Episode 31 - Gies Business namesake Larry Gies

Episode 31 - Gies Business namesake Larry Gies

In this episode, Gies College of Business benefactor and Madison Industries founder Larry Gies discusses leadership, philanthropy, innovation, and the future of business education. Gies shares his perspective on expanding access to education, the role of athletics in strengthening universities, lessons learned from taking a company public, and why embracing change, especially AI, is essential for educators and business leaders alike.

Episode 30 - Dean Brooke Elliott

In this episode, Dean Brooke Elliott reflects on her first two years leading Gies College of Business and shares an ambitious vision to expand access to high-quality business education. She discusses efforts to grow undergraduate enrollment, increase affordability, and create more inclusive pathways through majors, minors, and certificates. The conversation also explores how Gies Business is embracing AI and entrepreneurship to equip learners with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Episode 29 - Marketing alum and Illini football standout Hank Beatty

In the history of Illinois football, only 26 players had ever been named an Academic All-American...until Hank Beatty made it 27. In this episode of The Gies Download, former Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty talks about his success in the classroom and on the football field...and explains why he sees a lot of similarities between the two.

Episode 28 - Experiential Learning with Assistant Dean Andrew Allen

At Gies College of Business, students don’t just learn about business — they do business. From day one, they’re working with real companies, solving real problems, and gaining real experience. In the latest episode of the Gies Download, Assistant Dean Andrew Allen shares how experiential learning is embedded into every year of the student journey — transforming education into action and helping students build meaningful skills before they ever graduate.

Episode 27 - Julie Fussner

In the latest episode of the Gies Download, Gies alumna and Culver's CEO Julie Fussner talks about her unexpected path from marketing to the C-suite. From discovering a passion for organizational behavior to navigating uncertainty after graduation, she shares how a strong foundation at Gies Business helped guide her journey.