George Jedenoff: Celebrating a Stanford GSB Centenarian
Written by Amara Holstein
George Jedenoff, MBA ’42 | Photo by Drew Kelly
A lifelong proponent of the school who inspires with his sense of optimism.
At 107 years old, George Jedenoff remains an eternal optimist. Currently the oldest living alum of Stanford GSB, he’s been an enthusiastic booster of the school ever since he received his MBA in 1942 — and sees no reason for time to slow him down. “Age is just a number,” he declared while celebrating his hundredth birthday by spending the day downhill skiing.
Jedenoff attended the GSB after earning his undergraduate degree in engineering at Stanford. Married for 75 years to his Stanford sweetheart, an avid skier since his early forties, and a professional leader in the steel industry, he credits the school for helping him get his start. “I met my wife here, got my career, everything centered around Stanford. And I’ve just been extremely grateful and tried to do my best to pay them back,” he says.
Awarded the Stanford Medal in 2009 for his decades of volunteer service to the university, Jedenoff was his GSB class secretary until 2021, after his friend and last classmate, George Washington Parker III, passed away. A financial aid recipient as a student, Jedenoff helped establish a class scholarship that has supported hundreds of business students.
Though he no longer skis — after six-plus decades on the slopes, the altitude became too hard a couple of years ago — he still lives at home. He’s perhaps slowed down a bit, but responds promptly to email and enjoys his daily walks, in addition to regular meet-ups with friends and going to church every Sunday.
His advice on emulating his success? “Always be kind to others. Count your blessings and don’t let life’s problems overshadow the good in life. And above all, never give up.”
Read the full, original story to learn more about George Jedenoff and his background.
