The paths of business and civic engagement sometimes cross in dramatic fashion, like when billionaires such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg commit a large portion of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Just as important: the quiet efforts every day that join business best practices with the mission to help others and improve the world. The Bentley community has long been at the forefront of this effort. In this issue, we hear from alumni and faculty who work at the intersections of business and the social good.
We start with a big-picture look at how companies find value in becoming more civic minded, while nonprofits post gains by using strategic marketing, data analytics and similar tools. Another story applies a generational lens to civic engagement, with insights on its meaning and pursuit from boomers, Gen Xers and millennials. Finally, you will meet alumni whose public work to help others emerged from private tragedy. Their search for solutions, powered by business skills, has pointed a way forward through heart-rending circumstances.
The ROI of civic engagement hit home for me this fall. An email arrived with news of a crowdfunding campaign for service-learning programs at Bentley. Over three days, gifts from 100 people would unlock $3,500 from an anonymous donor. I supplied my credit card information and hit “send.” The reply was gratifyingly quick: I was the 166th person of an eventual 258 to support the initiative. My gift was modest. Not so the rush of pride or the sense of kinship I felt with fellow benefactors. Check out the final tally on page 19.
There’s inspiration on every page as we approach the season of giving thanks and giving back.
Reach out by phone, email or your favorite social platform. Stay well and stay in touch.
Susan Simpson
Editor