Social Impact
The Fellows collaborate to initiate change
The Idea
As part of the McGowan experience, Fellows work with nonprofit partners selected by the Fund to address a social issue. Structured as a human-centered design project, the effort involves research, analysis, problem-solving, and presentation. Why bring MBA students into questions of homelessness, emergency room management, and metabolic syndrome (MetS)? Because the Fellows have the capacity to bring fresh thinking, evolving leadership skills, a collaborative ethos, sharp insights, and viable solutions. Because it’s an uncomfortable, stretch experience that fosters growth. And because there’s a world of strained resources, family poverty, and professional heroism the Fellows may not have encountered, and that’s a worthwhile journey for any ethical leader.
The Details
Kicks off during Symposium | Research, meetings, collaboration | Field—or street—work, possibly even the PIT count | Big part of Fellows’ commitment
The Social Impact Projects
Homeless in Chicago, Various Partners
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Fellows developed innovative ideas to help those experiencing homelessness and the nonprofits who serve them.
Expanding ELM, Rush University Hospital
2017, 2018
Fellows developed a business plan and other recommendations for the Eat Well, Love Better, Move More program, a lifestyle intervention that addresses metabolic syndrome.
Behavioral Health Concerns in the ER, Rush University Hospital
2016
Fellows addressed the screening and management of patients with mental health problems.
Get With the Guidelines, American Heart Association
2014, 2015
Over the course of two years, Fellows focused on increasing hospital adoption of AHA protocols in prevention and treatment.
Ethics Curriculum, Aurora University
2011, 2012, 2013
Three McGowan classes created a modular ethics curriculum for high school students and spawned a new line of college coursework.