Professional sales students in the Department of Marketing at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business will soon benefit from new scholarships, professional development travel, and the BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab — a state-of-the-art facility made possible by a $2.2 million gift from BioLab Holdings, Inc., a company launched by two ASU alums.

LOCAL NEWS: 10 things you may not know are manufactured in Arizona

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

BioLab Holdings, recognized as a Sun Devil 100 company, is among the fastest-growing businesses owned and led by ASU graduates. Its founder, Bob Maguire, and co-founder, Jaime Leija, both W. P. Carey alumni, have remained closely engaged with the W. P. Carey School, ensuring its success directly fuels emerging sales leaders. Together, the co-founders reflect both vision and personal pride in giving back.

“I’m proud to help strengthen the connection between my alma mater and the business community,” said Maguire, BioLab chairman and co-founder. “To us, this gift is about more than just resources. We aim to inspire students to think big, collaborate, and lead the way in sales and biotech for years to come.”

“As a proud alum, it’s incredibly meaningful to invest in the next generation of Sun Devils,” said Leija, BioLab president and co-founder and an active member of the school’s Professional Sales Advisory Council. “Our hope is that the BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab will open doors for students, as ASU did for us. We’re excited to see them take on new challenges, develop their skills, and become leaders in their fields.”

The investment will support:

  • Creation and buildout of BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab (opening fall 2027)
  • Naming of the lab and conference room
  • Scholarships for professional sales students
  • Professional development travel support
  • A new biotech-focused sales competition for ASU Sun Devils
  • Elevating Futures Program for high school outreach

“Our alumni play a vital role in shaping the impact of the Professional Sales Program,” said Clinical Professor of Marketing Detra Montoya. “Through their active engagement, they expand access to professional networks, foster applied learning, and drive new ideas through strategic initiatives such as our partnership with BioLab. This investment — through scholarships, skill-building opportunities, and the BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab — empowers our graduates with the confidence and industry-relevant preparation needed to succeed from day one in their professional sales and marketing careers.”

Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair in Business, said BioLab Holdings’ contribution strengthens W. P. Carey’s reputation for excellence in sales education. “With the BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab, plus new scholarships and experiences, we are positioning our school as a leader in preparing graduates for professional sales careers that shape industries and communities.”

The BioLab collaboration builds on the Professional Sales Program’s tradition of providing Sun Devils with applied learning through mentorship, workshops, and competitions. W. P. Carey sales students already benefit from strong industry relationships and events such as the Sparky Sales Showdown Competition and the Arizona Collegiate Sales Competition. With BioLab’s support, students will gain more experiences to sharpen skills, connect with recruiters, and compete on a national stage.

“This partnership reflects BioLab’s commitment to supporting education and innovation in our community,” said BioLab Chief Financial Officer Scott Swonger. “By working with the W. P. Carey School, we’re helping create opportunities that prepare students for real-world success and drive positive change in the biotech industry.”

The BioLab contribution will also be recognized as part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, advancing the inspire tomorrow’s game changers priority by offering Sun Devils resources to lead in dynamic industries.

“Our alumni community continues to demonstrate its strength through its dedication to developing future leaders,” said Amy Ostrom, vice dean, PetSmart Chair in Services Leadership, President’s Professor, and interim chair of the Department of Marketing. “BioLab’s investment directly advances ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, ensuring our Professional Sales Program evolves with the marketplace and equips graduates to excel in careers where creativity and collaboration matter most.”