McDonough Students Take Hands-On Action to Create a Lasting Impact

When undergraduate students join Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, they quickly learn that business is about more than profits — it’s about making a lasting impact. From day one, they are immersed in the school’s values-based approach to business, stemming from the university’s longstanding Jesuit tradition.  

While many courses and programs teach students how to apply fundamental business skills to support local organizations, a group of students from the McDonough Student Body Government (MSBG) felt the need to take their commitment even further. Sebastian Valencia (B’26), Antonia Patiniotis (B’28), Yingqi Liu (B’25), and Charles Laniak (B’25) wanted to make a tangible, hands-on difference in the lives of those in need. This passion led to the creation of MSBGives, an initiative that empowers students to go beyond the classroom and actively engage in charitable work.

“We decided to design a program that is easily accessible to all McDonough students,” explains Liu, president of MSBG. “We know Georgetown students have busy schedules, and many may not have an entire day to dedicate to service. We wanted to create something that allows everyone to contribute, brings the community together, provides hands-on opportunities, and fosters long-term connections between students and the organizations we support.”

To turn this vision into reality, MSBGives was shaped through several brainstorming sessions, discussions with deans, and conversations with potential partners to identify their most pressing needs. The result was its first major initiative: donating 1,000 care packages in partnership with Bread for the City, an organization dedicated to providing food, clothing, medical care, and social services to Washington, D.C., residents in need, alongside in-person volunteer efforts with Martha’s Table and Habitat for Humanity.

These organizations, which have already engaged with students through past collaborations, have deepened their partnership with MSBGives. 

“We wanted this to be an extension of the First Year Seminar,” said Liu, referring to a course designed to cultivate intellectual growth and critical skills among first-year business students by serving as consultants to nonprofits in the Washington, D.C., area. “We’ve advised these partners, and now we get to do something for them.”

The first phase of the initiative has already been a resounding success. Over the course of two weeks, MSBGives set up a table where students could take a moment to assemble a care package for donation. Each package included a zip-up bag filled with essential items such as deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, socks, and granola bars — providing comfort and care to those in need.

“We wanted this to be a collective initiative,” said Patiniotis, service initiative chair of MSBG. “Students didn’t need to sign up to help with packaging — everyone could stop by and contribute. More than 300 students have participated so far.” 

Faculty members and deans have also been encouraged to join in, further strengthening the sense of community and shared purpose.

This is just the beginning for MSBGives. Looking ahead, the team is eager to strengthen their relationships with the partner organizations they’ve worked with, ensuring their efforts will continue to create meaningful and lasting change in the community for years to come.

“This is basically our trial run,” said Patiniotis. “Seeing the level of involvement, we’re excited to continue this in future years, expanding our reach, hosting bigger events, and making an even greater impact.”