Centers and Institutes

The 2025 Fowler Business Concept Challenge (FBCC), organized by the Knauss School of Business, sparked a celebration of innovation and creativity at the University of San Diego. On Friday, December 5, 16 semi-finalist teams presented groundbreaking ideas to a packed audience of over 300 people at an event that exemplifies the entrepreneurial passion of USD students and their commitment to addressing real-world problems.

The Ahlers Center for International Business recently sent Associate Director Diane Ice and Assistant Director Antonio Formacion to Japan to explore academic collaborations, custom programs, and experiential learning opportunities for University of San Diego students. The trip, spanning multiple universities, corporate sites, and cultural experiences, highlighted USD’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and providing students with immersive international experiences. During their visit, Diane and Antonio met with key contacts at Tsukuba University MBA, including Prof. Remy Magnier-Watanabe, Prof. Caroline Benton, Mr. Yuji Endo, Mr. Masaaki Ohashi, and Ms. Naomi Hassaki. Discussions focused on student exchanges and potentially developing a one-week program for Tsukuba students combined with other universities. The team also visited the Tokyo Stock Exchange, scouting potential experiential visits for future USD courses, and engaged with faculty at Tokyo University Law School, establishing key contacts for future academic and professional collaborations. At Sophia University, they explored opportunities for COIL projects, discussing potential formats and identifying challenges with time zones and engagement. At Aoyama Gakuin University MBA, Diane and Antonio finalized the venue for the Tokyo Intersession presentation practice and discussed plans to deepen collaboration in the coming years. Meetings with the US-Japan Council, including Ms. Aya Hashimoto, provided information on the Mineta Ambassadors Program, an educational endowment supporting student exchanges that might expand USD’s future programs. The team also met with TRI Driven Corp., gaining valuable insights from MBA alum Masahiro Miyagami on designing programs appealing to Japanese executives and mid-size business owners. Key takeaways included emphasizing USD’s Catholic identity and ethical, purpose-driven leadership focus, showcasing successful past programs, highlighting the San Diego location and community, and starting with small pilot programs to build trust. In addition to academic and corporate meetings, Diane and Antonio visited International House Japan to confirm space for the Tokyo Intersession welcome ceremony, explored cultural excursions in Kamakura, and toured TeamLab Tokyo, identifying experiential learning opportunities that could enrich students’ international experiences. They also maintained connections with Kyushu University Tokyo Office, ensuring future collaboration opportunities remain open. This visit underscored the Ahlers Center’s dedication to expanding global learning opportunities, strengthening academic partnerships, and designing custom programs that prepare USD students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

On Friday, December 5, 2025 , the Ahlers Center for International Business at the University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business hosted the “Managing Global Uncertainty: Strategies for Small Businesses in a Shifting Economy” conference at the Nexus Theater. The event brought together local business leaders, scholars and industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in today’s rapidly changing global economy. The keynote address was delivered by Alan Gin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics , who presented “Navigating the Storm: San Diego Small Business Resilience Amid Trade Uncertainty.” Dr. Gin highlighted how global economic shifts, trade fluctuations, and tariffs impact the region, and shared strategies for fostering resilience and sustaining growth. A panel of distinguished experts joined the discussion, including Nikia Clarke, Ph.D., Chief Strategy Officer of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation; Brian Miller, President of Geppetto's Inc. and Board Chair Emeritus of The Good Toy Group; Orianna Bretschger, Cofounder and CEO of Aquacycl; Mauricio Diaz, Vice President of JD Group Logistics; and Tom Ryan, Owner of Ryan Bros. Coffee. Panelists explored the effects of global economic uncertainty on local businesses, strategies for navigating turbulent times, and opportunities for growth in San Diego’s unique binational region. Attendees left the conference with practical insights and strategies to strengthen their businesses and foster resilience in an unpredictable economic environment. The event highlighted the Ahlers Center for International Business’s commitment to connecting academia and industry to support the local business community and prepare leaders for a globally connected economy.