Honoring Coach K and Creating Opportunity for Talented Students
From 1997 - 2017, Professor Kinnunen trained students for a variety of academic case competitions designed around the organizational challenges of real companies. The students who participated in these grueling tournaments were part of NU’s Huntington Management Consulting (originally known as the Beanpot Case Analysis Competition Team from 1997-2009). These “Academic Athletes” participated in an intensive program that honed their analytical, critical-thinking and presentation skills. The program was excellent preparation for professional and personal success.
Professor Kinnunen's students know him as “Coach K,” in homage to Duke University's Mike Krzyzewski. Like the legendary basketball coach, Kinnunen led the students to many victories against top business schools. Under his leadership, Northeastern teams achieved great success nationally and international. However, the enduring power of Coach K’s efforts is evident in the lives that he touched and strength of the community he built. His students have grown into accomplished professionals in a variety of industries and they proudly attest to the transformative impact his teaching had on their lives.
The Beanpot Case Competition alumni community has come together to honor Coach K’s enduring legacy at D’Amore-McKim School of Business through the establishment of the Ray Kinnunen Scholarship. We hope you will join the reunion celebration (November 6, 2022) and make a gift to support this very special effort. Thanks for your consideration.