Georgetown University Undergraduate Programs Annual Report

PATRICIA GRANT

Senior Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs

As dean of the Undergraduate Programs, I take pride in stewarding a curriculum that seamlessly integrates liberal arts and business education, cultivating ethical judgment, analytical rigor, and global awareness among our students. Developing an annual report is essential to our future because it publicly reflects our community’s collective achievements, from our consistent toptier ranking amongst undergraduate business programs to the outstanding career outcomes of our graduates. It showcases the innovative, values-driven programs we offer—like the Global Business Experience, the Dikran Izmirlian Program in Business and Global Affairs, First Year Seminar, and the HOME program — that foster belonging, global readiness, and leadership for the common good. Through transparent reporting, we demonstrate how our Jesuit-inspired mission — emphasizing ethical leadership, social justice, and inclusive excellence — guides our education and shapes graduates ready to lead responsibly in a complex world. Finally, the annual report helps us track measurable progress — whether in employment rates, experiential learning opportunities, or curricular innovation — and it informs strategic planning, ensuring we continue to develop the principled, globally-oriented leaders our world so urgently needs.

As some of you know, we have visualized a blueprint for building successful leaders in business – well-being and formation set the foundation, the Spirit of Georgetown meets you at the front door, and as students move through their “home” on the Hilltop, they gain a greater sense of who they are and what they hope to bring to the world. The structure of this home is made possible by the engagement, leadership, and support from our broader community. Thank you for all you do to support our students and our programs as we realize this vision together.

Be well,

OUR TEAM

Patricia Grant

Senior Associate Dean

Stephanie Bautista

Assistant Director

Cate Brewer

Advising Dean

Deborah Coburn

Associate Dean

Adam Loew

Assistant Director

Eric Lupo Administrative Coordinator

Joyce Miranda

Advising Dean

Ginny Randall

Assistant Director

Nick Russo

Assistant Dean

Talia Schatz

Assistant Dean

Sara Skillman

Assistant Dean

Justin Smith

Associate Dean

Catherine Vaz

Advising Dean

Lauren Wagoner

Senior Assistant Dean

The Undergraduate Programs team is also supported by a team of current Georgetown students who are invaluable to the operations and programming that our office provides. They are integral to our office, and we are grateful to the students who dedicate their time outside the classroom to supporting our initiatives. Next time you visit our office, please introduce yourself!

THE PAST YEAR

The 2024–2025 academic year at the McDonough School of Business has been defined by innovation, momentum, and community impact. We proudly launched the HOME program, further strengthening our commitment to inclusion and belonging, and celebrated the inaugural Mentored Opportunities Research Experience (MORE) program to expand students’ engagement with the research community. We added targeted programming and student leadership opportunities through the Kosoy Women in Business program, which offers professional development, mentorship, and career support for our community. With global travel back in full swing, students once again immersed themselves in transformative international experiences central to a McDonough education. Together, these milestones highlight our school’s commitment to preparing principled leaders ready to thrive in a diverse, global environment.

This year also brought recognition and achievements that underscore the strength of our program. For the sixth consecutive year, our undergraduate business program was ranked among the top five by Poets&Quants, affirming our position as one of the nation’s leading business schools. Our talented case competition team represented Georgetown with distinction, finishing fourth out of 17 schools at the McDonough Business Strategy Challenge. At the same time, new traditions such as the MSBGives program and a revamped selection of Senior Send-Off events showcased our students’ dedication to service and community. Internationally, we expanded our global reach with initiatives like the Rwanda Startup Immersion Program, offering students an opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial problem-solving on a global scale. Collectively, these accomplishments demonstrate the extraordinary energy and impact of McDonough students during a year of renewal and achievement.

AT A GLANCE

1,373

970 11.7% 223 11%

6,500 6 660 students pages written by senior theses students admittance rate

students who engaged in global projects international students bagels enjoyed at Bagels with the Deans continents represented caffeinated beverages consumed at Caffeine with the Dean

OUR LEARNING GOALS

Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills

Graduates will be equipped with analytical, management, and quantitative skills to drive organizational performance and innovation.

Ethical and Social Justice Perspective

Graduates will understand the moral responsibilities of business leaders toward all stakeholders and the environment.

Global Perspective

Graduates will cultivate a multicultural and global mindset, preparing them to lead in international business environments.

Communication Skills Graduates will be able to communicate effectively across contexts to support organizational goals and address challenges.

FIRST YEAR SEMINAR

The First Year Seminar (FYS) program is a three-credit course for first-year business students to explore the nature of scholarship, think about important ideas in business, and foster intellectual and personal growth while adapting to the rigor of college-level courses. The program offers small seminars (approximately 20 students) that create a supportive learning and service community.

Q&A

Bob Bies, Professor of Management

What excites you each year about leading the FYS program?

First, each year, my colleagues offer incredible First Year Seminars to our students. Second, I see how the First Year Seminars inspire and engage students to think and write with greater confidence about the issues raised in their First Year Seminar. Third, I choose the nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., for the Social Impact Consulting Project – and each year, I see our first-year students help the nonprofit organization solve some of the challenges they face. And that’s really exciting!

Tell us about the Social Impact Consulting Projects. Why are students introduced to this experience in their first year?

The Social Impact Consulting Project (SICP) is an example of Georgetown’s values-based approach to business rooted in the university’s Jesuit tradition, particularly cura personalis – or care for the whole person – and a commitment to service for the greater

good. Through the SICP, students not only develop their business acumen but also engage in work that seeks to create a positive impact on the people of Washington, D.C. Our first-year students have the opportunity to see what social justice in action looks like – and see how their business skills and knowledge can help a nonprofit organization achieve mission success.

How do you select a nonprofit client for the project?

I select a nonprofit client that is working to create a positive impact on the people of Washington, D.C. –whether it involves providing food, providing medical services, or job training. Last year, our client was Martha’s Table – and before that, it was Bread for the City and SOME (So Others Might Eat). This fall, it is DC Central Kitchen.

What was the impact of the students’ projects from the past academic year?

Last year, we partnered with Martha’s Table to enhance the nonprofit’s data collection systems, blending business acumen with a commitment to social impact. The collaboration provided first-year McDonough students with hands-on experience in creating innovative data solutions for the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.

“ Partnering with McDonough students offered a valuable opportunity to gain fresh perspectives from the next generation of changemakers. Their passion for social impact and the analytical problem-solving skills honed at Georgetown were an ideal match for the challenges we face in effectively measuring the impact of our programs. Their contributions helped us explore new ideas and potential improvements in our data collection and analysis. This partnership has given us a fresh perspective on how we can measure, communicate, and amplify our impact, which will help us serve our community more effectively.”

Mireille Lopez Humes (EML’15), vice president and chief of staff of Martha’s Table

ACADEMIC ADVISING

The Undergraduate Programs advising team expanded this year with the addition of Cate Brewer to strengthen academic support and provide more personalized one-on-one guidance for our students.

PEER TUTORING

“ I am excited to join this dynamic team that takes such interest and care in student success and experience,” said Brewer. “I am particularly inspired by the focus placed on ethical leadership and care for the overall student and am glad to be a part of the work!”

—Cate Brewer, Advising Dean

Each semester, McDonough upperclass students are hired by the Undergraduate Programs Office to provide free, one-on-one, or group tutoring for students in all class years for various business courses. Our office hires and trains these students who have excelled in one or more of these courses to provide tutoring services.

18 tutors

415 hours of tutoring

COURSES COVERED

• OPAN 2101: Business Statistics

• OPAN 2201: Modeling Analytics

• FINC 2101: Business Financial Management

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FELLOWS

87%

STUDENTS

 87% of students in the program credit peer tutors for helping boost their grades

The Sustainable Business Fellows program is open to all undergraduate students at Georgetown and allows them to explore the intersection of business and sustainability. This year, the program graduated 13 students: five from the McDonough School of Business, five from the School of Foreign Service, and three from the College of Arts & Sciences.

The McDonough Undergraduate Career team supports students in the process of self-discovery, career strategy, leadership development, and network-building to empower them to become principled, global leaders. McDonough continues to achieve top employment results and was ranked #2 in the country for career outcomes by Poets&Quants in 2025.

KOSOY WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROGRAM

The Kosoy Women in Business program launched in Fall 2024 as a selective cohort-based initiative designed to equip McDonough undergraduate students with the personalized support and industry-specific guidance needed to confidently navigate gender dynamics and achieve professional excellence in business. The pioneering cohort of 40 students participated in 14 distinct events throughout the academic year, including skill-building workshops, executive speaker series, networking dinners with industry leaders, and a signature NYC Trek connecting students with women leaders at top firms. This successful pilot year established a strong foundation for the program’s continued impact on professional and leadership development for students. The initiative is made possible by the generosity of Brian and Andrea Kosoy (P’25), who support a select number of students throughout the academic year for transformational leadership training, skill-building, and growth.

“As a member of the Kosoy Women in Business program, I had an incredible experience connecting with driven, like-minded women through thoughtfully curated programming. The stories and advice shared throughout the program, whether through alumni dinners or hands-on workshops, emphasized the importance of advocating for yourself in the workplace and following your own passions, not the expectations of others. These lessons deeply resonated with me and continue to guide my professional journey.”

Alice Ma (B’26)

“ I couldn’t be more proud of the inaugural year of the Kosoy Women in Business program. Seeing the growth in students, especially those who were initially more reserved, feels like the most meaningful part of the experience. Watching them invest time and energy into connecting with each other and our amazing alumni community has been incredible — they’ve transformed into confident leaders with expanded career horizons and a real sense of belonging at McDonough.”

Ginny

Randall, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Career Programs

CAREER ADVISING

The McDonough Career Center Undergraduate Team works with McDonough students on oneon-one career coaching, securing internships and jobs, connecting with alumni, and accessing other career resources at Georgetown.

FRIDAYS IN THE FIELD

Students tour companies on-location throughout Washington, D.C., to gain exposure to new industries and make connections in the region. This past year, the Undergraduate Careers team led students on trips to a diverse range of companies, including Gallup, Grant Thornton, and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

PEER CAREER ADVISORS

Peer Career Advisors (PCA) are fellow undergraduate students who help with professional development, interview preparation, and industry advice during the recruitment process. In the 2024–25 academic year, there were nine PCAs.

HOST A HOYA

CAREER TREKS

Through career treks, undergraduate students travel domestically to network with alumni and learn about specific industries.

Companies visited:

• Bank of America

• L’Oreal

• Meta

• Wells Fargo

Industries covered:

• Cosmetics

• Finance

• Investment Banking

• Technology

Program Highlight:

• Dinner with alumni and NFL Executive Vice President Dasha Smith (B’95, P’26, ’28)

A one-day job shadow experience where McDonough undergraduate students experience a day in the life with successful alumni.

“The Host a Hoya program connected me with a mentor who has been an incredible resource in guiding me through my career interests, sharing advice, and even supporting my personal development at Georgetown. Having someone who has gone through similar experiences and is willing to share their perspective has been valuable.”

—Victoria Han (B’27)

OPEN ACCESS

Beginning in 2023, the McDonough Student Advisory Board (MSAB) led the transition to an open access policy, requiring every recognized student group to offer a general membership tier open to all undergraduates. By 2024, this structure was stabilized, ensuring that while groups can still maintain selective leadership or applied roles, every student now has the guaranteed ability to join, learn, and participate. This reform directly addressed long-standing concerns about exclusivity, creating a more inclusive and transparent club culture at McDonough.

“Open access has transformed the way students engage with McDonough clubs. When every student can walk into an event or try out a general membership program, it removes the pressure of immediate rejection and gives students the freedom to explore their interests. It encourages them to branch out, meet new people, and find communities they might not have considered before. Open access also promotes inclusion by giving students the chance to develop the skills necessary before applying for more involved roles. I hope it continues to enhance the student experience by helping students find communities that support both their personal growth and professional development.”

—Toni Marz (B’26), MSAB president

The transition to an open access model has resulted in significant increases in participation in MSAB-supervised student groups and allowed students the opportunity to explore the wide range of clubs that the McDonough has to offer, from consulting groups to debate forums to industryspecific organizations. The policy has also expanded extracurricular opportunities to the greater Georgetown community by allowing non-McDonough students to get involved in MSAB club activities. After the open access policy was introduced, one club CEO stated: “The open education program has the purpose of making education materials as accessible as possible, and our organization benefits from being able to involve more students in our program than in previous years.”

BUSINESS UNDERGRADUATES INVESTED IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The BUILD program is a one-week, pre-orientation experience designed for first-year and transfer students to build a strong foundation for academic and professional success as they transition to college life.

FALL 2024

• 48 BUILD mentees

• 18 states represented: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington (State)

• 7 countries represented: Canada, China, Colombia, France, Mexico, Thailand, United States

BUSINESS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Business Scholars Program (BSP) seeks to provide targeted support, academic resources, and co-curricular programming to promote the success of first-generation, limited-income (FGLI) college students who pursue business as a field of study.

• 60 Business Scholars Program students

• Signature Events: End-of-Fall Social @ Pinstripes | “BSP Goes to Nats Park”: End-of-Year Event with the Washington Nationals and Friends of the BSP Program

• Major Highlight: ACCT 1101 workshops have led to a 9.5% increase in student GPAs in the course compared to previous years

• Looking ahead: First-gen MBAs will be paired with sophomore and junior BSP students

MODERN CAMPUS MESSENGER

The mission of Modern Campus Messenger (MSBeep) is to provide real-time and high-touch advising to students by incorporating texting into the holistic advising model of the McDonough Undergraduate Programs Office. The program allows the undergraduate team to communicate with students with customized and targeted texts, often featuring cute photos of Jack of Bulldog!

SMART START

Smart Start is a signature program sponsored by PwC and McDonough, offering a series of workshops to first-year and sophomore students with the tools for academic, personal, and professional success. During its 13th year, Smart Start hosted a kickoff event at PwC’s offices in downtown D.C. in December, with monthly sessions through April 2025.

“As we enter our 14th year with Smart Start, the success of the program not only comes from the engagement and motivation of our students, but also from the partnership with PwC. With their support and dedication, we are helping students approach business through a holistic lens that will make them become more effective leaders in the classroom, internships, and beyond.”

—Nick Russo, Assistant Dean

WELLNESS INITIATIVES

Caffeine and Bagels with the Deans

Throughout the academic year, students can meet with Undergraduate Programs staff for bagels and coffee on Thursdays at Bagels with the Deans, as well as drop-in hours at Uncommon Grounds Coffee Shop two or three times per semester. The goal of these initiatives is to foster community, answer questions, and create more opportunities for conversation between program staff and students.

MENTORED OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

In the summer of 2024, McDonough piloted a new research program called Mentored Opportunities for Research Experience (MORE). This unique program allows undergraduate students to work directly with McDonough faculty on research projects for mentorship and support. The program has served as a springboard for student involvement in other research opportunities like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and Senior Thesis. The success of the program is exemplified by the significant increase in applications for the summer of 2025 iteration, and we look forward to seeing the culmination of the students’ hard work during the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

OLIVIA ZHAO (BGA’27)

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

In addition to the MORE program, the Undergraduate Programs also facilitate the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF) and the Senior Honors Thesis course.

22 students completed a summer fellowship through SURF

12

12 students assisted McDonough faculty with their research graduating seniors successfully defended their honors thesis

Olivia Zhao’s research focused on the relationship between tech companies and AI, and how that affects the likelihood of them conducting mass layoffs since the inception of COVID-19. When reviewing the problem, Zhao stated that “because layoffs can function independently from macroeconomic conditions…further research into how layoffs could have been affected by AI can produce insights into how AI changes employment strategy.” Zhao was mentored by Associate Professor Wei Tang.

WILLIAM MCLANE (B’27)

William McLane’s research explored chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a novel cancer treatment, and how the cost of the treatment may be making it inaccessible to patients. When reflecting on his project, McLane said “understanding that lower socioeconomic status can lead to lower access to CAR-T (therapy), increased telehealth usage, and more negative CAR-T outcomes can help future researchers reduce barriers in CAR-T treatment, ensure equitable CAR-T outcomes, and remodel telehealth services to improve care to low-income patients.” McLane was mentored by Assistant Professor Emisa Nategh.

GEORGETOWN UNDERGRADUATE INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT

The Georgetown Undergraduate Initiative for Development and Empowerment (GUIDE) is a student-led mentorship program designed specifically for first-year and transfer students. The idea originated with the McDonough Undergraduate Student Body Government to help ease the transition to McDonough and counter the pressures of Georgetown’s club culture. GUIDE emphasizes community, balance, and personal development, rather than just pre-professional success through the value of a shared meal (typically dinner) and discussions where mentees (guidees) build connections with upperclassmen (guiders) and peers. Weekly meetings tend to highlight a range of topics, including academic resources, career exploration, student life, and well-being.

CASE COMPETITIONS

Each year, McDonough students participate in case competitions at universities across the globe. Business case competitions offer students the opportunity to develop and enhance their analytical abilities, critical thinking, oral presentation, and communication skills. In the spring, the McDonough School of Business hosts the McDonough Business Strategy Challenge (MBSC) international case competition. Up to 20 student teams participate from national and international schools for five days, during which students get the opportunity to engage in team building, activities, cultural excursions, and academic seminars, in addition to focusing on a business challenge from a nonprofit organization.

MBSC 2025 ATTENDING TEAMS

• American University (Washington, D.C.)

• Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

• Elon University (Elon, North Carolina)

• Emory University Goizueta Business School (Atlanta, Georgia)

• Esade Business School (Barcelona, Spain)

• Florida State University (Tallahassee, Florida)

• Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)

• HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong (Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong)

• Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan)

• Penn State University (State College, Pennsylvania)

• Stetson University (DeLand, Florida)

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong)

• The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)

• University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

• University of Calgary (Calgary, Canada)

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, Illinois)

• University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin)

GLOBAL BUSINESS FELLOWS

The Global Business Fellows (GBF) program is a cohort-based initiative designed for McDonough students interested in expanding their understanding of international business and public policy on a macro level. The Baratta Center for Global Business Education is heavily involved in the GBF program and facilitates the student project program, which offers juniors the opportunity to participate in six-week, part-time projects with sponsoring organizations such as the BMW Group and Project Last Mile. This year, GBF students had the unique opportunity to visit Panama, a key hub for global trade and a preferred regional headquarters location for various companies in Central America and the Caribbean. During the visit, students toured the Panama Canal to learn about its complex operations, explored Copa Airlines’ Training Center, and visited one of the country’s special economic zones with a tour of Skechers. In addition to these company visits, students experienced some cultural tours to immerse themselves in Panama’s rich history.

SUMMER STUDY ABROAD

The Undergraduate Programs Office facilitates customized summer study abroad opportunities that allow students to deepen their global perspective while earning the equivalent of two business courses at Escuela Superior de Administración y Dirección de Empresas (Esade) in Barcelona, Spain, and Trinity College in Oxford, England.

“ Being a part of the Global Business Fellows program has provided me with ample opportunities to broaden my horizons and become more globally knowledgeable. The GBF Trek to Panama was my first time being immersed in a foreign country, and it opened my eyes to multiple facets of the country – from its history and culture to its business, economic, and geopolitical significance. Panama is uniquely situated as a hub of global trade, so diving deeper into the nuances of how this informs the operations and strategy of global enterprises was incredibly insightful. The coursework and the experiential components of the GBF program complement each other very well, enabling students to frequently draw the connection between foundational concepts learned in the classroom and the way that they actively play out in global markets.”

—Hailey Walker (B’26)

JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS

McDonough students have the opportunity to enroll in two joint degree programs: the Dikran Izmirlian Program in Business and Global Affairs in partnership with the School of Foreign Service, and the International Business, Language, and Culture (IBLC) program in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences.

“ The Izmirlian Program is an excellent opportunity for students to engage in current topics in business and international affairs. The International Business, Language, and Culture degree program provides students with cultural and linguistic tools to better understand the ever-changing international business environment. Students in our joint degree programs benefit from a wide range of courses taught by distinguished faculty in a small cohort setting.”

—Sara Skillman, Assistant Dean and advisor to joint degree program students

GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

The Undergraduate Global Business Experience (GBE) gives students the opportunity to work in teams and conduct a substantive consulting project for a private, public, or nonprofit organization abroad.

Mendoza, Argentina

Global Wine Industry (Food and Beverage)

Madrid, Spain

Airbus (Aerospace)

Venice, Italy

Dolce & Gabbana (Fashion and Retail)

Accra, Ghana

Working with emerging markets: Cocoa Processing, Sports, Fashion (Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd.; Africa City Challenge (ACC); HSA PR)

ALUMNI IN RESIDENCE

The Alumni in Residence program was launched in late 2023 for current undergraduate students to meet for brief mentoring sessions with alumni working in their desired careers. Current students gain insight into life after graduation and receive advice from professionals in a variety of occupations.

Elaine McLoughlin (B’99), Director at KPMG

Why did you participate in the Alumni in Residence program?

When Patricia Grant pitched the idea to me, I knew it was a game-changing model to provide mentoring to students. Legacy mentoring models are time-intensive and hard to get mentors’ limited availability to match students’ schedules. This model allows a student to have multiple micro-mentoring conversations to help them drive their choices for majors/careers. I was on board to help her launch the program, and in the past year it has proven successful and I hope it will continue to grow.

FAMILY WEEKEND

What key lessons or insights do you aim to share with students during your meetings?

My suggestions include walking the students through how to focus on how their personality/skills align with majors/industries, and where they want to live – since this can also have an impact on which careers can support living in different localities. Students tend to overly focus on what they are studying vs. focusing on who they are and where they want to live.

What have you learned from engaging with current students?

They are still lacking enough practical/careeroriented perspectives to determine how to leverage their Georgetown education and kickstart their career. The Alumni in Residence program is a key link to help accelerate students’ ability to succeed, as well as keep McDonough Alumni connected to the school.

Georgetown’s annual Family Weekend program brings parents, family members, and friends to campus for a variety of events and activities. In October 2024, McDonough hosted a career information session panel, a symposium celebrating student research over the summer, and a lecture from Professor Mario Ramirez on globalization and how it impacts every aspect of modern society. Outside of the business school, families and students had the opportunity to tour Georgetown’s new residence hall, attend a soccer game, and watch a showcase of student performing art organizations in Gaston Hall.

370

4 Valedictorians (all 4 had a 4.0 GPA)

74 32

5 122 graduating students graduates in Beta Gamma Sigma graduating students received distinguished awards business honor societies inducted Class of 2025 graduates students honored at Tropaia

SUCCESS FUND

The McDonough Success Fund reduces financial barriers for Georgetown McDonough students pursuing academic opportunities, helps cover emergency expenses due to extenuating circumstances, and allows students to pursue transformative global learning experiences.

195

$44,300 requests funded



$1,000 Professional Development



$19,800 Global Opportunities



$18,600 Academic Support



$4,900 Emergency Funding

“The McDonough Success Fund has been a huge support in my time at Georgetown. It has given me the flexibility to focus more on my academics and personal growth without the constant stress of financial barriers. The funding has allowed me to access resources and opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, that I might not have been able to pursue otherwise.”

—Current McDonough Student

The Wellness Wednesdays program is a weekly studentled event that encourages students to take a midweek break. Students can stop by to enjoy a snack from a local business and participate in a wellness activity like building a self-care kit or hanging out with a local therapy dog. This year, our weekly themes ranged from “Escaping the Georgetown Bubble” to “Cozy into the Fall Semester” with pumpkin painting. Wellness Wednesday hosted two off-campus events: Yoga and a Dumbarton Oaks outing.

HOME PROGRAM

The Undergraduate Programs Office hosted HOME: Horizon, a retreat for first-year and transfer students at McDonough. Hoyas had the opportunity to spend a weekend away from the Hilltop to engage in meaningful dialogue on reflecting and setting intentions for their Georgetown journey and participate in de-stressing activities. Regarding the weekend, one participant said: “It’s important for us to love ourselves and love others to create a great community. It’s good to get away from homework (and the internet) sometimes to relax and have a little break.”

Alumni represent an important part of the Georgetown student experience and are integral in helping current students explore their academic and professional interests and navigate life outside of the Hilltop. Hear from two former students and their life after graduation.

Q&A

Brooke Stanley (B’20)

Where has life taken you since you graduated from Georgetown?

After graduation, I moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and married my husband, Ben (SFS’18). I began my career at Credit Suisse (CS) on the Investment Banking Compliance team through the Compliance Rotational Program. After a year at CS, Ben deployed to the Middle East, and I decided to pivot into consulting. I joined Laurel Strategies, a boutique firm in Washington, D.C., where I advised senior leadership at firms across many industries – including finance, nonprofits, payments, and aerospace – on strategy, communications, media, and philanthropy. After about a year in consulting, I transitioned into private equity, joining EIG Partners. Over the past three years, my role has expanded from associate in compliance to assistant vice president, with responsibilities spanning compliance, capital markets, investor onboarding, and broader firm operations. Earlier this year, Ben and I welcomed our first child, a son named Cooper – we’re already hoping he’ll join Georgetown’s Class of 2047!

What do you miss the most about your time on the Hilltop?

The tight-knit community of Georgetown’s campus is what I miss the most. Being surrounded by my friends every single day – spending endless days in class, studying late into the night, finding the best food, and exploring D.C. together made for four precious years. And combining the student body with Georgetown’s incredible professors and administrators makes the entire campus a wonderfully unique and supportive environment.

Reflecting on your career, what was the most impactful business course you took at Georgetown?

Intercultural Communication with Professor Allyson Adrian. I’m from a very small and homogenous town in New England. Having the opportunity to learn and be exposed to different cultures in a theoretical and academic setting prepared me to work at a global firm and in a global context. I now correspond with coworkers and colleagues around the globe on a daily basis. I often think back to that class and our engaging discussions when I’m writing emails and trying to find solutions with colleagues in Japan, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and Texas – all at the same time.

What advice do you have for current and future students as they start their careers?

Challenge yourself to lead — not by title, but by mindset. Be proactive. Don’t wait for direction; take initiative, seek out opportunities, and create your own learning experiences. Independence is key in the transition from school to career. Learn to trust your judgment, solve problems without waiting to be asked, and take ownership of your growth.

“ Having the opportunity to learn and be exposed to different cultures in a theoretical and academic setting prepared me to work at a global firm and in a global context. I now correspond with coworkers and colleagues around the globe on a daily basis.”

—Brooke Stanley (B’20)

Q&A

Justin Chapman (B’15)

Where has life taken you since you graduated from Georgetown?

I have spent the past decade in the world of finance, first in investment banking and later in private equity (with a two-year break at business school along the way). I currently work at H.I.G. Capital in Midtown Manhattan and live in the Soho neighborhood.

What do you miss the most about your time on the Hilltop?

I miss the energy of Georgetown’s campus. The faculty and staff uniquely entrust the student body to drive the university forward, as evidenced by the number of student-run organizations on campus. These organizations are unlike those of any other university –whether it is the student-run credit union, the student-run

strategy consulting group, or one of the other several hundred clubs on campus, these organizations give students real-world experience at a young age. I found my experiences outside the classroom to be extremely valuable in preparing me for life beyond the Hilltop.

Reflecting on your career, what was the most impactful business course you took at Georgetown?

Corporate Governance and Valuation with the late Professor Doran. Her teachings on effective leadership practices and common governance pitfalls have been most applicable to my career, and I find myself frequently drawing from those lessons in my current profession.

“

I found my experiences outside the classroom to be extremely valuable in preparing me for life beyond the Hilltop.”

—Justin Chapman

(B’15)

GEN ALPHA

By the end of the decade, students from Generation Alpha will make up a majority of the McDonough undergraduate student population and across the world. This generation of students will be the first to be born exclusively in the 21st century and have more of a technology ecosystem than any prior generation.

The teacher crisis is deepening amid concerns about student over-reliance on devices, withdrawal symptoms in no-tech zones, and inattentiveness. Even as technology tools have ballooned and made online research more accessible, teachers have observed students who have difficulty with the task. If this can be accepted as an empirical truth, Dean Grant argues that higher education has to be prepared to shore up critical thinking and basic research skills.

Practitioners must ask the following questions to continue to meet our learning goals as one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country.

1

2

As Generation Alpha transitions to college from 2027 through 2041, how should colleges and universities prepare?

What considerations will be critical to consider during the process (e.g., AI, enrollment across the racial, global, and ethnic spectrum, inclusive pedagogy, device policies, etc.)?

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What does all of this technological saturation do to well-being and psychological health?

What does this do to the ability to think critically?

ON THE HORIZON

MBA INTERN BENCHMARKING

This summer, our MBA interns provided valuable research on how other leading programs structure their cohorts, how we might elevate student leadership opportunities, and how the Undergraduate Programs can strengthen operational efficiency. Their recommendations have been shared with key groups who will further explore these insights this fall.

COHORT MODEL EXPLORATION

Dean Grant has convened a working group of colleagues to define what a cohort-style model could uniquely mean for our undergraduates. The group will review the MBA interns’ recommendations, explore creative approaches, and incorporate student feedback to ensure any model fosters inclusion and belonging. Their work will lay the foundation for a possible fall 2026 launch.

GUIDE PROGRAM PILOT

The GUIDE Program will serve as the inaugural pilot of a cohort model, bringing together 40 first-year students to build community and begin their Georgetown journey with purpose. Led by experienced student leaders, the group will connect with peers, mentors, faculty, and alumni while also helping us gauge student interest and refine the cohort concept. Their experience will be anchored by a dedicated HOME retreat during the first weekend of October, setting the stage for their year together.

SPORTS BUSINESS FELLOWS PROGRAM

This year, we are laying the groundwork for an ambitious new Sports Business Fellows Program, supported by an advisory committee of faculty and Undergraduate Programs leadership. Their early work will focus on shaping the curriculum, supporting faculty research, and contributing to the search for the program’s executive director. Together, these efforts will create a foundation for a distinctive program that prepares students for meaningful careers in the global sports industry.

PAUL ALMEIDA Dean and William R. Berkley Chair Professor of Strategy

Our Undergraduate Programs continue to reach new heights as we live our mission to develop professional, globally-minded, and purpose-driven leaders in business. Grounded in Georgetown’s values and with our eyes set on the future, our innovative curricular and co-curricular experiences are setting a new standard for global business education. This tradition of excellence is carried forward by our extraordinary community: faculty who inspire through impactful research and teaching; staff who guide and support our students with care; alumni who provide meaningful engagement, mentorship, and support; and students whose passion and drive extend far beyond the Hilltop to make a positive difference in society. The successes highlighted in this report reflect the very best of Georgetown McDonough and our shared commitment to serving the common good.