As the academic year draws to a close, the D'Amore-McKim School of Business bids farewell to seven faculty members whose careers represent decades of dedication to business education, research, and student mentorship. From groundbreaking research to innovative teaching approaches, this remarkable group has left an indelible mark on the school and the thousands of students they've guided.
Bruce Clark, Associate Professor of Marketing, caps off an impressive 32-year tenure that has touched every corner of the school's operations. His body of research work is revered by colleagues in the Marketing world. Beyond the classroom, Clark played a pivotal role in relaunching the Full-Time MBA program in 2006-07, helping the program climb about 50 places in national rankings over the following five years. As department chair for six years, he proved to be an effective faculty recruiter, and his commitment to teaching excellence earned him five teaching award nominations. For students entering an uncertain future, Clark offers sage advice: “Everything changes. Try not to be a captive of the current moment.” His retirement plans involve continuing work with generative AI while pursuing art and music.
Tim Gagnon, Associate Teaching Professor of Accounting, brought the practical wisdom of the tax industry experience into the classroom, finding that “real-world examples are the best explanation and students appreciate the exposure.” His most meaningful moments came from students who contacted him years later to express how his teachings helped their careers. His parting message is simple but profound: “Be kind and always learning.” He plans to continue learning tax concepts in retirement to better explain them to others.
Executive Professor of Accounting Larry Ginsberg's unique perspective came from experiencing Northeastern as a graduate student, hiring partner at a CPA firm, and serving as both an adjunct and full-time instructor. This multifaceted relationship with the university gave him a deep appreciation for Northeastern's co-op program, which delivered exactly what it promised when he was a student. “When I came to NU as a grad student, the school represented that, with its co-op program, I would take classes for 6 months, intern with what was then a Big 8 firm, go to school for another 6 months and would likely be in a position to get a job with a Big 8 firm and pass the CPA exam. All of that happened for me,” he reflects. He's most proud of supporting students with recommendations for graduate school, academic awards, and job placements through his industry contacts.
Cynthia Lee, Distinguished Professor of Management, embodies the evolution of academic technology, witnessing the transformation “from using ditto to PPT to AI” during her career. What she treasures most is “seeing and knowing students excel in their lives.” Her straightforward advice to current students—”Be curious and proactive”—reflects the mindset that has driven her own research journey, which she plans to continue in retirement.
Gary Porter, Assistant Teaching Professor of Finance, joined D'Amore-McKim as an Assistant Teaching Professor in 2015 after building an extensive academic career spanning multiple institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business and has taught corporate finance and investments at both MBA and undergraduate levels. His academic journey included positions as Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida and Associate Professor at John Carroll University before bringing his expertise to Northeastern. Porter's commitment to financial education has helped shape the understanding of corporate finance and investment principles among countless students.
H. David Sherman, Professor of Accounting, brought exceptional expertise in financial reporting, performance measurement, and Data Envelopment Analysis to D'Amore-McKim. His distinguished career included serving as an Academic Fellow at the Securities and Exchange Commission from 2004 to 2005 and teaching at prestigious institutions, including the MIT Sloan School of Management, before joining Northeastern. His research focus on productivity improvement in healthcare, financial services, and other service organizations has had a substantial impact on both academic understanding and business practice.
Dennis Shaughnessy, Senior Academic Specialist of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, created a lasting impact through his founding of the Social Enterprise Institute in 2007, for which he provided seed capital and remains the principal donor. His combination of executive experience in life sciences, legal expertise, and passion for social entrepreneurship created new academic pathways for students interested in using business as a force for social good. A recipient of the CBA Best Teacher Award and Hall of Fame inductee, Shaughnessy transformed how D'Amore-McKim approaches the intersection of business and social impact.
What unites these seven retiring faculty members is their shared commitment to connecting academic theory with practical application—the essence of Northeastern's experiential learning philosophy. As they transition from daily campus life to new adventures, their collective legacy continues through the countless students they've mentored, the research they've contributed, and the programs they've built. “This retiring class is truly exemplary. Collectively, they have provided well over 100 years of extraordinary service to DMSB. We cannot thank them enough for their wisdom and stewardship. They will be missed, and they leave a legacy for all of us who follow to live up to,” says Deputy Dean Rajesh Aggarwal. The D'Amore-McKim community extends its deepest gratitude for their years of service and wishes them fulfillment in whatever comes next.