The University of Chicago Booth has announced a transformative $14 million in philanthropic commitments from University of Chicago trustee and Booth alumnus John A. Edwardson and Fran Edwardson to support and expand its Civic Scholars Program. In recognition of their generosity, the school will rename the program the Edwardson Civic Scholars Program. Students within it will now be known as Edwardson Civic Scholars.
Established in 2016 with seed funding from the Neubauer Family Foundation, the Civic Scholars Program provides full-tuition scholarships to Evening MBA and Weekend MBA students. Students who are pursuing careers in the impact-driven public or nonprofit sectors can to the scholarship. In addition to financial support, the program offers participants access to dedicated faculty advisors, civic leaders, retreats and roundtable discussions. The latter of these are designed to deepen leadership skills and foster real-world problem-solving capabilities.
There are currently 26 students on the program, and a network of 49 alumni. Places are increasingly competitive, and the Edwardsons’ gift will help ensure its continued growth and long-term sustainability.
“John and Fran’s latest generous gift will enhance the Civic Scholars Program offerings for students” said Madhav Rajan, dean and George Pratt Shultz, Professor of Accounting. It “ensures that Booth remains at the forefront of developing social sector leaders committed to solving the most pressing challenges”
The Edwardsons
John Edwardson, long-term champion of business education at Chicago, has a long track record of philanthropy and nonprofit board service. His support has focused particularly on social sector impact. He has funded, endowed, and established programs such as the Edwardson Social Entrepreneurship Program, the Social New Venture Challenge, the John Edwardson Family Foundation Social Impact Scholarship, the faculty directorship at the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, and the Chicago Booth Annual Fund.
Fran Edwardson has led a distinguished career of leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Former senior vice president and general counsel at UAL Corporation and United Airlines, she is currently a board member of JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and Duluth Holdings Inc. In the nonprofit sector, she has served as CEO of the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois. Currently, she chairs the board of trustees at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
“One of our main philanthropic interests has been strengthening communities and the fabric of civic life and its leaders,” John Edwardson stated. “The Civic Scholars Program, by training tomorrow’s government and nonprofit leaders, gives Fran and me the opportunity to play a part in improving quality of life for as many people as possible.”
The Edwardsons’ investment guarantees that Chicago Booth remains as a leading destination for students who are passionate about social innovation. It will equip tomorrow’s leaders with the necessary tools to address society’s most pressing challenges.
You can read more details on the Edwardson’s and their gift here.
