PVH contributes US$1m to sustainability education hub

US apparel giant PVH Corp is making a US$1m contribution to the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University in New York, to help establish an academic hub for the study of corporate responsibility and sustainability.

The owner of brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein says the aim is to help develop students into the “conscientious business leaders of tomorrow,” as well as advance relationships between industry and education.

A range of programmes will be available, including a quarterly lecture series, a number of research programmes for both faculty and students, and new academic offerings for undergraduate and graduate students.

PVH chairman and CEO Manny Chirico graduated from The Gabelli School of Business and currently sits on the board of trustees of the university. He says the initiative “demonstrates PVH and Fordham’s shared commitment to educate the future by harnessing the power of corporate responsibility for both financial successes and societal impact.”

Donna Rapaccioli, dean of the Gabelli School of Business, adds the partnership “will prove that two organisations with very similar values, but in very different industries, can meaningfully connect to support social and environmental good at a time when we need it most.”

A separate initiative last month saw two organisations providing training and education in the footwear and apparel industries team up to help major brands find the under-the-radar talent.