Since its founding, ESAN Graduate School of Business has been a pillar of academic excellence in Peru and Latin America. This prestige would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of Dr. Alan B. Coleman, the founder and first dean of our institution. His recent passing on January 31 at the age of 96 leaves a profound void in the ESAN family. In tribute to his legacy, we wish to remember and share his impact on our academic community.

His legacy begins precisely with the presence he exuded. I had the privilege of meeting him on two occasions: first, during ESAN’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, when I was an assistant professor, and later, during the 50th-anniversary events, by then as dean. On both occasions, his essence was unmistakable. Simply seeing him was enough to recognize that he was not only an exceptional professional but also a remarkable human being. His humility and passion for what he did were truly inspiring.

When speaking with him about his academic journey in Peru, Dr. Coleman always affirmed that ESAN was the most important achievement of his life. And I must confess that, for me, he has been the most significant person in the history of our institution. If ESAN exists today, if Peru has the privilege of being home to the first business school in the Spanish-speaking world—an institution that has profoundly impacted Peruvian society and the world—it is thanks to the efforts of many people, but above all, to the legacy of Dr. Coleman.

Here, I would like to share a few words from his eldest daughter, Kathleen Coleman, about her father and the connections he built at ESAN and in Peru:

"My father was an incredible man and had a profound love for ESAN and Peru. He grew up as the son of a widowed mother, and his family had very limited resources. He knew that education was fundamental to achieving success in life, and he considered the founding of ESAN to be the most important accomplishment of his existence. My sister and I were very happy that our parents were able to attend ESAN’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2013 (...). Indeed, his experience as ESAN’s founding dean and the time our family spent in Peru were among the most meaningful aspects of his life. He loved sharing those experiences with others.”

Today, we bid farewell to Dr. Coleman with immense gratitude. Without ESAN, I do not know how much of Peru’s progress would have been possible, and on a personal level, I do not know where I would be. The spirit of Dr. Coleman will forever remain in every student, professional, executive, professor, and collaborator at ESAN.

Dr. Coleman, thank you for being the pioneer who paved this path.