UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from Patricia Grant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Global Perspective
Our Team................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3
Startup Immersion Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 16 Global Business Fellows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 17
THE PAST YEAR AT MCDONOUGH
Summer Abroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 17
Academic Learning
Global Business Education.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 17
Durban Sports Business Fellows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Q&A with Luis Maes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 6 BUILD. . .................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 7 First Year Seminar.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 7 Career Discernment Treks..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kosoy Women in Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 9 Career Advising....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Etiquette Lunch....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 10 Fridays in the Field.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Host a Hoya. . ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 11 Peer Career Advisors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Spirit of Georgetown Jesuit Values for Business Initiative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 18 Q&A with Javier Bustamante (G’09). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 18 Academic Workshops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 19 Family Weekend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 19 Well-Being and Formation Business Scholars Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 20 Success Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 20 Wellness Wednesdays.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 20 Q&A with Karthik Easwar.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 21
ALUMNI
Connection and Belonging
Q&A with Brooks Watson (B’21).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 22
Georgetown Undergraduate Initiative
Q&A with Vladyslav Kondratiuk (B’16).. . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 23
for Development and Empowerment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Q&A with Luke Hogan (B’26). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Caffeine with the Dean.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 13 HOME.. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 13 Student Groups....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 13 Experiential Learning McDonough Business Strategy Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Case Competitions.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 15 Sustainable Business Fellows.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 15 Undergraduate Research Programs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
All of McDonough’s undergradaute programs and activities are open to all Georgetown University students regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected under University policy or applicable law.
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. We have much to celebrate over the past academic year, from our consistent top-tier ranking amongst undergraduate business programs to the outstanding career outcomes of our graduates. This report showcases the innovative, values-driven programs we offer — like the GUIDE program, the McDonough Business Strategy Challenge, and the Global Business Fellows program — that foster belonging, global readiness, and leadership for the common good. Through these initiatives, made possible by our extraordinary community, 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, this annual report helps us track measurable progress — whether in employment rates, student formation, or curricular innovation — 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,
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OUR TEAM Stephanie Bautista
Ariana Panbechi-Cole
Assistant Director
Assistant Director, Undergraduate Careers
Cate Brewer
Nick Russo
Advising Dean
Assistant Dean
Deborah Coburn
Talia Schatz
Associate Dean
Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Careers
Patricia Grant
Sara Skillman
Senior Associate Dean
Assistant Dean
Adam Loew
Justin Smith
Assistant Director
Associate Dean
Eric Lupo
Catherine Vaz
Administrative Coordinator
Advising Dean
Joyce Miranda
Lauren Wagoner
Advising Dean
Senior Assistant Dean
The Undergraduate Programs team is also supported by a team of 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!
Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026 | 3
THE PAST YEAR The 2025–2026 academic year at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business has been defined by innovation, momentum, and community impact. We proudly launched the Durban Sports Business Fellows program and celebrated students from our Mentored Opportunities Research Experience (MORE) and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) programs at the McDonough Undergraduate Research Symposium to expand students’ engagement with the research community. We added targeted programming and mentorship opportunities through the Alumni in Residence program, which offers professional development, mentorship, and career support for our community. Across the world, 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. Once again, our undergraduate business programs were ranked second for career outcomes by Poets&Quants, affirming our position as one of the nation’s leading business schools. Led by students, we hosted the 22nd McDonough Business Strategy Challenge, with 15 schools from around the world competing to assist the DC Preservation League, a local nonprofit that advocates and educates the Washington, D.C., community on the historical legacy and importance of preserving D.C. buildings. At the same time, traditions such as Host-a-Hoya and a revamped etiquette lunch program helped prepare our students for life beyond the Hilltop. Internationally, we expanded our global reach with initiatives like the South African 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.
2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 AT A G L A N C E
1,374
10.8% Class of 2030 admittance rate
international students
continents represented
700
201
6,500
660
students
pages written by senior theses students
students who engaged in global projects
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11%
bagels eaten at Bagels with the Deans
6
beverages consumed at Caffeine with the Dean
ACADEMIC LEARNING
OUR LEARNING GOALS Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills
Ethical and Social Justice Perspective
Graduates will be equipped with analytical, management, and quantitative skills to drive organizational performance and innovation.
Graduates will understand the moral responsibilities of business leaders toward all stakeholders and the environment.
Global Perspective
Communication Skills
Graduates will cultivate a multicultural and global mindset, preparing them to lead in international business environments.
Graduates will be able to communicate effectively across contexts to support organizational goals and address challenges.
DURBAN SPORTS BUSINESS FELLOWS Made possible by an extraordinary commitment from Egon (B’95) and Abby Durban (P’28, ’30), Georgetown McDonough launched the Durban Sports Business Program, including a new undergraduate fellowship designed to prepare students to lead in one of the world’s most visible and fastevolving industries. The inaugural cohort of Durban Fellows included 40 students — a highly competitive group chosen for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for the global sports industry. Unlike traditional sport management programs, McDonough’s approach prepares undergraduate students to be business leaders first, applying core business principles through the lens of sports. With access to immersive classes, exclusive mentorship, speaker events, career advising, and industry connections, fellows will graduate ready to launch impactful careers in global sports business. The Durban Sports Business Program represents a powerful extension of McDonough’s fields of the future — areas defined by global complexity, interdisciplinary opportunity, and long-term impact.
Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026 | 5
Q&A Luis Maes, Executive Director of the Durban Sports Business Program What excites you about launching the Durban Sports Business Program? What excites me most is the opportunity to help shape the future leaders of one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Sports sit at the intersection of business, technology, media, culture, health, and community. The challenges facing the industry today — from the rise of AI and new media platforms to the growth of women’s sports and global expansion — are more complex than ever. Solving them will require leaders who understand not only sports, but also strategy, finance, marketing, analytics, operations, and innovation. That’s what makes this moment so compelling. We have the opportunity to build something distinctive: a program that develops exceptional business talent and prepares students to create meaningful impact across the sports
ecosystem. We’re at a top business school in a dynamic global capital city where sports meets media, capital, and policy. And, we’re not simply helping students find jobs in sports. We’re helping them build the skills, experiences, and networks that will allow them to lead the industry forward.
Why is sports business an important curricular option for our students? Sports is one of the most influential industries in the world, but success within it requires much more than passion for the game. The sports industry increasingly needs leaders who can navigate complex business challenges, drive innovation, make data-informed decisions, and lead organizations through rapid change. Those capabilities aren’t developed through classroom learning alone. The fellowship bridges theory and practice through coursework, industry engagement, mentorship, treks, projects, and internships. It is not a sports management program; it is a McDonough business education applied to sport, preparing students to lead across finance, strategy, analytics, and innovation.
The Durban Fellows work with a variety of prominent organizations around the world. Take a look at a few organizations fellows interned with in summer 2026.
MONUMENTAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT | Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) was founded in 2010 by Ted Leonsis (C’77, P’14,‘15) following its acquisition of the Washington Wizards, adding to his sports portfolio that included the Washington Capitals. Today, MSE owns many brands and properties in the D.C. area, including the Washington Mystics, EagleBank Arena, and the Monumental Sports Network.
U.S. PADEL ASSOCIATION | Austin, Texas The United States Padel Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of padel in the USA. The USPA is a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer president and board of directors serving the needs of players and clubs in the United States. It works to raise the standards of padel and encourage investments within the padel industry nationwide while creating value for players and fans by hosting major international competitions and supporting the USA National Teams in all categories.
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BUILD The Business Undergraduates Invested in Leadership Development (BUILD) program was launched in 2013 as a one-week pre-orientation program for incoming first-year and transfer students. The program aims to provide a foundation for business success as students transition into college. Students participated in a range of events, including faculty lectures, site visits, bonding activities, a mock case competition, and the BUILD Olympics. This year’s lectures included the Science of Learning with Professor Michael O’Leary and an Introduction to the Ethics of Business with Professor William English. Off-campus, BUILD visited the Washington Spirit, the local National Women’s Soccer League team, Deloitte, and Gallup.
FA L L 2 0 2 5 B U I L D S T U D E N T S • 52 incoming first-year students • 6 countries represented • 17 states represented • 46% men / 54% women
FIRST YEAR SEMINAR The First Year Seminar (FYS) program is an exciting three-credit course for first-year and sophomore transfer 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. An integral aspect of the FYS course is the Social Impact Consulting Project (SICP), which challenges students, organized as teams, to develop strategic business solutions and recommendations for contemporary issues facing a local nonprofit organization. At the end of the semester, the teams present their recommendations to the organization and one team is selected as the winner.
Winning Team with McDonough Staff and Faculty and DC Central Kitchen Staff
This year, for the SICP, our First Year Seminar program partnered with DC Central Kitchen (DCCK), a D.C.-based nonprofit that provides culinary job training to individuals facing high barriers to employment. During the program, students visited DCCK’s headquarters and took an active part in fulfilling the mission of DCCK by volunteering in food preparation. In the end, they assembled 1,400 sandwiches and chopped countless pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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CAREER DISCERNMENT
The undergraduate careers team at the McDonough Career Center supports students in the process of self discovery, career strategy, leadership development, and network-building to empower them to become principled, globally-minded leaders. As a result of tailored career programming and support, McDonough continues to achieve top employment results and was once again ranked second in the country for career outcomes by Poets&Quants.
TREKS Through Career Treks, undergraduate students travel to key business hubs to explore industries, connect with alumni, and gain firsthand insight into a wide range of career opportunities. This past year, students participated in two immersive treks designed to deepen their understanding of emerging and established sectors. In fall 2025, students visited organizations in New York City, including Oscar Health, Citi, and Google, gaining exposure to careers in health care technology, financial services, and technology. In the spring, in partnership with the Dean’s Office, the McDonough Career Center launched an innovative Artificial Intelligence Trek to the San Francisco Bay Area, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. Participants visited organizations including Simbe Robotics, Rivian, Rec Technologies, Snowflake, WestCap, and Halluminate, engaging with professionals at the forefront of AI, technology, venture capital, and innovation. Beyond company visits, students expanded their networks through conversations with Georgetown alumni and industry leaders, including Q&A sessions, a Bay Area alumni brunch, and dinner with Alchemy CEO Sasha Novakovich. These experiences deepened students’ understanding of the skills and opportunities shaping the future of work.
absolutely loved meeting all of our awesome alumni. “I They are genuinely the most incredibly brilliant and genuine people I’ve met. I’m very proud to call myself part of such a community of innovators and knowledge seekers.” — Nivriti Chaudhuri (B’28)
to hear directly from companies that are actively “ Getting utilizing and creating AI tools was extremely informative. I especially enjoyed learning about how companies are using AI to handle more repetitive tasks so that their employees can focus on higher-value work. Moving forward, I’ve also been inspired to learn more about AI. Whether it is doing more research on the industry or experimenting with different tools, this trip has shown me the value of being informed on AI.” — Asha Giancaspro (B’28) 8 | Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026
KOSOY WOMEN IN BUSINESS The Kosoy Women in Business program welcomed its second cohort during the 2025-2026 academic year, continuing its mission to empower undergraduates with the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive in business. The cohort of 15 students participated in a series of immersive experiences designed to support both personal and professional growth, including workshops on negotiation, personal branding, resilience, and leadership. Students engaged directly with accomplished professionals through fireside chats and speaker events featuring leaders from industries including real estate, retail and luxury, sports, consulting, entrepreneurship and startups, and hospitality, while site visits to companies such as Marriott International and McKinsey & Company provided firsthand exposure to workplace cultures and career paths. The program hosted 12 distinct events over the course of the year. The Kosoy Women in Business program also hosted its second annual New York City Trek, connecting students with leaders across top organizations and exposing them to diverse career paths. Companies visited during the trek included Turning Rock Partners, Optum Health, and Sony Music Publishing. Students also heard from senior executives at the NFL, Optum Financial, and Macy’s Inc., covering a wide range of industries and business functions. Throughout the year, participants reflected on their growth through intentional community-building activities, including writing letters to their future selves. Together, these experiences strengthened students’ leadership capabilities, expanded their professional networks, and prepared them to navigate and succeed in the evolving business landscape.
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CAREER ADVISING The undergraduate team at the McDonough Career Center works closely with students through individualized career coaching, helping them explore career paths, secure internships and full-time opportunities, build professional networks, and connect with alumni and employers. Through one-on-one advising, students receive personalized guidance on career planning, job and internship searches, application materials, interview preparation, and professional development while accessing the full range of career resources available at Georgetown.
ETIQUETTE LUNCH This academic year, we reimagined the Etiquette Lunch program to further assist students as they prepare for life beyond the Hilltop. We incorporated three recent McDonough graduates from diverse majors and careers to share their experiences at the intersection of career and etiquette. We opened up the event to a conversation on social etiquette from the interview to the work environment and beyond. In addition to the informational etiquette portion of the experience, current Hoyas connected with our wonderful graduates and asked questions regarding etiquette and environment that extended beyond the dining experience itself. They then practiced their etiquette with our recent graduates while we shared a wonderful dining experience.
Students visiting Hilton
FRIDAYS IN THE FIELD Fridays in the Field provides students with the opportunity to visit leading organizations and gain firsthand exposure to a variety of industries, workplace cultures, and career paths. Through on-site visits, students engage directly with professionals, learn about organizational operations, and expand their professional networks. This past year, students visited a diverse array of companies, including Hilton, Baird, and McKinsey & Company, gaining valuable insights into careers such as hospitality, financial services, and consulting.
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T-A-HOY HOS A
67
London San Franci
sco
Chicago
gles
Los An
Boston New York Washi ngton , D.C.
Paris
Miami
student-alu mni matches Geneva
Dubai
Hong Kong
HOST-A-HOYA The undergraduate team at the McDonough Career Center organized the eighth annual Host-a-Hoya program over spring break, continuing a signature undergraduate student and alumni engagement initiative designed to provide career exploration through one-day job shadowing and micro-mentoring experiences. Through Host-a-Hoya, the career team matches students with alumni across industries and geographies to gain firsthand exposure to professional environments, learn about career journeys, and build meaningful connections within the Georgetown network. This year, the program facilitated 67 student-alumni matches in cities around the world. Students explored a broad range of industries, including finance, technology, consulting, venture capital, private equity, marketing, consumer products, government, real estate, sports, legal services, and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and health tech. Host organizations represented a breadth of industries and included Google, Capital One, Disney, Kraft Heinz, and many more.
PEER CAREER ADVISORS The Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) connect McDonough undergraduate students with trained peer mentors who have successfully secured internships and full-time positions across a variety of industries. Through one-on-one appointments, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, recruiting guidance, and industry-specific insights, PCAs provide accessible and relatable support throughout the career development process. Reflecting the diverse interests of McDonough students, PCAs offer expertise in fields including finance, consulting, marketing, accounting, real estate, entertainment, technology, and other specialized industries. Through individualized advising and weekly Recruiting Workshops, the program ensures students have access to practical career guidance and peer mentorship tailored to their professional goals. During this past academic year, 10 PCAs supported fellow students, helping to strengthen a culture of mentorship, professional development, and career readiness across the McDonough community. Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026 | 11
CONNECTION AND BELONGING
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. Started during the 2024-2025 academic year, GUIDE entered its second year with momentum and held a variety of events, including a weekend retreat in October. To learn more about the program, please read through a short interview with Luke Hogan (B’26), former McDonough Student Body President and founder of GUIDE.
Q&A Luke Hogan (B’26), Founder of GUIDE What inspired you to start the GUIDE program? Georgetown and the McDonough School of Business already have wonderful programs to welcome students, such as BUILD, New Student Orientation, and others that help first-years find their footing. But when I talked with students during those early weeks, a theme kept coming up: the transition to life at McDonough could feel overwhelming, even when people couldn’t quite put their finger on the reason why. McDonough was very welcoming, they said, but they were looking for more low-stakes ways to build skills and meet people. They wanted something that didn’t require jumping straight into a competitive club environment. GUIDE thus grew
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out of that need as a space where students would be able to just show up, learn, and connect. It wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of the Undergraduate Programs Office and Associate Dean Justin Smith, who work every day to make student experiences better for everyone at McDonough.
As you graduate from the Hilltop, what would you like to see from the GUIDE program over the next couple of years? At its heart, GUIDE has always been about more than skillbuilding; it’s about belonging. My hope is that over the next few years, it becomes the place where students say, “this is where I found my people at Georgetown.” The business school path can feel like a maze, especially when everyone around you seems just as uncertain about the future. If GUIDE can ease some of that anxiety and help students see the possibilities ahead with a little more clarity and confidence, that’s everything that I could ask for.
CAFFEINE WITH THE DEAN The Undergraduate Programs Office continued hosting the Caffeine with the Dean program for students, where they meet with their advising deans to connect in a more casual and comfortable setting over coffee or tea. Through this program, students get to know their advising deans as people and build a connection, knowing that we are there to support them during their journey at McDonough. This year, they invited the McDonough Peer Ambassadors to some of the sessions to provide in-person connecting and mentoring to new first-year and transfer students.
HOME In partnership with GUIDE, the Horizon, Odyssey, Meridian, Empyrean (HOME) program hosted a retreat for over 20 students. The program featured a blend of interactive teambuilding activities, such as a “Top Chef”-style farm-to-table cooking competition and a low ropes course, alongside reflective sessions focused on intention-setting for the academic year. Primarily first-year students, the students discussed their first-year experience and ended the weekend with a dean’s Q&A, which provided students with actionable guidance for navigating their journeys at Georgetown.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS All recognized McDonough undergraduate student organizations are overseen by the McDonough School of Business Student Advisory Board (MSAB), which operates under the guidance of the Undergraduate Programs Office. Here are some highlights from the past year: • Business applications and consulting groups, such as Hoyalytics and Hilltop Consultants, delivered data-driven strategies and pro-bono solutions for dozens of unique clients, ranging from local D.C. nonprofits to global brands like Balenciaga. • In entrepreneurship, organizations like Georgetown Ventures and the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Club helped over 110 founders raise more than $45 million in funding while fostering innovation through “Idea-a-thons” and startup accelerators. • Finance groups, including Georgetown University Public Real Estate Fund (GUPREF) and Scholars of Finance, managed substantial investment funds while leading community initiatives like the First Generation Investors financial literacy program in D.C. high schools. • Leadership, marketing, and branding organizations such as McDonough Women and the Georgetown Retail and Luxury Association, empowered underrepresented voices and connected members with global leaders — including the CEO of YSL — while creating inclusive professional ecosystems that embody a commitment to both career excellence and social service.
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
MCDONOUGH BUSINESS STRATEGY CHALLENGE This year, we hosted our 22nd McDonough Business Strategy Challenge (MBSC), a nonprofit case consulting competition organized by Georgetown University. MBSC is the nation’s largest undergraduate nonprofit case competition, and the 2025–2026 event drew participants from across the country and around the world. Pictured at right: Winning students from the University of Calgary alongside DCPL and PwC leadership.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada University of Calgary Atlanta, GA Emory University
Madison, WI University of Wisconsin-Madison
Champaign, IL University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Rochester, MI Oakland University
Chapel Hill, NC University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Elon, NC Elon University DeLand, FL Stetson University
State College, PA Penn State University Tallahassee, FL Florida State University Washington, D.C. The George Washington University American University
Hong Kong, HK The University of Hong Kong The Chinese University of Hong Kong City University of Hong Kong
CLIENT PROFILE
DC Preservation League The DC Preservation League (DCPL) preserves, protects, and enhances the historic and built environment of Washington, D.C., through advocacy and education. Initially established in the early 1970s as “Don’t Tear It Down,” the organization is credited with saving many historic buildings in the D.C.-area, including the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Franklin School in downtown D.C. (now home to Planet Word, a language museum), and the Warner Theatre. In its 50+ years as an organization and advocacy group, the DCPL has sponsored more than 160 historic landmark nominations and fought hard to preserve numerous buildings, structures, and districts across Washington. 14 | Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026
CASE COMPETITIONS Students participated in three case competitions across the country this past year, where they developed and enhanced their analytical abilities, critical thinking, oral presentation, and communication skills. In addition, the experience both allows students an extraordinary opportunity to expand their global network and enables them to develop their leadership and persuasive abilities. Students participating in case competitions are trained and supported by the McDonough Global Case Team, one of our student groups. • McCombs National Women’s Case Competition • University of Arizona Collegiate Ethics Case Competition • University of Washington Tacoma Milgard Invitational Undergraduate Case Competition on Social Responsibility
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS The Undergraduate Programs once again facilitated three research programs for McDonough students. In the fall, we celebrated students at the 13th Undergraduate Research Symposium from the Mentored Opportunities for Research Experience (MORE) program and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. Six students, two from the MORE program and four from the SURF program, were exemplar awardees for their exceptional work over the summer. Over the academic year, nine members of the class of 2026 completed a senior honors thesis. The program provides students in McDonough programs the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor while earning a total of 4.5 credits in their senior year. In their final semester, students present their research to a committee, and their work can potentially be published in an academic journal. Topics this past year included “Linking Employee Perceptions of Equity and Inclusion to Organizational Innovation Capacity” and “Stable, But Not Equal: Regulatory Clarity and Issuer Selection in Stablecoin Markets.”
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FELLOWS The Sustainable Business Fellows program is open to all undergraduate students at Georgetown and allows them to explore the intersection of business and sustainability. 15 graduating seniors completed the requirements to become Sustainable Business Fellows. The program was also reworked to include a unifying component for students, where they participate in one Business of Sustainability Initiative event and write a 1–2 page reflection on the event, what they learned, who they networked with (if applicable), and how it relates to their coursework at Georgetown. These changes were met with resounding success, and students gained actionable takeaways from practitioners, researchers, and policymakers working on sustainability issues in real time.
20
SURF participants
11
MORE participants
9
Class of 2026 Senior Thesis participants
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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
STARTUP IMMERSION PROGRAM — SOUTH AFRICA A group of 20 McDonough students (15 undergraduates and five MBAs) participated in the 12-day Cape Town Summer Startup Immersion program. Led by Professor Eleni GabreMadhin, Assistant Dean Nick Russo, and in partnership with Hilltop Global, the program explored the emerging tech startup ecosystem in South Africa and the wider African context. A core element of the trip involved learning about the impact of apartheid on communities, businesses, and startups, which included visits to historical sites like Langa Township and the District Six Museum. Students were matched with 11 local startup companies for a multi-day “Startup Sprint,” including those working in local tourism, tech education, and a sustainability consultancy. The immersive experience also featured cultural and site visits, with students traveling to Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and Stellenbosch, which included a stop at Seven Sisters Winery.
“ The Cape Town Startup Immersion was an impactful opportunity for students. During our time in Cape Town, students not only learned about the startup ecosystem in South Africa, but the role South Africa’s startups have in shaping and changing the African continent. The role of Georgetown’s Jesuit values also came to fruition, as students practiced: magis, cura personalis, and the ideal of being people for others. This allowed students to see these ventures and startups not just as financial models, but as deeply human enterprises aimed at uplifting communities in Cape Town and beyond.” — Assistant Dean Russo
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GLOBAL BUSINESS FELLOWS The Global Business Fellows (GBF) program, offered in partnership with the Baratta Center for Global Business Education, is a cohortbased initiative designed for McDonough and School of Foreign Service students interested in expanding their understanding of international business and public policy on a macro level. 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. In addition to company visits, students experienced some cultural tours to immerse themselves in Panama’s rich history.
SUMMER ABROAD Students participated in four to five-week summer experiences in Barcelona (Esade) and Oxford (Oxford University). The program at Esade was led by Professor Karen Kitching of the Accounting Department, joined by Assistant Dean Sara Skillman of the Undergraduate Programs Office. During the program, students also took ACCT 2101: Management Accounting for Decision Making and MARK 3229: Marketing Across Borders. The program at Oxford University was led by Professor Rachel Pacheco from the Management Department. During the program, students also took STRT 3101: Strategic Management and MGMT 3275: Management Consulting.
GLOBAL BUSINESS EDUCATION During the Undergraduate Global Business Experience (GBE), students work in teams and conduct a substantive consulting project for a private, public, or nonprofit organization abroad. *New in 2025–2026
Madrid, Spain Airbus (Aerospace)
Stockholm, Sweden FLOX FT EUROPA QTPIE SWEDFUND WWF (Energy/Sustainability)*
Nairobi, Kenya Safari Boyz Tourism & Travels Modest Tours & Travels Kenya Utalii College (Tourism)*
Mendoza, Argentina Global Wine Industry (Food and Beverage) Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026 | 17
SPIRIT OF GEORGETOWN
JESUIT VALUES FOR BUSINESS INITIATIVE In fall 2025, McDonough welcomed Javier Bustamante as the new director of the Jesuit Values for Business Initiative. In his position, Bustamante partners with McDonough community members to advance mission-aligned initiatives across McDonough and promote the school’s values-based approach to business. His work naturally intersects with and complements the great work of many units and colleagues throughout the school. Bustamante comes to McDonough with more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit management, mission-driven programming, and culturally responsive community engagement.
Q&A Javier Bustamante (G’09), Director of Jesuit Business Initiatives Why did you join Georgetown and how do you hope to impact the community? I’ve long desired to work at Georgetown. Having attended a Jesuit university in California, I was drawn to the opportunity to continue my work at an institution deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition. Years ago, I visited Georgetown with a friend and remember standing outside the Intercultural Center with an overwhelming sense that I had found my place. Over time, that feeling grew into a desire to contribute to Georgetown’s mission. In this role, I hope to help McDonough remain grounded in the values and traditions that define Georgetown at its best. Jesuit values give us a foundation for moving forward with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. My hope is that our community will see those values not simply as ideals, but as a way of discerning who we are, how we lead, and how business can be a force for good.
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What have you learned in your first six months and what are you looking forward to next? My first six months have been a time of listening, learning, and planning. I’ve had the privilege of learning from the faculty and staff who support our students each day and engaging directly with students through reflection dinners. Those conversations have helped me better understand how Jesuit values can shape students’ experiences, their personal formation, and the kind of leaders they hope to become. I’ve also worked to develop the vision and priorities for the Jesuit Values for Business Initiative. In the coming year, I’m excited to bring that vision to life through reflection opportunities, retreats, speakers, and other experiences that invite students to explore purpose and vocation alongside their academic and professional goals. Ultimately, I hope the initiative helps students, faculty, and staff more intentionally connect the work we do at McDonough to Georgetown’s Jesuit mission.
ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS This year, we piloted three new academic workshops designed to help connect first-year students to campus life and to better assist them in their transition to college. Our goal was to connect students to the McDonough community, empower them to make strong academic choices, encourage the use of campus resources, and facilitate a successful first-year academic and personal transition. The workshops ran during the fall semester, focusing on three different areas of academic support and student wellness.
Demystifying Feedback: Canvas, Syllabi, and AI Policies In partnership with McDonough faculty members — Professor Robert Bies, Professor Karen Kitching, Professor Bonnie Montano, and Professor Kenneth Sawka — this workshop offered students an opportunity to interact with faculty and peers while learning best practices for transitioning from high school to college.
Beat Mid-Term Stress: Study Smarter, Stress Less In partnership with the Academic Resource Center, students connected with Learning Skills Specialist Betsy Milarcik who shared important study methods including time management skills.
From Struggle to Strategy: Transforming Conflict Into Collaboration In collaboration with the Office of Student Health and Wellbeing, Emanuel Oliver, assistant director and triage coordinator, and Shanice Anderson, staff psychologist and outreach coordinator, taught students strategies for success when facing a mental health challenge within the classroom or greater community environment.
THE CLASS OF 2026
376
35
104
6
77
2
graduating students
students earned Latin Honors
graduates in Beta Gamma Sigma
students received awards at Tropaia
honor societies inducted the Class of 2026 graduates
students won the Lena Landegger Award
FAMILY WEEKEND Georgetown once again welcomed hundreds of family members to the Hilltop in October 2025 for Family Weekend. The annual program brings parents, family members, and friends to campus for a variety of events and activities. On Saturday morning, we hosted a conversation and panel with Cynthia Groves and the contributors of her new book “Mastering the Corporate Chess Game,” which is a playbook for deciphering workplace norms, particularly in the formative stages of one’s career. Through an inspiring collection of relatable experiences from Georgetown alumni and seasoned professionals, this book equips readers with the tools and mindset to make their own moves as they advance in their organizations. Following the panel, Professor Ross Cooper taught a lecture titled “Why Business Law,” which gave families insight into why McDonough joins most top undergraduate business schools in requiring Business Law as part of the core curriculum. From contracts and intellectual property to constitutional issues and First Amendment rights, the law impacts virtually every major decision in modern business. Outside of the business school, families and students had the opportunity to tour sections of campus, attend a football game, and watch a showcase of student performing art organizations in Gaston Hall.
W E L L - B E I N G A N D F O R M AT I O N
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, lower-income (FGLI) college students who pursue business as a field of study. Housed under Georgetown’s Center for Multicultural Equity and Access (CMEA), BSP offers opportunities for McDonough students throughout their four years to promote the success and retention of underserved and FGLI students in business education. Through early curriculum exposure and mentorship, BSP seeks to enhance each scholar’s introduction to both Georgetown and the McDonough School of Business. BSP values the unique backgrounds and experiences of our community and strives to empower all scholars. By providing access and programming to BSP scholars, we open the door for them to succeed and thrive during their collegiate journey and beyond.
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. This year, to expedite application review times, professional development requests were removed and students were redirected to other options for professional development opportunities.
134 requests
75%
approval rate
$28,500 funded
$10,900 Global
Opportunities $14,000 Academic
Support $3,600 Emergency
Funding
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WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS Over the course of the 2025–2026 academic year, the Undergraduate Programs Office hosted 23 Wellness Wednesday events designed to support students’ well-being and provide opportunities to rest, reflect, and recharge. During both fall and spring final examination periods, the office maintained an extended wellness station where students could access snacks, wellness supplies, and other resources throughout the exams. Highlights included Cookies and Care: Build Your Own Wellness Kit, an all-campus study break, and community-building events featuring local businesses such as Rose Ave. Bakery.
Q&A Professor Karthik Easwar, Co-Director of the Business Scholars Program Why do BSP students take courses during the summer prior to their first fall semester at Georgetown McDonough? As a business-centric part of Georgetown’s historic Community Scholars Program (CSP), which has a 60-year legacy of supporting first-generation college students, the Business Scholars Program (BSP) leverages the CSP five-week summer experience to help students seamlessly transition into higher education while preparing for the rigorous McDonough curriculum. By taking a core Principles of Marketing course for credit, our incoming scholars get an early introduction to foundational business school methods, such as case discussions, and complete a major McDonough requirement before the fall semester even begins. Ultimately, this foundational period gives students a distinct academic head start, allowing them to dive into complex business issues and start discovering what truly excites them in the world of commerce.
What was your favorite part/experience from working with the program in the 2025–2026 academic year? My absolute favorite experience from this past academic year was our second-year career trek to New York City. The trip perfectly blended professional development with genuine community building, as we had the opportunity to visit Google and Civic Entertainment Group, a premier experiential and event marketing agency. Beyond the corporate site visits, what made the trek truly special was the non-transactional time we shared together — whether we were attending a Broadway show, catching up over dinners, or just navigating the city. Stepping outside the traditional confines of the classroom allowed us to form deeper, more organic connections, giving me a wonderful chance to appreciate who each of these students are as individuals while sharing plenty of laughs and fun along the way.
What excites you about working with the BSP each year? Why is it important to you? Working with the Business Scholars Program is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to engage with undergraduate students at a uniquely foundational moment in their lives. Since I often teach graduate students, who arrive with more established paths and interests, it is a privilege to guide these incoming scholars just as they are first discovering who they want to become. Because BSP is a multi-year program, it allows us to build deep, enduring relationships that extend well beyond the classroom over their four years at Georgetown. For instance, I recently had the privilege of working with a BSP student whom I first taught during their summer transition, who then worked as my teaching assistant, and who I ultimately advised on their senior honors thesis. Witnessing that specific trajectory — watching a student transform from an eager incoming freshman into a deeply analytical scholar and leader — is exactly why this program is so meaningful to me.
What would you like to see the program and its students accomplish in the next couple of years? The Business Scholars Program began as a grassroots effort during the pandemic and, with support from the Ferrante Family and program leadership, has grown into a vibrant two-year co-curricular experience. We have seen that growth deepen belonging and strengthen academic performance. Looking ahead, we hope to build a structured mentorship program and alumni network that helps scholars contemplate life after graduation and sustain meaningful relationships well beyond the Hilltop.
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ALUMNI
ALUMNI 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.
Q&A Brooks Watson (B’21) Where has life taken you since you graduated from Georgetown? I’m grateful life has provided me with plenty of opportunities for travel including new states, new countries, and many different fields for games of pickup soccer. I was living in Washington, D.C., for a few years where I was close to friends, and I have since moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where I am close to family. Throughout that time, I’ve been fortunate to work for Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the nation’s supply of affordable housing. I’ve held multiple positions across the organization’s capital division and now work as a credit analyst for the Enterprise Community Loan Fund.
What do you miss the most about your time on the Hilltop? I miss the days watching different Hoya teams at my job within the athletic department. Basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, you name it — I was on the sidelines locked in! Afterward, I’d treat myself to a Wisey’s sandwich (often the underrated burger madness)
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and an Oreo cookie. One memorable gameday was watching Men’s Soccer win the Big East Championship at Shaw Field from my view on the touchline.
Reflecting on your career, what was the most impactful business course you took at Georgetown? Heroes and Villains with Professor Robert Bies during my first semester on campus. As I’ve progressed through my early career, I’ve grown to understand that I learn the technical aspects of the role best while on the job; skills such as financial analysis and modeling proformas are useful in commercial real estate. This course, however, was instrumental in cultivating my strongest asset: critical thinking. My ability to logically work through situations that arise on any given workday allows me to consistently deliver results. I find myself returning to the content in this course from time to time because it was a formative lesson in embracing the nuance everpresent in business and — more broadly — in life.
What advice do you have for current and future students as they start their careers? Everything unfolds the way it is meant to be, so approach every moment with genuine curiosity rather than judgement. I remember feeling such stress over what my career would be after graduating, but I now appreciate that it is only one facet of the life I’m building.
Q&A Vladyslav (Vlad) Kondratiuk (B’16): Where has life taken you since you graduated from Georgetown? My time at Georgetown laid a strong foundation for my journey since then. During my time in undergrad, I doublemajored in finance and international political economy and minored in economics, and I started putting that interplay to work right away. I interned at CSIS, a foreign-policy think tank in D.C., researching the early stages of the war in eastern Ukraine and the international sanctions response, alongside internships in private equity and at a hedge fund. That early blend of policy and finance still defines my work today. After graduating, I joined Blackstone, spending most of my time there in capital markets across credit, private equity, and real estate, where I gravitated toward the credit space. With four years of experience under my belt, I went back to school for my MBA at MIT Sloan, spent my summer at Moelis, and joined full-time in restructuring and M&A before moving to PJT Partners. I am now a vice president in PJT’s Restructuring and Special Situations group in New York, advising companies, creditors, boards, and special committees through financial distress situations and bankruptcies. On the personal side, the highlight of this chapter was getting married a few years ago. Also, a defining part of these years has been bringing my younger brother and sister over from Ukraine and helping them develop their paths here.
What do you miss the most about your time on the Hilltop? Without a doubt, the people. My closest friends from Georgetown became my groomsmen (one was my best man) and we’re as close now as we were back at Georgetown. We went back for our 10-year reunion and we all stayed in a house together with our significant others, made it to the Tombs, and sat in on a lecture for old times’ sake. Georgetown didn’t just provide an education; it gave me the friendships that have anchored the rest of my life.
Reflecting on your career, what was the most impactful business course you took at Georgetown? Global Business Experience. We were split into teams and spent a semester working as consultants to a real company, and then we traveled to Barcelona over spring break to present our recommendations directly to its leadership. The second half of the course turned to the economics of the global wine and spirits trade: tariffs, cross-border markets, and how products move around the world. My team ended up winning the competition at the end of the course. Looking back, it was an early version of what I do now: a team taking on a real business problem, pressure-testing the analysis, and distilling it into a recommendation a boardroom can act on. It paid off well beyond the classroom, too — I made great friends in Barcelona, some of whom I now have the pleasure of seeing often in New York.
What advice do you have for current and future students as they start their careers? Say yes before you feel ready, and let the opportunities compound. I knew early on that I wanted real experience during my time in undergrad, but formal opportunities for sophomores were limited and slow to come together. I went after them and then, all at once, four opportunities came together… and I ended up taking on all four: an internship at a private equity firm, work with a hedge fund, a research project on Ukraine with one of my professors, and a consulting job for a struggling bike shop near campus. So take the non-linear path and bet on yourself before your resume catches up; very little about my own route was a straight line. Also, Georgetown’s motto of being there for others has stayed with me long after graduation. When the war in Ukraine broke out during my final semester at MIT, that idea stopped being abstract. I spent those months fundraising, getting protective equipment to people on the ground, and organizing my MIT community to help — and in the years since, supporting Ukraine has become one of the most important parts of my life. Whatever you go on to do, life becomes more meaningful when you find opportunities to take action in service of something larger than yourself.
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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 do well, do good, globally.
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Undergraduate Programs Annual Report 2025–2026 | 3
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