Wharton West, the Wharton School’s new Left Coast facility in San Francisco, graduated its first class of MBA for Executives students on August 24, 2003.

The 59 graduates began their MBA studies in August, 2001, when the Wharton School opened its new facility in the historic Folger Building, near the city’s business and financial district.

“This graduating class represents the fulfillment of an important outreach goal of the school,” said Wharton Dean Patrick Harker.

The two-year program, offered in San Francisco as well as here on campus, is a residential program designed for the working professional. Students attend classes on alternate weekends and during two week-long sessions in the summer. The Executives program provides the same courses, faculty and degree as Wharton’s regular MBA program.

Wharton West students come from California, the western U.S. and as far away as Asia. “In this first class more students come from a technology background, rather than finance,” which predominates in Philadelphia, said Leonard Lodish, Wharton West vice dean. “They have shown a pioneering spirit with a strong set of internal values.”