Partners in Leadership, Learning, and Research (PILLARs)
About PILLARs
At Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, we work closely with our partners in leadership, learning and research (PILLARs) to help prepare students for a rapidly changing and increasingly global world. Our partners include alumni, parents, and other friends of Georgetown University and their organizations. They connect the classroom to real problems and projects in Washington, DC, across the nation, and around the world, where our students and faculty can develop, test and apply the latest ideas while exemplifying the principles of men and women for others.
There are many creative opportunities for our partners, faculty, and students to collaborate. Fill out the PILLARs form to learn more about being one of valued industry partners.
In terms of the things that I choose to be involved in, like the PILLARS program, what I connect it to is some of the most valuable experiences were when professors brought in external speakers. You’re able to combine both the theoretical and the research and learning over time with a very present practical application. That balance was a balance that Georgetown struck very well when I was going through the program and I view that as a way that I can give back.
Elizabeth Ross-Ronchi (MBA’99)
How to Get Involved With PILLARS
In 2020, we welcomed over 100 alumni back to campus to speak to our students across a range of industries, from consumer goods, to real estate, to technology. There are plenty of ways to engage with Georgetown McDonough through the PILLARs program:
Connect with Students:
- Classrooms: Partner with faculty to enrich the learning environment on specialized topics.
- Competitions: Judge student challenges based on real issues facing organizations.
- Mentorship: Provide one-on-one mentoring to select groups of students.
Host an Event:
- Student treks: Host small groups of students and faculty at your workplace for “treks” and other visits.
- Student projects: Sponsor projects to address practical problems within your organization.
Work with Faculty:
- Support research: Host faculty for 1-2 weeks allowing them to attend meetings, learn, share their expertise, discuss potential joint projects.
- Case studies: Work with faculty to help co-create simulations, thereby enhancing the realism (and potential learning) from them.
Contact Us about PILLARS
To learn more, email PILLARs@georgetown.edu.