OPENGLOBAL / History
HISTORY
A history of tradition and innovation
The power of education to improve lives is an enduring story. Our story began in 1919 when UNC’s leaders envisioned a role for business education at a liberal arts university. That vision ultimately became UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Business has changed dramatically in the last century, as have we. But what first made us unique still remains — a tradition of innovation. From our earliest roots, UNC-Kenan Flagler has perpetually looked forward to develop the knowledge needed for the next generation of business.
We have changed the lives of thousands of people, directly and indirectly, since our founding in 1919 and seek to deepen and broaden our impact on people’s lives and the wider society. Join us on our journey to define what’s next. The best is yet to come.
1919 Innovating from the start
In early 1998, a group of technology executives and entrepreneurs of Pakistani heritage in the greater Boston area gathered to create a networking organization. Spearheaded by Imran Qidwai, the founding meeting was held in March 1998 in Natick, MA.
Over the next few months, this core group formulated the organization’s objectives, coined the name OPEN (Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America), and adopted a logo designed by Ifti’s son Feisal. Initially focused on peer support and advice, OPEN quickly expanded to include more tech executives and entrepreneurs.
In September 2000, the first large-scale meeting of OPEN New England took place, attracting about 130 attendees from across the country. This event generated interest in forming chapters in other regions, particularly in New York and Silicon Valley..
2001 Expansion and Impact
Throughout 2001, OPEN New England hosted a series of public events addressing topics relevant to entrepreneurs and technologists. In addition, the organization introduced a segment in its monthly board meetings where startups could pitch their ideas to receive feedback and potential introductions to investors and partners.
2002 Business Plan Competition
In 2002, OPEN New England organized its first business plan competition, offering a $50,000 prize. The event, held at the Boston Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, attracted nearly 200 attendees, marking a pivotal moment in OPEN’s journey towards supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
OPEN DC: October 2, 2004
Maurice W. Lee begins his 20-year tenure as dean, leaving
his mark for building an all-star faculty who excel at both
teaching and research – a standard that continues today. He also launches a management simulation course that puts seniors in charge of their own companies to make policy, investment and budget decisions throughout the course of the semester. Experiential learning becomes a cornerstone of our curriculum.
OPEN Houston: 2006
Lewis Burton is our first African-American graduate. He spent
more than 40 years providing advisory services to clients,
helping them start and achieve their dreams. Classmate
Coleman Ross established The Lewis M. Burton Master of
Accounting Fellowship in his honor in 2015.
OPEN DC: October 2, 2004
Maurice W. Lee begins his 20-year tenure as dean, leaving his mark for building an all-star faculty who excel at both teaching and research – a standard that continues today. He also launches a management simulation course that puts seniors in charge of their own companies to make policy, investment and budget decisions throughout the course of the semester. Experiential learning becomes a cornerstone of our curriculum.
Strengthening US-Pakistan Ties
OPEN played a critical role in nurturing strong relationships between entrepreneurs in the US and Pakistan. The organization provided financial and mentoring support for the Business Acceleration Plan (BAP) Competition in Pakistan and helped connect competition winners with investors, customers, and partners during their visits to the US. These efforts demonstrated OPEN’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in both countries.
Commitment to Empowering Entrepreneurs
OPEN’s legacy is deeply rooted in its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, especially within the Pakistani American community. By providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive environment, OPEN has empowered numerous individuals to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and make meaningful contributions to their industries.
