A self-described "accidental MBA," Christine McCarthy ’81 enrolled herself at UCLA Anderson following the death of her father and a decision to not pursue an academic career in the sciences. Shattering glass ceilings along the way, McCarthy became the youngest EVP at First Interstate Bank before assuming the role of the Walt Disney Company’s treasurer and in 2015 its first female CFO.

As part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series, she discussed managing the balance of delivering short-term financial returns while maintaining a long-term view. In part to manage risk related to international markets and foreign currency, Disney reinvests its foreign profits back into its foreign properties like it has done with Disneyland Shanghai. "If you succeed at everything you do, you’re probably not trying hard enough," said McCarthy. Read more.

UCLA Anderson faculty are often “In the News” sharing their notable research and insights with local and global communities. Here's a sampling of their perspectives on current issues:

Why the Housing Crisis Won’t Get Fixed by Building Cheaper Homes

“In my city, Los Angeles, one hears over and over that everyone is leaving because no one can afford to live here. This talk reminds me of the Yogi Berra homily, “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” Of course, exactly the opposite is true, and that truth is what should guide us in our housing policy.” Read more.

Local Businesses May Benefit from Possible Corporate Tax Cut

"Imagine there's a corporation that has operations in the Netherlands and other parts of the world. They, in fact, are paying much lower taxes, even much lower than 15 percent. Whereas if I'm a simple business I don't have subsidiaries abroad, I'm probably paying closer to 35. This would create an even level playing field and would give an advantage to those who are more local and have a much simpler tax status." Read more.

How the Internet and E-Commerce Are Hacking Protectionism

"Companies today are born global because they are born digital. Which makes this a historic time. We are at the verge of creating a global equivalent of a medieval town square … It is a market where anyone can sell to anyone, anywhere, anytime." Read more.

» Join us at Alumni Conference next Friday, May 5 to hear from Professors Jerry Nickelsburg and Bhagwan Chowdhry.

UCLA Anderson fellowship donors and student recipients as well as friends of the school gathered on April 12 for a fellowship reception at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Co-hosted by Anderson benefactors Peter and Merle Mullin, the evening featured the Mullins’ collection of classic Bugatti automobiles, currently on display as part of the The Art of Bugatti.

The estimated cost for full-time MBA students is $90,000 per academic year and more for non-California students. Fellowships not only help to attract the best students but also greatly enhance recipients’ experiences while at Anderson. Read more and view photos from the event.

Clayton Frech's '98 son Ezra was born with some physical differences and a love for sports. After a trip to Oklahoma for a Paralympic sports competition in 2013, Frech was inspired to create a Paralympics sports competition to give adaptive athletes the opportunity to compete in Los Angeles. After years as a business executive, he realized his purpose through the founding of Angel City Games and the organization Angel City Sports, Frech advised "Everybody should follow their heart and not worry about timing. Have a plan to the extent possible, and stay as flexible as possible."

Alumni Weekend kicks off next Friday, May 5. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with classmates, faculty and the school at the following events:

Friday, May 5

Alumni Conference
Online registration ends Wednesday, May 3.

1 Year Reunion - Class of 2016
On-site registration will not be available.

Saturday, May 6

Reunion Evening '82, '87, '92, '97, '02, '07, '12
Online registration ends Wednesday, May 3. A limited number of walk-ins will be accommodated.

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1977 | Manhattan Beach

Monday, May 8

Alumni Golf Tournament
Online registration ends Wednesday, May 3.

» Register today for Alumni Weekend.