Driving the Future of Business: Meet the Full-Time MBA Class of 2026

The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA Class of 2026 comes from a diverse array of industries, from finance to health, sustainability, and more. The average age of these new students is 28, and they enter the program with an average of six years of work experience.

Twenty-two percent of the cohort are first-generation college students, 53% are U.S. students of color, and 29% are underrepresented students of color. The class is also represented by 40% women, 9% LGBTQIA2S+ students, and 15% U.S. military veterans. Eleven percent of the new students are also pursuing dual degrees.

This year’s class was highly competitive; students were selected from a pool of several thousand applicants. The average incoming student scored a 728 on the GMAT and had a GPA of 3.42. These highly talented individuals come to Ross with goals in all industries, with many seeking to learn more about sustainability and technology.

Students this year will have many new opportunities to explore these interests through resources like the ESG concentration and new classes like Management as a Calling (MO 635) and Retail Strategy (MKT 612).

With their combined years of experience, education, and diversity of perspectives, the Class of 2026 is ready to tackle the challenges of business school and explore new ways to build a better world through business.

Below, meet six members of the Class of 2026.

Philip Chu, MBA ’26

Hometown

This has always been a tricky question for me. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Shanghai, China, when I was three. I later moved to Michigan as an undergrad and lived in three states during my nine years in the United States. I consider myself a “Hong Konger!” 

Undergraduate school and major

Michigan State University, bachelor’s degree in accounting (I know…). 

What is your post-graduation career interest?

I have always wanted to make an impact and promote sustainability. I plan on exploring opportunities in consulting and corporate strategy/leadership programs. 

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

Pursuing an MBA has always been a goal of mine. Beyond the classroom, I am eager to learn from my peers and classmates about their diverse backgrounds and cultures. After speaking with numerous MBA2s and alums, Ross became an obvious choice for me. The number of resources, clubs, and opportunities available to support MBA students is incredible. I am definitely going to take full advantage of everything Ross offers to maximize my MBA experience. 

What has been your first impression of Ross?

The people that I have met here are driven, motivated, and collaborative. The MBA community is nothing but supportive and fosters an environment for mutual growth. Rossers also know how to have a good time, from outdoor activities and sporting events to a good tailgate at the Ross Bus! The culture that's been built here at Ross is something we all love and are excited to pass on.

What are you most looking forward to doing during your time here at Michigan Ross?

I plan on joining the Social Venture Fund and the Non-Profit Board Fellows. I am really excited to apply my prior work experience and classroom knowledge to contribute toward a meaningful cause. I also look forward to exploring nature in Ann Arbor and biking around this region! 

SongHa Hailey Lee, MBA ’26

Hometown

I was born in Pohang, a small industrial town on the seashore of Korea — kind of like the Detroit of Korea. But I consider Seoul to be my Korean hometown since I’ve lived there for the past 10 years, and it’s where I grew into who I am today.

I also consider Ann Arbor to be my hometown in the U.S. because I lived there while my dad was doing his MBA at Ross. Even though it was 20 years ago, I still vividly remember Ann Arbor’s weather, and it’s amazing how the public library and the Michigan union building haven’t changed at all.

What was your undergraduate school and major?

Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, bachelor’s degree in architecture.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

Sustainability is my biggest interest, but I’m open to other options, too. I have experience in consulting, and pursuing consulting focused on sustainability projects would be great. Since my previous projects were all real estate-related, real estate is also an area of interest for me.

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

Working as a real estate consultant, I often found myself in situations where we had to demolish good, stable buildings simply because they weren’t financially viable. It bothered me, especially when buildings with intangible value, like historical significance or aesthetics, were torn down. I realized I needed to learn more to better persuade people in such situations, so I decided to pursue further studies.

Ross is closely linked with sustainable practices in business — it invests heavily in the Erb Institute and even hosted the ClimateCAP summit this year. Plus, Stephen Ross made his fortune in real estate, so I know I’ll learn a lot about both sustainability and real estate here. And, of course, I’m a Ross baby!

What has been your first impression of Ross?

Welcoming and homelike, but also very passionate. I really feel like I fit in because everyone in Ross has made efforts for us to feel that way. No matter how confident you are, the first week of moving to a new town and meeting a ton of people can be overwhelming. But my peers and the MBA2s have been super supportive as I settled into Ann Arbor. At the same time, I’ve realized just how passionate everyone is.

What are you most looking forward to during your time here at Michigan Ross?

Definitely looking forward to seeing the winter! Ann Arbor is beautiful in every season, but I can’t wait to see it covered in snow. I remember the snowy winters of my childhood here, sledding down hills near our apartment. Seeing campus buildings like the Law Library blanketed in snow will be amazing. I’m sure I’ll be enjoying that view with a hot chocolate in hand alongside my fellow MBA section mates.

Also, the Columbia MTrek. I met a lovely Columbian friend who’s already so excited about planning the MTrek, and he has been telling me how great the trip will be. I can’t wait to travel with my fellow MBA friends abroad!

Max Wagner, MBA ’26

Hometown

My hometown is split. I was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, until third grade, when I moved abroad to Shanghai, China, where I spent the next seven years jumping around to various international schools.

Undergraduate school and major

University of Michigan, bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. 

What is your post-graduation career interest? 

In line with my pursuit of a dual degree in the MD/MBA program, I aspire to pursue a surgical residency in the hopes of becoming a physician.

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

I am energized by the potential that an MBA can bring to medicine. In the hospital, I strive to be as great an asset as possible, both as a resident and as a physician. Here at Ross, I know I can strengthen the many skills I will embrace in my role in medicine and build fruitful connections across such a multi-faceted cohort of intellects, all while getting the opportunity to impact healthcare from a new lens.  

What has been your first impression of Ross?

Having previously been an undergraduate here at U-M, I have always been around Ross and witnessed its integral role in Michigan's ecosystem. But on the first day of orientation, being welcomed in by excited faculty with my eager classmates, I truly felt the rich energy of Ross in the Winter Garden and the meaningful experiences I will undoubtedly gain over the next two years. 

What are you most looking forward to doing during your time here at Michigan Ross?

I plan to use the Michigan Ross platform to make both local and larger-scale impacts within healthcare. The Ross funds and healthcare clubs provide excellent avenues to integrate my medical background into a business setting. I am also excited to explore the Michigan Ross connections in China and other settings abroad, as I am passionate about international healthcare and what we can learn from other health systems. And, of course, I cannot ignore repping the Block M at the MBus for tailgates and joining my favorite section all over downtown Ann Arbor.

Maria Hernandez Veliz, MBA ’26

Hometown

Lima, Perú

Undergraduate school and major

University of Lima, bachelor’s degree in marketing.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

After graduation, I am seeking a product manager or product marketing manager position within the technology industry.

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

I am pursuing my MBA to strengthen my leadership abilities and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the global business landscape. Ross stood out to me for its strong emphasis on leadership development and its extensive learning opportunities in technology, which align perfectly with my goal of filling technical gaps to lead in the tech industry. The close-knit, collaborative community and commitment to providing hands-on experiences in a global context made it the ideal place to achieve my aspirations.

What has been your first impression of Ross?

My first impression of Michigan Ross has been incredibly positive. It is characterized by a deeply collaborative environment and a warm, welcoming community. The university's resources, along with the wonderful people I've met, have left me feeling very grateful. From my Latin American Business Students Association friends and my Hawaiian MTrek team to my section mates, I’m surrounded by an incredible group of people. I’m excited to meet the rest of the cohort and continue building these meaningful relationships.

What are you most looking forward to doing during your time here at Michigan Ross?

I am excited about the diverse academic, professional, leadership, and social opportunities that Michigan Ross offers, and I look forward to finding the right balance while pursuing them. I am particularly eager to join the Tech Club, participate in business and tech initiatives, and engage in a Multidisciplinary Action Project to apply my learning in real-world scenarios. At the same time, I’m looking forward to building lasting relationships with my peers through social, cultural, and community-building activities.

Gunn Lakdee, MBA ’26

Hometown

I was born and raised in Rayong, a lively coastal province in Thailand known for tropical fruit agriculture, stunning beaches, and the country's largest industrial economy. Rayong is a place that perfectly balances nature and economic development, just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Undergraduate school and major

I graduated with a bachelor of engineering in mechanical engineering from Chulalongkorn University. I pursued this field out of a genuine passion for applied physics and the use of cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

In the long run, I aspire to leverage technology and business to drive meaningful change as a tech entrepreneur, particularly in EdTech or HealthTech. With six years of firsthand experience in these sectors, I've seen the challenges and gaps that exist, fueling my passion to explore innovative business models and technologies that can sustainably address these critical issues. In the short term, I’m focused on enhancing my skill set and global perspective through full-time working experience in the technology or consulting sectors.

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

I’m pursuing an MBA to broaden my business perspective and enhance my ability to lead in a global context. I chose Ross for its unique blend of collaborative leadership and supportive community. The strength of U-M’s extensive alumni network is also a key advantage, offering a wide range of opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

What has been your first impression of Ross?

My first impression has been incredibly positive. Ross offers a well-rounded and rigorous student development program, from the summer recruiting prep course to an action-based curriculum and Functional Accountability Career Teams. The resources and support system here are designed to fully prepare students for success in the business world.

What are you most looking forward to doing during your time here at Michigan Ross?

I’m looking forward to collaborating with classmates, professors, and alumni from diverse backgrounds, exchanging ideas, and learning from their experiences. I’m also excited to engage in action-based learning opportunities, which will allow me to apply my skills in real-world settings and prepare me for future challenges as a business leader.

Alyssa Daum, MBA ’26

Hometown

Orange County, California

Undergraduate school and major  

Azusa Pacific University: bachelor of arts in psychology, master of arts in management.

What is your post-graduation career interest?

Long-term, general management. I have an internship offer for a leadership development program that I love, so we're making moves in that direction! However, there are so many opportunities to explore while at Michigan Ross, so I'm fully taking advantage of that by looking into all the things and talking to all the people. Right now, I'm delving into the world of finance by participating in the Ross Fast Track in Finance program and researching investor relations as a function. 

Why are you pursuing your MBA, and what made you choose Ross?

I reached a growth ceiling while working as a legal professional, and my choices to accelerate my trajectory were either to go to law school or to go to business school. I've had a love for business since I started working, so unsurprisingly, earning an MBA has been on my docket for years now.

Programmatically, the Michigan Ross focus on action-based learning hooked me. Today, I am applying to participate in the Social Venture Fund, plan to take a class to become a portfolio manager at the Maize and Blue Fund, and will join the Detroit Initiative at Ross to marry my love for impact with consulting. In the future, I won't be able to try on as many hats as I'm currently trying on at Ross, so this experience is absolutely priceless.

Culturally, it cannot be overstated how the geographic location of your MBA school will impact your experience. Our community at Michigan Ross is so strong, and I think that's primarily because the majority of the MBA students were not living in Ann Arbor or even Detroit before coming here. It really empowers you to build a community you can rely on and then have an expansive network as everyone leaves the Ann Arbor bubble post-graduation. 

What has been your first impression of Ross?

Ross became home so much quicker than I expected. Everyone is so warm-hearted, and Ross has something for everyone. For example, I'm a mom, and while that's a unique identity in the MBA world, Ross has a group called MoMBAs that I can seek support from. My family has been welcomed with open arms, and we are so grateful to be here.

What are you most looking forward to doing during your time here at Michigan Ross?

Truly, I'm just looking forward to living life as a Rosser; it's been a dream for so long! Yesterday, I worked on some group assignments, attended a FACT group, and then went bowling with my Consortium family. Today, I'm going to tailgate at the MBA Bus before watching an incredible football game. Tomorrow, I'm going to work on some group assignments, attend consulting club, and spend some good quality time with my husband and kids. This rhythm of life is unlike anything I have or ever will experience, and I am here for it!