. An open house for the entire Haas community will be held in March. Room use policies and schedule will be available at the same time.


Pictured here cutting the ribbon on the new Koret Interactive Learning Center are (l. to r.) Alice Kubler, assistant dean for budget and operations; Dean Rich Lyons; Koret Foundation CEO Jeff Farber; and Richard “Dick” Greene, BS 60, JD 63, a Koret board member, and UC Berkeley Foundation trustee.

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