Simon Community Weekend
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At the University of Rochester Simon Business School, we invite you to discover the possibilities of what you’ll achieve and the meaningful impact you’ll create. Grounded in analytical rigor and problem-solving, a Simon education will empower you to drive results and build enduring skills for immediate and future success.
Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring business school or considering your path forward, you’ll leave campus assured that a Simon education will empower you to create transformational impact—not just in your career but in the world around you.
Discover what’s possible at Simon.
Sands Leadership Lecture
Business is a Marathon: Leading with Agility and Purpose, and Pushing Through “The Wall”
The visionary leader behind one of the most extraordinary brand turnarounds in the sports and fitness industry, Jim Weber shares the secrets to his success—from purpose-driven leadership and product innovation to customer obsession and workplace culture.
As former CEO of Brooks Running, Jim Weber took the company from the brink of bankruptcy to a billion-dollar global performance brand—earning the backing of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett along the way. Under his leadership, Brooks made the bold decision to go all-in on performance running, differentiating itself in a competitive market and becoming a favorite among elite athletes and everyday runners and walkers alike.
Jim’s strategy centered on focus, innovation, and culture, transforming Brooks into a company built on purpose-driven leadership and customer obsession. By investing in cutting-edge technology, biomechanics research, and sustainable practices, he positioned Brooks as an industry leader in both performance and brand loyalty. His ability to navigate economic downturns, market shifts, supply chain disruption, and fierce competition proved instrumental in the company’s long-term success. Runner’s World magazine named Jim one of the most influential innovators in the running industry. He also earned a spot for more than 10 consecutive years on the Footwear News “Power 100” list.
In 2017 Jim was faced with a new personal challenge—he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with complications leading to the loss of the use of one lung. He emerged from the experience cancer-free, and the life-altering experience gave him an even deeper perspective and focus on making the most of life’s journey every day.
In 2022 Jim published a memoir, Running with Purpose: How Brooks Outpaced Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack, outlining his incredible story and offering inspirational anecdotes and tangible takeaways for leaders, entrepreneurs, and the 150+ million runners worldwide.
In his compelling, insightful keynotes, Jim shares game-changing business strategies—from product innovation to cultivating customer obsession and building more trusting workplace cultures. Audiences walk away prepared to lead with agility and purpose, adapt to change and disruption, and build brands that go the distance.
Event Highlights
Simon Community Weekend is more than an introduction—it’s an invitation to grow your network and make connections with current students, faculty, and alumni who are transforming industries and advancing ideas.
Sessions are subject to change. If you have any questions, please email events@simon.rochester.edu.
Experience Rochester: Radio Social
Immerse yourself in the city Simon students call home, make meaningful connections, and get a glimpse of what a Friday night as a student could look like. Join this lively, casual event hosted by Simon Consortium students to build connections and enjoy one of Rochester’s popular spots.
Conversations with Current Students
Hear about the Simon experience firsthand from current students as they share how they’re developing analytical, leadership, and collaborative skills through co-curricular activities, community, and life in Rochester.
Experience a Simon Classroom with Prof. Ravi Mantena
Discover the rigorous thinking and collaborative discussion that define a Simon classroom. Work with Ravi Mantena, faculty director and associate dean of education and innovation, in an interactive session that demonstrates how students develop the analytical skills to solve today’s most complex business challenges.
Sands Leadership Reception with Current Students & Alumni
Make connections and build your professional network after the Sands Leadership Lecture, where attendees, current students, and alumni will gather to mingle and reflect on the insights shared during the discussion.
Simon in Action
Experiential learning is a key way you’ll take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world scenarios. Simon offers both curricular and co-curricular opportunities to adapt and test the enduring skills you’re building in class to solve real business problems.
Constellation Brands Company Visit & Reception
Get an up close look at a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Rochester on a tour hosted by Blair Veenema ’09, ’11S (MBA), VP of investor relations at Constellation Brands, ending with bites and brews overlooking the city skyline.
Travel packages are available!
Simon will transform the way you think and what’s possible for your career. Business school is a big decision, and visiting campus is an important factor. It’s important to us that you discover our community—and all that Simon has to offer—for yourself.
To assist with travel plans, we are pleased to offer a total travel package (a two-night hotel stay and travel stipend) valued at up to $800 for those who register for the event and apply by October 2. In addition, three meals will be provided for attendees during the event.
We look forward to showing you what makes Simon so special and hope to see you in Rochester soon!
The travel package helps offset the cost of travel for applicants with a US mailing address who will be traveling more than 200 miles (one way) to Rochester, NY. If you have questions regarding these policies, please contact us at events@simon.rochester.edu or +1 (585) 275-3533.