Record Number of Abitus Students Visit Campus for Commencement
Image by Ed Brennen
05/19/2023
By Ed Brennen
Masakazu Hasegawa, senior general manager for Tokyo-based Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., has worked in international banking for more than 35 years. When he was 58 years old, he decided to go back to school for his MBA.
“My wife, who has her MBA, said, ‘Why don’t you try something instead of playing golf on the weekend?’” Hasegawa recalls with a smile.
Based in London at the time, Hasegawa discovered that he could earn an MBA online from UMass Lowell’s Manning School of Business through its partnership with Abitus, an executive education firm based in Tokyo.
“Everybody knows UMass, so it was very attractive. And it was important that it was accredited by the AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business),” he says of UML’s online MBA, which is ranked ninth nationally by Fortune.
Image by Ed Brennen
“I feel accomplished — very proud,” says Hasegawa, who completed the degree in two years. “It was a big commitment, but it’s never too late to learn.”
Since launching in 2012 with 30 students, the Abitus partnership has grown steadily, with 91 students earning their MBAs this year. Overall, more than 700 students, mostly midcareer managers and executives, have completed the program — which has nearly 450 students enrolled for the fall 2023 semester.
“We are always looking at ways we can serve the Abitus community, and our MBA community, in the best way possible,” says Dean of Business Sandra Richtermeyer, who calls the Abitus relationship a “top strategic initiative” for the business school.
Vice Provost for Graduate, Online and Professional Studies Steven Tello had about 20 Abitus students in his 35-student Innovation and Emerging Technology course this spring.
“I’m always impressed by what you bring to the table,” Tello told Abitus students during a Commencement week reception at the Pulichino Tong Business Center. “The experience and insights that you bring to the class discussions are invaluable.”
Image by Ed Brennen
“I’m very happy to be here for Commencement. The campus is very beautiful,” says Katakura, who finished her MBA in two and a half years.
HiroYasu Tora, a corporate account director for a construction company in the Philippines, also decided to enroll during the pandemic.
“My counterparts and clients at the management level have their MBAs, and I wanted to be on the same level when we talk about business,” says Tora, who appreciated the opportunity to take asynchronous online courses with American students.
“It was a nice cross-culture experience,” he says. “With UMass Lowell in the Boston area, I expected the high level of students. I wanted to work with them.”
Asst. Teaching Prof. of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Deborah Casey says Abitus students bring a “new perspective” to her Customers and Markets course.
“They make us better,” she says.