Student Spotlights

Peter Staaf ’72

Senior Vice President-Treasurer Retired
MBA–Professional Alumnus

Career impact
“The MBA provided great initial skills to begin my career in finance. It was just the beginning of a continuing process of my financial education.”

Career achievement
“I taught analysts to apply a default factor and capitalize on our net spread, which was key to selling the company. Before I retired, the company grew from the initial public offering to over $3.5 billion (assets) when it sold.”

Fun or interesting fact
“I was a Vietnam veteran going to graduate school on the GI Bill.

First job offer before graduating was rescinded because the company considered me too aggressive. Actual first job paid $12,500, which was equal to the starting salary for Harvard MBAs in 1972.”

Favorite professors
“Bill Bollom and Gene Drzycimski”

Professional advice
“Treat every person like you would like to be treated.”