When Christine Brown-Quinn decided to pursue an MBA in International Business at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB), it was the program’s international component that really drew her attention.
As she was wrapping up her graduate studies, Christine was recruited by a financial company in London. Alongside her husband, Tom, Christine arrived in the UK with a five-year plan in mind. Decades later, they’re still there — a testament to how their experience abroad shaped not just their careers, but their entire outlook on life. "It’s not just about having fun or traveling," Christine says. "It’s about preparing yourself for the global challenges of the future. The world is bigger than your neighborhood, and when you realize that, everything else falls into place."
Tom saw the value of global experience early on. Growing up, he noticed that his father, a WWII veteran who had lived in Europe, had a unique perspective that set him apart from other fathers. "I always saw that my dad was a different person as a result," he says. As Tom built his career in accounting, he saw how much employers value international experience. "To become a partner, if you didn’t have international experience in your portfolio, you had to have something else that was really unique about you."
Understanding the tremendous academic and career benefits of international experience, Christine and Tom are now helping more GWSB students participate in impactful study abroad programs: "We know that when students participate in this kind of global experiential learning, it helps with employment," Christine says. "One benefit feeds into the other."
To make this happen, they’re donating $15,000 on #GivingDay to support GW’s Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) program.
Student Impact
Thanks to their generous gift, G&EE was able to significantly reduce the program fee for this summer’s Short-Term Study Away Programs (STAPs) in Argentina and Singapore. This fee covers student accommodations, cultural activities, ground transportation, and some group meals.
Here are just a few of the students whose studies and careers will be transformed thanks to Christine and Tom’s gift:
Jesse Kwon (MAACY ‘26) - Headed to STAP Singapore "Exploring SMEs" with Professor Yun Zhang
"I am eager to learn from the unique challenges and opportunities Singaporean enterprises face, and to gain insights regarding effective business practices in diverse cultural and economic settings. My ultimate career goal is to establish a tax firm specializing in international businesses. This program is integral to realizing this vision, providing a rich learning environment that mirrors the multifaceted challenges and opportunities my future clients will face."
Alexis Williams (OMBA ‘26) - Headed to STAP Argentina "Global Business Project: Hilton Hotels & Resorts" with Professor Nam Pham
"One of the main factors that influenced my decision to attend GWSB was the opportunity to participate in a Short-Term Study Away Program (STAP). This unique program will allow me to immerse myself in a new culture and gain invaluable professional experience working with global Fortune 500 company Hilton Hotels and Resorts."
David Morante (PMBA ‘26) - Headed to STAP Argentina "Global Business Project: Hilton Hotels & Resorts" with Professor Nam Pham
"I firmly believe that exposure to different ways of life fosters greater understanding and empathy, both of which are essential for personal growth. By participating in STAP Argentina, I hope to challenge my perspectives and adapt to new cultural norms, making me more open-minded, flexible, and resilient. This is a unique opportunity for me to grow academically, personally, and professionally."
Christine and Tom have pledged a matching challenge donation, with the goal of doubling their contribution through matched funds. Additional gifts will help G&EE further reduce the cost of future STAPs, ensuring that all GWSB students interested in expanding their global perspective and career preparation through study abroad can do so.
Double Their Impact – Make a Gift Today
Christine and Tom know firsthand how global experiences shape lives. That’s why they’re matching every dollar donated on Giving Day — up to $15,000! Your contribution helps students gain international exposure, build valuable skills, and prepare for global careers. This #GivingDay, meet their challenge by supporting with a gift.
Support GW and Make a Gift Today