Professors
Ben Gomes-Casseres ’76 and
Robert Podorefsky are the winners of this year’s Excellence in Teaching awards.
Dean Kathryn Graddy presents the awards, chosen by student vote, each spring to faculty members who demonstrate passion, commitment and outstanding contributions to
Brandeis International Business School.
Graddy said Gomes-Casseres and Podorefsky inspire students through their dedication to teaching and expertise in their respective fields.
Gomes-Casseres is the Peter A. Petri Professor of Business and Society and the faculty director of the
Asper Center for Global Entrepreneurship. He is an expert on alliance strategy, business strategy and management.
“Ben’s enthusiasm for the ideas he teaches is inspiring,” said Graddy. “Combined with his deep knowledge and expertise in his field, Ben can easily reach students who don’t have a background in the class subject.”
Gomes-Casseres’ most recent book is "
Remix Strategy: The Three Laws of Business Combinations”. He also has written "The Alliance Revolution: The New Shape of Business Rivalry" and co-authored "Mastering Alliance Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Management, and Organization" (Jossey-Bass/Wiley, 2003). Additionally, his work has appeared in various scholarly journals and industry periodicals.
An adjunct professor, Podorefsky has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. His experience includes serving as chief interest rate strategist for GE Capital and Bank of America, and working as a senior member of the global market teams at UBS and Merrill Lynch.
Podorefsky has written extensively about financial markets and the potential risks confronting borrowers, and has spoken across the country about the U.S. economy, financial market risks and interest rates.
“Rob’s dedication to his students shines through in the diligent attention he gives to their questions and their assignments,” said Graddy. “Students appreciate his broad-ranging, enriching class discussions that encourage deeper exploration and understanding of the subject.”
