The Tom & Vi Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University celebrated its 10th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 28, with a reception and special presentation chronicling the school's history. The event also featured a jazz performance as part of the community arts series Pierce Street Jazz.
Originally opened in September 2013, the Zapara School of Business underwent five years of planning, fundraising, design, and construction before its grand unveiling. The school honored its namesakes, Seventh-day Adventist philanthropists Tom and Violet Zapara, with a ceremony attended by university, community, and state leaders.
The 60,200-square-foot facility, which replaced a building originally constructed in 1968, boasts a sky-lit central atrium and a windowed rotunda near the campus entrance. It has received several accolades for its architectural design, including a ranking among the top 50 most beautiful business schools in the world by TopManagementDegrees.com.
"Our community has benefitted tremendously from the presence of this beautiful building, and we continue to offer our gratitude to the Zaparas and so many other supporters who made it possible," said Dean Thomas. He added that the modern amenities of the school have enabled innovative classes and entrepreneurial activities.
The Troesh Conference Center, a distinctive school feature, regularly hosts university and community events, including the Pierce Street Jazz concerts.
