Focus on Philanthropy: Giving in the Team Fuqua Spirit

Josh Block (Daytime MBA '98) contributes to Fuqua in numerous ways.

By Elizabeth Michalka — This article was originally published in the alumni magazine Team Fuqua.

Josh Block (Daytime MBA ’98)
Vice President, Goldman Sachs

• Contributed to The Fuqua Annual Fund since 1998
• Isle Maligne Society Member since 2003
• Fuqua Alumni Council Member from 2006 – present

Though Josh Block graduated from Fuqua more than a decade ago, he still keeps the Team Fuqua spirit alive, both professionally and personally, by making it a point to help those who have helped him.

“Look at what is important to you—who is important to you—and what has made a difference in your life,” Block says. “It’s critical to be equally generous with your time and money."

Philanthropy is a part of his daily life—contributing both financially and in-kind to organizations that strike a chord with him, including Teach for America, a non-profit supporting education in low-income communities throughout the US, and Natan, a philanthropic network that supports entrepreneurship within the Jewish community.

Block also contributes to Fuqua in numerous ways as an Alumni Council member and by supporting The Fuqua Annual Fund. He returns to Fuqua at least twice a year to help recruit students for Goldman Sachs, and he’s provided professional advice directly to student groups. He’s also hosted students in New York as part of Week-In-Cities career-related trips that expose students to the inner workings of major organizations and potential employers.

“Fuqua helped me to change careers, and it’s because of Fuqua that I’ve been at Goldman for 12 years—I recognize that dynamic,” he says. “My success is a direct result of my Fuqua education, and as such, it’s a no-brainer to give back to the school. I believe in putting my money where my mouth is—and hopefully that will inspire others to do the same.”

Block says he contributes unrestricted gifts to the annual fund because he believes the money should go where it’s most needed at the time.

“Especially in light of the financial crisis, I think it’s important that the money be available to go toward the nuts and bolts—and I trust the dean’s discretion,” he says. “This is really the way to help the school get through this tough time.”