Nestled above the coastline of San Diego, California, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth. At the heart of PLNU's commitment to education lies the Fermanian School of Business, dedicated to nurturing future leaders with a blend of rigorous academics, ethical principles, and innovative thinking.
The Fermanian School of Business was established with a vision “to enable students to fully discover their purpose so that they can transform society, organizations and people.” The motto “More than the Bottom Line” drives the faculty to develop ethically grounded, purpose-driven leaders who approach business as a force for good in the world.
The key figure in designing the Fermanian School of Business's building is George Fermanian, whose vision and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the school. In a candid interview, Mr. Fermanian shared insights into the early days of the school and the values that continue to guide its mission.
George Fermanian’s journey with the school dates back to its beginnings at the Pasadena campus. He was there to help the students load trailers filled with desks and chairs to start the move south to a new home at the Point Loma campus. His commitment to the school extended beyond academics, as he balanced teaching courses with running a building and development business.
With a background in finance and real estate, George Fermanian brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His education, including a bachelor's degree from UCLA and a master's from USC, laid the groundwork for his leadership role in shaping the future of business education at PLNU.
George Fermanian spearheaded the design and construction of the school's building, transforming a "very old, dilapidated building with no air conditioning" into a state-of-the-art facility that reflects excellence in every detail. Reflecting on the previous building, Fermanian remarked, "I was teaching there and sweating, and I stopped talking and said, 'one of these days I'm going to tear this building down...I'm going to grind it up and put it under the foundation of the new business school.'" While remnants of the demolition weren’t actually used in the construction of what stands there today, the sentiment was strong that it was time for a big change. Fermanian wanted to start completely from scratch, which allowed his excellence and innovation to permeate through every decision made in planning and developing the new facility.
The transformation of the building was not merely cosmetic; every aspect of the design was meticulously planned to embody the values of the school and provide an environment conducive to learning and professional growth. One of Fermanian's guiding principles was to imbue the building with symbolism and meaning, starting with the materials used in its construction.
"The doors and the cabinets are made from rift-cut white oak or 'pinstriped oak,' symbolic of a business suit," Fermanian explained. This attention to detail was not just for aesthetics; it was intended to instill a sense of professionalism and success in the students who walked through those doors. The use of high-quality materials was also a reflection of the school's commitment to excellence and to provide a timeless blueprint that would ensure the building remains cutting edge for years to come.
Leather chairs, not typical for a business school setting, were carefully selected to symbolize not only business success but also the comfort and prestige associated with executive boardrooms. "These chairs not only symbolize success for the students but also for the executives that come to hire them," Fermanian noted. By creating an environment that mirrors the corporate world, the school aims to prepare students for the realities of the business world while also making a statement about the values upheld by the business school and the university as a whole.
"One of the core principles in designing the school was to ensure that everything is first class," Fermanian emphasized. This commitment to excellence extended to every aspect of the building, from its furnishings to its technology infrastructure. The goal was not just to create a functional space but to inspire and empower students to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
In addition to its interior design, "I wanted to capture the views of the ocean, to capture the essence of being an ocean-oriented property," Fermanian remarked. This is a distinctive quality of the university and is made a focal point as the oceanview windows act as an extension into the seemingly endless horizon over the Pacific. This integration of the natural surroundings into the design of the building not only provides breathtaking views but also creates a sense of harmony with the environment.
One of the most distinctive features of the Fermanian School of Business is its emphasis on artwork. Throughout the building, students encounter a diverse collection of oil paintings and bronze sculptures, curated to provoke thought and reflection, and to set the school apart from other institutions.
"Everything in the business school has a unique purpose," Fermanian emphasized. The inclusion of original art was not merely decorative but served as a tangible expression of the school's commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual and creative community. By surrounding students with works of art, Fermanian aimed to stimulate their imagination and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art and business, and if nothing else, to show students what success looks like.
The original art also served another purpose: to create an unforgettable atmosphere for the business community at large. Executives and industry leaders who visit the campus are greeted by a thoughtfully curated gallery, intended to plant the seed of success.
"It's the professor's job to provide substance to that image," Fermanian noted. The school's excellence extends beyond its physical environment to the quality of education and mentorship provided by its faculty. By creating a space that is both physically beautiful and intellectually stimulating, the Fermanian School of Business seeks to attract and retain top talent while also nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
When you enter the building, you encounter a striking sculpture of a bull and bear, symbolizing the dynamic forces of the financial markets. The sculpture incorporates Wall Street ticker tape that is echoed in the real-time stock ticker display. The figures are set atop a granite base sourced from Brazil. This powerful installation serves as both a conversation starter and a visual reminder of the real-world volatility and opportunity that business students are being prepared to navigate.
“The Bull and The Bear” sculpture is by artist and sculptor Victor Riesau who also created “The Hand of God” sculpture in the FSB patio that represents the seed of knowledge to the hand of man.
George Fermanian also donated several pieces from his personal collection to adorn the walls and common areas of the Fermanian School of Business.
At the heart of the Fermanian School of Business's success lies the indomitable spirit of its namesake, George Fermanian. A man of unwavering commitment to excellence and a no-nonsense attitude, who played an invaluable role in transforming the school into the thriving institution it is today.
Article by: Quinn Cain