Center for Advancing Global Business Receives Naming Gift

The Center for Advancing Global Business at San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business has been renamed to honor Wendy Gillespie, a San Diego entrepreneur who supported the center with a significant gift.

The Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business is dedicated to expanding international curriculum, research, and engagement between academia and global organizations. Founded in 2019, the center is  home to the Center for International Business Education and Research (SDSU CIBER).

In 1991, Gillespie and her late husband, Martin Capdevilla, established Frontier Trading, Inc., focused primarily on exporting food products to Mexico and Central America. 

Currently, Gillespie is president and CEO of Frontier Trading, as well as Starhawk Productions, a Broadway production company. She also serves as a board member for the Center for Advancing Global Business.

Interim dean of the Fowler College of Business, George Belch; SDSU president, Adela de la Torre; Wendy Gillespie; managing director of the Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business, Mark J. Ballam

A portion of Gillespie’s gift will support international study abroad programs and international internships for SDSU students. 

“I’m really proud to be able to give this gift,” said Gillespie. “What most inspired me was the fact that this endowment will generate the funds that will take our students overseas for meaningful experiential learning opportunities. With this support, I’m hopeful more students are able to take advantage of the center’s excellent programs.”   

Mark Ballam, managing director for the center, said Gillespie understands the critical role of the center and the value it will provide to students.

“She was moved to make this transformational gift to ensure our center’s success and the impact that we can make going forward,” said Ballam. 

“As we look ahead, the Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business will provide students with more access to international experiences, discover new ways to solve global business challenges and be a leader for excellence, innovation and collaboration between academia and international commerce.”