The Power of Community, Shining in Shanghai

On an August evening in Shanghai, the words “The Future of Management” illuminated the Citigroup Tower. Against one of the world’s most recognizable skylines, the message shone as a symbol of Peter Drucker’s enduring legacy and the global reach of the school that bears his name.

But what made the moment remarkable wasn’t just the message. It was the people behind it.

Beyond a Skyline

More than a dozen alumni joined the August 5 celebration in Shanghai, along with prospective students eager to learn more about the Drucker philosophy. The Shanghai advertisement, paired with a week of meetings and events in Beijing and Shanghai, demonstrated the strength of a community connected not by geography, but by a shared commitment to Peter Drucker’s vision.

The display itself was made possible through the generosity of Advisory Board Member Mr. Gang Ding, whose gift created a focal point for the celebration.

“As we celebrate CGU’s Centennial, the Shanghai gathering reminded me of the strength of the Drucker community worldwide,” said Dean David Sprott. “Mr. Ding’s generosity in providing the skyline advertisement was a powerful centerpiece for the trip, and it was amplified by the many alumni and partners who contributed their time, hospitality, and expertise. Together, they showed how Drucker’s legacy continues to grow globally.”

The lights on the skyline have faded, but their meaning continues. They remind us that the Drucker School’s impact extends across borders and that its future is built by people who give in many ways: time, expertise, hospitality, and philanthropy.

A Community Powered by Purpose

The vision for the Shanghai display was brought to life through the generosity of Mr. Gang Ding, Drucker Advisory Board Member, who donated the advertising space and, in a surprise gesture, extended the display for a second evening. His commitment set the stage for a celebration that reflected the very heart of the Drucker community.

Supporting him were his son Jack Ding, also serving as his proxy on the Advisory Board, and alumnus Mark Estrada (MBA ’13), who traveled to Shanghai to help host alumni and friends at a mixer on the Bund.

The success of the trip was also made possible through the dedication of Virginia Cheung (EMBA ’17; PhD ’20), Director for China and Drucker Relationships. Virginia coordinated outreach to alumni and partners, ensuring that every gathering deepened Drucker’s presence in China.

Additional support came in many forms: current DBA student Shawn Pei, through his company Mulan Vision, sponsored professional photography that captured the celebration; Professor Shuming Zhao (PhD, Education ’90) hosted a dinner for Dean David Sprott, reinforcing decades of ties between Drucker and China; and Dr. Sean Jasso (PhD, Political Science ’06) traveled from California to share remarks at the alumni mixer, embodying the energy and commitment that define the Drucker network.

Each of these contributions, whether financial, logistical, or personal, created a moment that no single individual could have achieved alone.

A Centennial Moment

As Claremont Graduate University celebrates its Centennial, the Shanghai event stands as a vivid example of how Drucker’s legacy is alive and growing around the world. For one hundred years, CGU has advanced scholarship and practice that shape industries and societies. The Drucker School, with its global community, carries that legacy forward into the next century.

The story of Shanghai is not just about a message written in lights; it is about a community that embodies those words: The Future of Management.