SJSU Finance Students Win First Place at CFA Investment Research Challenge

Finance Students Advance to Western Region Competition

Finance students in the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business have proven their financial skills, securing first place in the prestigious CFA Institute's Investment Research Challenge for the Northern California Region. This achievement, awarded by the CFA Society San Francisco, highlighted the team's success against 14 other competitors, including strong contenders such as UC Berkeley and Chico State, in a rigorous competition that tests real-world financial analysis skills.

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Greetings from Dean Kannan

March 3, 2025

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, we at SJSU's Lucas College and Graduate School of Business are positioning ourselves not just to adapt but to lead in an ever-changing academic and industry environment. This semester has been marked by remarkable achievements, groundbreaking research, and transformative opportunities that reflect the strength and innovation of our college. From student victories in highly competitive challenges such as the CFA Challenge to cutting-edge faculty research shaping the future of business and technology, from hosting impactful events like the 2025 Blockchain Tax Conference to participating in the dynamic NVIDIA GTC Conference, to rising in national rankings, we are building momentum that underscores our commitment to excellence.

We are also expanding immersive experiential learning opportunities that equip our students with real-world skills and perspectives while attracting renowned thought leaders to join our faculty. These efforts ensure that our college remains at the forefront of business education, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex global economy. I am excited to share some of this semester’s key highlights that demonstrate the impact we are making—both within our university and beyond.

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With gratitude,
Rangapriya (Priya) Kannan, Ph.D.
Dean, Lucas College & Graduate School of Business

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NVIDIA GTC Student Experience Coming to SJSU March 18

On March 18, 2025, NVIDIA will host the NVIDIA GTC Student Experience in the Provident Credit Union Event Center. This exciting event, taking place from 8am to 12pm, is free for students and is the first of its kind for NVIDIA. To further bolster their impact, NVIDIA plans to have multiple teams of employees on-site to connect with students about the future of AI.

Additionally, NVIDIA has extended the invitation to our local universities and community colleges with a clear intent to center and celebrate SJSU and our partnership. It is exciting to note that students and faculty from the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management and Marketing & Business Analytics departments are working on this event and its marketing. Any students who may benefit from this experience should be encouraged to attend.

Highlights will include :

Livestream of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s Keynote address as he unveils the latest in AI
AI Career Panel: Gain insights from industry and recruiting representatives
GPU Prize Drawing: Enter for a chance to win exciting NVIDIA hardware
Exclusive NVIDIA Swag
Digital access to all recorded GTC content after the event ends
Discounted access ($25) to an exhibit hall where you can network with NVIDIA employees
Students can register for free using their SJSU email (.edu) to secure their spot

Celebrating Successes in the Lucas College

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Blockchain, NFTs and Taxes: 2025 Blockchain Tax Conference
The second annual SJSU 2025 Blockchain Tax Conference, held on January 24, 2025, offered a comprehensive overview of the current blockchain landscape and future trends, making it a must-attend for tax professionals, academics, and students. Attendees benefited from a diverse range of sessions covering critical topics.

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LGSB Recognized Among Top Online MBA Programs

The Lucas Graduate School of Business has once again been recognized by Poets&Quants as one of the top online MBA programs for 2025 in the United States, marking the second consecutive year the college has earned this ranking. The LGSB jumped ten spots, from #44 to #34 and continues to be ranked as #2 among public schools in California.

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SJSU Makes History with newly minted R2 Designation

For the first time in its 168-year history, San José State has received a 2025 R2 research activity designation from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation.

This designation will elevate the university’s profile as a nationally and globally recognized research institution.

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John Baird Rejoins LCoB as Faculty in Residence

The LCoB welcomes back Dr. John Baird to serve as our Faculty in Residence. With 25+ years of executive coaching experience and 17 years as a marketing professor in the LCoB, he is an ideal expert to have on our team. Faculty are invited to schedule a time to meet with him during his monthly office hours to learn how he can be of help to faculty and their students alike.

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'Dress for Success' is the Right Fit for Ignite & Inspire Series

The Ignite & Inspire Series' most recent installment, in partnership with LILAC, took place February 27, 2025. The keynote speaker, executive public relations consultant and corporate communications strategist, Cara Harbor, delved into the topic of "Dress for Success: Style, Confidence & Career Readiness". Dean Kannan served as the moderator for the event.

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Students Develop Real-World Experience at Renowned Tournament:
2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

This year, 32 students, representing various majors, managed hospitality tents, corporate suites, and concession stands at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. We reached out to a few students to gather their key takeaways from this experience, as well as their advice for fellow students considering the SEMT program.

Key Takeaways & Advice From Our Students

Upcoming Events

Women In Leadership League (WILL) Conference - March 21

The LCoB is hosting the 8th Annual Women in Leadership League Conference. This event brings together top Silicon Valley leaders, alumni, and students from all disciplines. Attendees learn about career and life journeys and personal perspectives on leadership.

Applications open for Business Scholarships - Open Now Through March 10
Students can view the scholarships offered by the LCoB and submit their applications on the portal to be considered for the 2025-26 application window.

Silicon Valley Business Plan Competition - Applications Open on March 10

The Silicon Valley Business Plan Competition is an annual forum to encourage innovation in the SJSU community, and reward student participation in new venture creation. It is campus-wide and open to all SJSU students and alumni. Students are encouraged to apply today!

Career Center Upcoming Events
View all upcoming events at the SJSU Career Center website.

Does becoming a guest lecturer, student mentor, advisory group member or participating in real-world student projects sound interesting to you? Learn how you can get involved at SJSU!

GET INVOLVED

Support initiatives that align with your passions. Every gift is an investment in our students' futures. Mark your calendar for March 11-12, 2025, and prepare to join SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving.

GIVE TO LCOB

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