University Times

The International Business Center (IBC) at the Katz Graduate School of Business has been awarded a four-year, $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education under its program to support centers for international business education and research.

Katz's IBC cooperates with such regional service organizations as the World Trade Center of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Commerce district export assistance office to help promote and increase international business investment and trade activity in the region. IBC also is affiliated with the University Center for International Studies and its four federally funded area studies programs.

"The IBC is vital to Katz's international business outreach efforts and to international business development in the region and abroad," said Frederick Winter, dean of the Katz school. "Through IBC, Katz plans to further establish critical education and business linkages in other countries as well."

IBC has helped to establish a consortium of western Pennsylvania business schools dedicated to promoting international business, research and development. It also sponsors regular sessions on international business for area business leaders and promotes international business research and curriculum development at Pitt.

"It is truly gratifying for IBC to receive this expression of confidence in its ability to continue effectively serving its multiple constituencies at the school, University and community levels," said IBC director and Katz professor Andrew Blair.

"The award is also a recognition of Katz's and the University of Pittsburgh's impressive array of international resources, which can now continue to be placed at the service of our region."

This is the fourth time since 1989 that IBC has received this highly competitive award. Other top-ranked schools that received grants this year include UCLA, Michigan, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana and Ohio State.