Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund created to support experiential learning

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign proudly announces the establishment of the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund, generously created by Camille Chang Gilmore and Deryk Gilmore. This fund aims to foster equitable opportunities for students interested in experiential learning and commemorates the legacy of Dr. Paul Magelli.

Magelli devoted much of his life to education and impacted the lives of thousands of students. He earned three degrees from the University of Illinois, and then he returned to work at the university in various capacities from 1989 until his death in 2016 at age 85. His mission at Illinois was clear: to create an environment that ensured engaging, meaningful, hands-on experiences for each and every student. He is best remembered for launching Illinois Business Consulting, which is now the largest student-run, professionally managed consulting organization in the US.

With a vision to bridge the gap between business and social innovation, the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund will provide crucial support to both the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies College of Business and the Community Learning Lab at the School of Social Work. Through this fund, students will have access to a host of collaborative and hands-on opportunities. These programs allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, encouraging innovative thinking, problem- solving, and cross-sector collaboration.

Nationally recognized as a pioneer in the field, Gies Business was one of the nation’s first business schools to make experiential learning a required co-curricular experience for all undergraduate students. Research shows that students learn best when they take what they learned in class, apply it to real business problems, reflect on that experience, and then repeat it. At Gies, experiential learning takes four main forms: project-based Action Learning courses where students apply classroom learning to solve real problems for real businesses; Illinois Business Consulting, which is open to all majors and degrees across campus and provides students with real-world, project-based experience; Illinois Design Consulting, which helps clients solve design challenges and identify opportunity areas for impact; and EntreCORPS, a student-based, pro-bono consulting firm that provides startups with innovative, strategic, research-backed business advice under professional guidance.

The Community Learning Lab (CLL) at the School of Social Work fosters partnerships between students and the community. Through collaborative efforts, the CLL aims not only to enhance community services and showcase their tangible impact but also to promote long-term sustainability. Simultaneously, it provides students with valuable experiential learning opportunities that enrich their skills and education. These efforts align with the university's mission of leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.

"At the core of our mission is the belief in the power of experiential learning to transform lives and communities," said Camille Chang Gilmore and Deryk Gilmore. "We are honored to pay tribute to Dr. Paul Magelli's legacy by supporting initiatives that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering innovation and collaboration."

The fund underscores the Gilmores’ commitment to empowering students to become catalysts for positive change. By providing resources for collaborative projects and student-led initiatives, the fund will enable students to gain invaluable real-world experience while making meaningful contributions to social and small business innovation.

About the Donors: Camille Chang Gilmore is Vice President of Human Resources and Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Boston Scientific. With a wealth of experience and accolades in human resources, diversity, inclusion, and health equity, Camille is a dedicated advocate for social change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. in Human Resources from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business. Camille is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Deryk Gilmore is the President and Owner of Day 1 Sports & Entertainment. He brings over two decades of experience in college athletics and sports management to the table. As a top sports agent, he has been instrumental in guiding athletes to success both on and off the field. Deryk's passion for mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development has shaped the industry, earning him widespread recognition and respect. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from Pennsylvania State University, a member of the 1986 Penn State football national championship team. He also earned his M.B.A. in Marketing from Gies Business and a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Gilmore also owns a manufactory packaging company called The Total Package Group, and he is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Parents to two sons, Dantae and Deion, the Gilmores embody the spirit of service and leadership and as pillars of their community, they continue to encourage others to pursue excellence and make a difference.

"Through the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact on society," added Deryk Gilmore.

Learn more about ways to give to Gies Business.