London Business School (LBS), located within the prestigious University of London, has upheld a legacy of academic excellence since its founding in 1964. As a globally renowned institution, it consistently secures its place among the world’s top business schools. Its acclaimed MBA program, known for its emphasis on cultural diversity and global perspectives, proudly ranks among the top five MBA programs worldwide. LBS embraces individuals from all backgrounds, nations, cultures, identities, and orientations.

A pivotal chapter in the school’s history took place in 2013, when the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation made a landmark donation of £25 million—the largest single donation in the school’s history. This philanthropic act funded the transformation of the former Marylebone Town Hall into the Sammy Ofer Centre, named in honor of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Sammy Ofer, father of Idan Ofer. Inaugurated in 2017, the center was designed by visionary architects Sheppard Robson and features 37 seminar rooms, six lecture theaters, a state-of-the-art library, and expansive communal areas. This addition increased the school’s teaching space by 70% and significantly enhanced the overall learning experience.

The impact of the donation extends far beyond bricks and mortar. It enabled LBS to attract global business and political leaders, recruit world-class faculty, double its scholarship offerings, adopt the latest technologies, and establish an unrestricted fund for strategic priorities. The Sammy Ofer Centre stands as a symbol of the school’s commitment to cutting-edge business thinking.

Gil Gilboa, an Israeli MBA student who began her studies in 2023, provides first-hand insight into the transformative nature of the Sammy Ofer Centre. “The Sammy Ofer Centre at London Business School is an integral part of my daily MBA routine and serves as a practical hub for both structured learning and independent study.” In the face of academic challenges, the center emerges as a cornerstone of her educational journey. Gil highlights the strategic design of the centre, its role in fostering community, and the collaborative spirit among MBA students: “Most of my classes are conveniently located in the Sammy Ofer Centre, making it a central part of my study routine. Its purposeful design complements the demands of our courses, providing a comfortable environment for focused learning. The availability of essential resources and modern services ensures that I can efficiently prepare for classes and dive into independent study sessions. Beyond the structured curriculum, the centre plays a vital role in nurturing a sense of community among MBA students. Its strategic layout encourages spontaneous interactions and collaboration. Whether it’s meeting peers for group projects or impromptu discussions, the Sammy Ofer Centre has become a natural gathering place for like-minded individuals navigating the challenges of the MBA program.” Beyond its architectural elegance, the Sammy Ofer Centre is a highly functional space that aligns seamlessly with the program’s requirements, enhancing the overall student learning experience.

For the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation, the meaning of the donation goes beyond the present. It reflects a commitment to creating a lasting impact on future generations of students and nurturing them into leaders and entrepreneurs. The late Sammy Ofer believed in the value of education and in the duty of every generation to educate the next. The donation ensures that the next generation of Israeli entrepreneurs will be equipped to navigate the challenges of globalization with resilience and innovation.