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.

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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.

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Behavioral Health Concerns in the ER, Rush University Hospital

2016

Fellows addressed the screening and management of patients with mental health problems.

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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.

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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.

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