LINDNER Graduate Programs
MBA Spotlight
Generosity Need When
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MBA student travels 11,500 miles on a motorcycle through 48 states in 23 days, raising nearly $15,000 for children’s charity. BY Judy Ashton
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“I feel good about the money raised. It’s definitely going to change a lot of young children’s lives. I hope to see a day where every child gets a good education.” — Gowtham Ramamurthy, MBA ‘15
e wanted to make a difference. That’s why Gowtham Ramamurthy, MBA ’15, secured a Kawasaki motorcycle, obtained sponsorships and took to the open road on a solo ride through 48 states in 23 days. Some thought he was crazy; others encouraged his fundraising ride for the Save the Children organization. He left the Lindner College of Business on April 27 with a crowd of well-wishers tracking his progress and viewing his photos via Facebook. The ride, he says, was his way of giving back. It’s easy to understand why Ramamurthy earned the 2014 MBA for Others Service Award, a recognition given to the Lindner MBA student who best exhibits
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leadership, integrity and compassion for others. He set a great example; his actions perfectly matched the criteria. He raised nearly $15,000, as every dollar donated to Save the Children was matched by $3 from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Proceeds benefited children both in the U.S. and in India, Ramamurthy’s native country and where he received a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Anna University and spent three years working at Cognizant Technology Solutions before coming to study at the Lindner College of Business. The experience, he says, was amazing, one that will stay with him for the rest of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed the sights, met wonderful people and kept in touch daily with his
worried mother back in India. “The United States is a beautiful country with even more beautiful people and one needs more than 23 days to see it,” he says. His favorite experience occurred in Minneapolis, where a group welcomed him with open arms and donated to his cause. “I got to talk to around 30 kids and their parents about the fundraiser, and the support I got was amazing,” he says. “It was also fun to answer all the questions the kids had for me.” Now Ramamurthy is once again focused on his MBA studies and perhaps his next adventure. To donate or view photos from his trip, please visit ride4children.org.