David Schmittlein

As a Sloan alum (MBA '03) who has worked closely with Dean David Schmittlein for a number of years on Sloan board before his untimely passing, I would like to express once again my deepest sympathies to Dave's family especially his beloved wife and children. Every weekend, I run around the Charles and past Sloan and E-62, my heart aches so I could only imagine the anguish and pain for his family. I hope the poem "Souffles" from Africa poet Birago Diop will sooth our bleeding hearts https://quaker.org/legacy/poplar/messages/20150301_Forefathers.pdf

Dear Barb, Brigitte and Gabe,

My most heartfelt condolences to you. May you get strength at this most difficult time.

As I reminisce today, I feel so fortunate and honored to have had the chance to be Dave´s student at Wharton and then again work here under his amazingly motivational leadership. With Dave´s passing, the world has lost not only an extraordinary scholar but also an exceptional leader.

As a doctoral student, I knew of Dave´s outstanding scholarship. Then being his student in the "marketing models" seminar showed me what a marvelous teacher he was. And finally working here at MIT Sloan showed me his phenomenal leadership.

He was a favorite professor in grad school. Not only was he a great researcher, but he was also a fantastic teacher who could make complex concepts readily accessible. It was wonderful having Dave on my dissertation committee with his thought-provoking questions and guidance. And then I saw his amazing leadership at MIT Sloan.

Dave´s legacy as a scholar, researcher, teacher, and leader will live forever. But even more importantly Dave will be remembered for his humility, kindness, genuine caring and impact.

With fond remembrance,
Sharmila

My condolences.

When I earned my MBA from MIT Sloan School of Business, David Schmittlein was my Dean. Dean Schmittlein kicked off my two years of full-time grad school with a speech in which he stated that the 'road' that we took to MIT Sloan School of Management was not the road we needed to take outwards and onwards - we could be 'the best version of *our* distinctive self.' That always stuck with me. Just because you were a consultant before grad school didn't mean you had to be a consultant after. You could pivot.

Dean Schmittlein truly inspired me in his remarks, both when I was a student and a proud hashtag#MIT alum. I recall a MIT Sloan Alumni reunion when I sat in the front row; afterwards, the speaker (Schmittlein) said that I was an excellent audience member, as my face provided him with data points on whether the audience was following along and with him in his remarks.

Dean Schmittlein always spoke to us as if, of course, we would be 'principled, innovative leaders who improve the world.' We were selected, educated, and supported to do exactly that. He had so much confidence in the school and us. He made me feel like I could accomplish great and BIG things- build a better world. I will miss him - he was a formative teacher and an inspirational leader.

My heartfelt condolences to the Schmittlein family. This is a moment of great loss and sadness, and I will be thinking of you on the journey forward.

Dave recruited me to the MIT Sloan NA Executive Board in his first months as Dean, and so I was able to witness first-hand his even-keeled approach and chess-like moves to build MIT Sloan. The Executive Board is full of opinions, and he welcomed those with grace. With steady progress and clear communication, the transformation of MIT Sloan was underway.

As others have said, Dave built MIT Sloan into its best self. But what may have gone unnoticed is that early on was he built himself license to achieve his vision by bringing the school into a strong, cashflow positive position. This created the platform for the stellar achievements noted by others. A simple and liberating step, done without fanfare.

I am also on the MIT Sloan Visiting Committee, a unique MIT institution that provides outside-in feedback to the Dean and President. There are some incredible, global business leaders on the Visiting Committee, including deans of other business schools, no one has no qualms about parsing and issue and digging in. Dave invested heavily in building a group that could rigorously provide feedback and in obtaining excellent feedback from the group -- including real-time data dumps -- with all matters on the table. And the group found that our final reports were more like advising a star player than finding definitive gaps to close.

There is no question that Dave led a remarkable transformation of MIT Sloan. But he also taught us how to make change: with strong management skills infused with his personal values of openess, integrity and willingness to make investments for a better future. I truly feel the loss of a wonderful person and someone I very much admire.

With my heartfelt regards, Martha

I first met Dave at the 1979 American Marketing Association Educators' Annual Meetings, where I had the pleasure of interviewing him as a prospective Assistant Professor of Marketing at my school, U.T.-Austin. I believe he was the only about to graduate Ph.D. that I ever rated as outstanding in research, teaching, and personal traits. As we all know, Dave chose Wharton, where he quickly established a reputation for outstanding research, teaching and service, with academic achievements too numerous to mention here. I followed his career with interest, read his research, and was thrilled when he became Dean at my alma mater, M.I.T.'s Sloan School. We had a nice e-mail correspondence, where I expressed my admiration for so many of his leadership accomplishments, and equally important, his demonstration of outstanding character. Dave kindly remembered me (and some of my work), a magnaminity that defined him. His untimely passing leaves a whole in the universe, and I send my condolences especially to his loving family. May all of us be inspired to be better because of Dave's presence in our lives, and may the memories of his good humor, brilliant mind, and loving character be of comfort to his family.

Rest in peace, Dean Schmitlein.

I still remember meeting you during my time at MIT. You had a rare mix of openness, warmth, and humility - always kind, always grounded. That presence made a real difference to students like me. It was an honor to have known you, and I´m deeply grateful for the conversations we shared.

You were the force behind the Master of Finance program - and the person who made it possible for me to attend by granting me a partial scholarship. That decision has changed the course of my life.

Thank you for your vision, your generosity, and your leadership. You will be remembered.

To Barbara, Brigitte and Gabe. Sincere condolences on the very sad loss of your husband and Dad. I had the privilege of being one of David´s nurses and had many interesting conversations with him often about his musical interests. He told me one of his favourite ballads was The Parting Glass and I will always remember him fondly when I hear it being played . Rest in peace David. You were one in a million.

Mary Collins

My condolences to all friends and the entire family. Your all in my thoughts and prayers

I hope that the love of your friends and family will carry you through your grief. In DZ love, Janet

This is a beautiful description of Dave.
We send our love and sincerest condolences to his wonderful family.

Dave and Barb´s wedding was the 1st for our 1 year old son and we have fond memories of him then and 18 years later when we visited on college tours when he was a generous host and thoughtful conversation partner. Thinking of you with warmth and caring Barb, and wishing you smiles of memory among your grieving.
Deb, Bob, Adam & Shelby Daniel-Wayman

Barbara and Family,
Condolences from a boyhood friend. Wishing the warmth of Dave's presence remain with friends and family always.

Dave has been my beloved friend for 63 years. He has enriched my life in ways that words cannot adequately express. He possessed wisdom, humor, compassion, and a unique ability to make others feel accepted. He dearly loved his family and his physical presence is greatly missed. I am truly blessed to have known and loved him as the wonderful friend he has been.