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Invest in the Future of Business

We've created a holistic way for organizations to tap into the collective insights, talent, and resources of Gies College of Business. Our team works in partnership with the Office of Corporate Relations to build lasting, purposeful partnerships that add value to organizations and contribute to the future of business education. Areas to engage include:


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Branding & Sponsorship

Get involved with programs and activities that help build your brand at Gies and deepen your ties to our students, faculty, and staff.

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Research & Targeted Solutions

Engage in campus research through funded research, applied research projects, participation in our research centers, or the pursuit of collaborative federal funding opportunities.

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Professional Development

Ensure you have the power of a world-class university fueling your employees’ learning and development needs. Gies offers cost-effective educational experiences that are flexible, scalable, and stackable.

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Economic Development

Help Gies and the University of Illinois deliver resources and services to companies from the local community and region.

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Student Engagement

Engage talented students at all levels who are ready to make an impact on your business.

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Innovation & Technology Transfer

Get connected with the leaders in academia to bring innovative technologies developed at Illinois to the marketplace.

Corporate Affiliates and Partner Programs

Our corporate partners and affiliates programs are unique platforms for corporations to actively engage with students and faculty at Gies, serving on advisory boards for specific programs. Corporate partners in these programs provide strategic input and guidance regarding the relevance of curriculum, participate in extracurricular activities, sponsor student projects, and provide important financial support to programs, including:

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

The Supply Chain Management (SCM) program in Gies College of Business combines classroom instruction and practical immersive experiences through a series of activities that enhance students’ understanding of the real-world challenges of supply chain management.

The Hoeft Technology & Management Program (T&M)

The Hoeft Technology & Management (T&M) Program is a joint university minor within Gies College of Business and The Grainger College of Engineering that provides students unique opportunities to build problem-solving skills and learn to work in cross-functional teams. Founded in 1995, the program averages 65 graduates each year.

Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research (ORMIR)

ORMIR brings together students from across the Illinois campus to interact with industry professionals to help students explore careers in the risk management field. Students from a variety of disciplines—including accounting, actuarial science, atmospheric science, computer science, engineering, finance, and statistics—can participate in professional development experiences to develop their interest in risk management and insurance.

Our staff can help you determine which opportunities best match your organization’s needs. Contact Barry Dickerson, Managing Director of Corporate Relations, at bdickers@illinois.edu or Madeline Mortensen, Associate Director of Corporate Engagement, at mmorten2@illinois.edu

Alumni Engagement

Interested in other ways to engage with the College as an alum? Pay it forward to the next generation of business leaders by getting involved at Gies. Whether you’re investing your time, sharing your talent, or giving a financial gift, your generosity makes a difference in the lives of students, in the work of faculty members, and in the way Gies students are prepared for the business world. Learn more.