Joel Zychick, GWSB BBA ’76, is one of many alumni who are helping the University achieve its goal of bolstering affordability and student aid. Last year, he established a scholarship for business students in his name.

The $40,000 fund will go towards scholarships for students in the Business School. Over the years, the scholarship fund will grow to $100,000.

“In today’s environment, when you’re entering the workforce, you really need some basic knowledge and ability to embrace business models,” Zychick said. “I had the good fortune of going to GW and picked up those skills. I want others to achieve the same skill set that I have.”

Zychick has used the business knowledge he gained at GW to start his own company after years as a practicing attorney, CEO, and CFO. His business, Zcounsel LLC, helps entrepreneurial organizations maximize profits and efficiency.

“GW has been well-received to those looking at my background over the years,” Zychick said. “I’ve always found the GW credential to be well-recognized, especially internationally.”

Zychick said he remembers his experience at GW to be a very “interesting” time and place to go to school due to the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon’s resignation.  

“When I was at GW, it was an exciting time to learn and observe the diverse opinions and beliefs of the population.”

Part of GW’s five-year plan to address affordability and cost for undergraduates is to quadruple fund raising for student aid to $40 million annually within 5 years.