$12 million naming gift from John and Fran Edwardson will empower the next generation of civic leaders at school of business

In a landmark act of philanthropy aimed at fortifying the future of public service leadership, John and Fran Edwardson have pledged $12 million to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, expanding the reach and legacy of the school’s highly regarded Civic Scholars Program.

In recognition of this transformative gift, the program will be renamed the John and Fran Edwardson Civic Scholars Program.

The Edwardsons’ donation will not only provide full-tuition scholarships to high-potential MBA students committed to public and nonprofit sector careers but also includes a matching gift component to inspire and amplify support from other donors.

This strategic philanthropic design is expected to significantly broaden access to Booth’s top-tier Evening and Weekend MBA programs for aspiring changemakers who aim to drive systemic impact in civic life.

“This is a bet on the belief that talented, values-driven leadership can shape a more equitable and effective public sector,” said John Edwardson.

“Fran and I are honored to support individuals who are choosing a path of service over self-interest.”

John Edwardson, is a distinguished business leader and private investor, best known for his tenure as chairman and CEO of CDW Corporation, a leading IT solutions provider.

His career has also included executive leadership roles at Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Ameritech, where he blended operational excellence with a deep understanding of complex systems—qualities he now seeks to empower in others through philanthropy.

The Civic Scholars Program, established in 2016, has already carved out a reputation for equipping mission-driven professionals with rigorous business education while maintaining their commitment to civic impact.

Alumni of the program have gone on to lead in areas ranging from education reform and environmental advocacy to healthcare equity and government innovation.

With the Edwardsons’ gift, the Booth School underscores a growing trend among elite institutions: aligning world-class business education with societal responsibility. The renaming of the program honors a couple whose philanthropy reflects a profound and enduring commitment to servant leadership and institutional innovation.

In an era where the intersection of business acumen and civic duty is more vital than ever, the Edwardsons’ vision will serve as a guiding force for the next generation of public-minded leaders.