Free Markets. Open Minds.

The Adam Smith Society (Smith Soc) is an expansive, chapter-based network of MBA students from top business schools as well as business leaders who work to promote and discussion about the moral, social, and economic benefits of capitalism.

The Adam Smith Society Chapter at Katz seeks to help the Pitt community develop a nuanced understanding of both the benefits and limitations of capitalism. We engage with a wide variety of Katz faculty and Katz clubs to help members of our community understand the benefit of free-market thinking and capitalism in our society.

The Adam Smith Society Website

The Adam Smith Society is dedicated to exploring the links between the economy, government, and society. The Society believes that business, entrepreneurship, and commerce are wellsprings that keep this country vibrant, creative, prosperous and free. Through debate and discussion, the Society aims to advance this idea on campus and among business leaders.

The Adam Smith Society currently has more than 30 student chapters, 8 professional chapters, and a network of close to 9,000 people.

Quick Facts

The Smith Soc Katz chapter was launched in 2018 by founding member John E. B. Baldridge.

Although business education had its origins at Pitt in 1907, the Graduate School of Business was established in 1960.

The Katz MBA program was established in 1960, from a grant by the late Joseph M. Katz, a consummate entrepreneur, businessman, and Pittsburgher. His goal was to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in each and every student here at Katz.

Club Activity

Becoming a member of the Adam Smith Society at Katz is more than just joining a club. Your Smith Soc Katz membership gives you access to an expansive network of other MBA students and professionals who, like you, value debate and discussion about the moral, social, and economic benefits of capitalism. To support and promote these ideas in mainstream conversation, we value committed members like you.

As a paid member, you will be able to:

• Attend both private and large-scale events, including salon dinners and debates about a range of policy issues, and discussions about the relationship between the economy, government, and society.
• Meet other MBA SmithSoc students at nearby schools like Carnegie Mellon (Tepper), Penn (Wharton), and Virginia (Darden).
• Hear directly from distinguished business and thought-leaders, such as Paul Singer, Ken Griffin, Carly Fiorina, David Booth, and so many more.
• Connect with leading experts from across the globe who share an interest in ideas and a passion for the free market.
• Apply to Smith Soc Treks which are a series of destination-based, weekend-long retreats, allow members to explore particular topics of interest and to create deeper connections with business leaders and scholars.
• Become a part of the greater community of the Manhattan Institute—the nation’s leading public policy think tank and home of the Adam Smith Society.

For Katz students interested in joining the club, feel free to reach out to the Leadership team.

Leadership Team

We welcome MBA students, faculty, and alumni to reach out to members of our leadership team to learn more about the Adam Smith Society Chapter at Katz.

• Advait George Gherain, President

Contact Us

Follow us on Instagram: @SmithSocKatz

Email us: AdamSmithSociety@groups.pitt.edu