Cornell Business

Issue date: 5/3/00 Section: Johnsonite of the Year

As the Johnson School frenetically hurdles into the 21th century, it finds itself wrestling with a myriad of complex and confusing issues. From B-School rankings to distance learning, it appears that much of the schools energy is focused on external affairs. However despite this recent trend, Cornell Business has decided to look inward and with great pleasure awards this century's first Johnsonite of the Year Award to Professor Harold Bierman.

Considering that Cornell Business's prior picks for Johnsonite of the Year (1998 - Class of 1998, 1999 - Dean Swieringa), has primarily been focused on our schools turnaround and subsequent rise in the rankings, Professor Bierman selection might come as a surprise. However, anyone from student to faculty member who has encountered Professor Bierman would know better. "For the last 36 years, Hal has been the soul and role model of the School. He is responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the presence of many of our faculty. Hal has made what Cornell's Johnson School what it is today", commented Professor Thomas Dyckman.

From the perspective of Cornell Business, Professor Bierman represents what makes this school a special community. Professor Bierman also sets a standard of excellence as a professor that all members of the faculty should strive to follow. Professor Bhaskaran Swaminathan says, "Hal is a wonderful role model for all junior faculty. He has irrepressible charm and wit, an incredible amount of energy - in class room, in research, and on the tennis court."

Because of his dedication to his students and his relentless drive for excellence, Professor Bierman has developed a legion of followers. As Professor Jerry Hass states, "Professor Bierman has been the cornerstone of the Johnson School almost since its inception. There are literally thousands of students who learned the finance they now practice from him. Just two weeks ago the senior managing director of one of the major investment banking firms told me the basis of his success was "Biermanism".

While much of his contribution to JGSM's educational program are understood by his students, many don't realize the impact he has had on his profession. Professor Bierman has authored 14 books including his path breaking volume with Professor Schmidt titled The Capital Budgeting Decision (now in its eighth edition) and over 160 research papers.

In 1985 Professor Bierman received the annual award given jointly by the Dow Jones Company and the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) "In recognition of outstanding contributions and distinguished service in the field of collegiate education for business and administration". This award has been given to very few individuals, several of whom have won international recognition.

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