From the President: Welcoming Arthur M. Blank Home

President

Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA'92, PhD

Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA‘92, PhD is the 14th president of Babson College. A successful entrepreneur, academic leader, and scholar, Dr. Spinelli assumed the role of president in July 2019, guiding the College through its centennial year and into its second century. Learn more about the President's Office.

| December 7, 2020

Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD and Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98

Babson President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD (left) greets Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 at the Babson World Globe in October. (Photo by Michael Quiet)

Listen

Before The Home Depot, before the packed stadium, before the best-selling book and the tremendous success of The Blank Family of Businesses, Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 was a Babson College student. This October, it was our pleasure to welcome him home.

Mr. Blank described his visit as both intellectual and emotional. Although things look different this year—with COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place throughout the day—our visit was an important reminder that the value and impact of the Babson experience extends far beyond graduation day.

MORE: The Blank Blueprint for the Future of Entrepreneurial Leadership

Mr. Blank visited his old residence hall and stopped by the Babson World Globe in its new location. One of the most inspirational parts of the day was our lunch with The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars. We talked about educational opportunities, Mr. Blank shared stories from his days as a student, and—because Babson students are trained to seize opportunity—several students pitched their business ideas directly to Mr. Blank.

The day was anchored by two virtual events attended by 1,200 members of the Babson community. Our conversations centered on Mr. Blank’s new book, Good Company, and the six core principles that have guided his life, career, and the success of The Blank Family of Businesses—values that also serve as the founding principles of Babson’s Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD

I have long been inspired by Mr. Blank’s vision and leadership. He is an icon of business and entrepreneurship, a strategic philanthropist, and a dedicated Babson College champion and benefactor. I am energized by our collaboration and the unparalleled momentum it generates for Babson’s continued innovation and leadership.

Our shared vision for The Blank School will amplify entrepreneurial leadership on a global scale and inextricably link values-based leadership and entrepreneurship education. Together, we are connecting social and economic value and building leaders who will improve the human condition and change the world.

Posted in Community

Tagged Alumni, Babson Heroes, Babson Magazine

Latest Stories

Babson student pitches startup from the stage

Mentors, Investors, and Proud Parents: Who’s Watching Babson’s Summer Venture Showcase It’s not just about startups and pitches. The people in the audience at Babson’s Summer Venture Showcase make it a hub of connections and support.

By Hillary Chabot

Writer

Hillary Chabot

Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.

August 7, 2025

Tagged Alumni, Undergraduate, Graduate, Startups

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership