Connecting Through Volunteerism

The spirit of volunteerism that animates Robin Reynolds, MBA ’01, is evident through the many forms of service that she has taken within Stanford GSB community. Since graduating almost seven years ago, she has been a non-stop volunteer in a multitude of areas, including a pro bono consultant with the Alumni Consulting Team (ACT), fundraising chair for her fifth Reunion, and member of the Business School Fund Council. In these roles, her engagement in the life of the school continually brings new opportunities for intellectually stimulating projects, new and renewed friendships, and a shared appreciation for what it takes to drive the teaching and research innovations that are the hallmark of Stanford GSB.

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Robin Reynolds, MBA ’01

Reynolds recalls the impact of one of her projects as an ACT volunteer: “We were tasked with developing a strategic plan to help the Oakland Zoo prepare for a major expansion focusing on native California wildlife. By bringing together the combined business skills of fellow Stanford GSB alumni consultants, we had a direct impact on a wonderful non-profit organization.” Inspired by her experience, Reynolds became a trustee for the Oakland Zoo and serves as chair of the development committee.

With the commitment of volunteers like Reynolds, it’s no surprise that ACT – which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary – has become a model for linking the management skills of business professionals with the needs of nonprofit organizations. One of the largest pro bono resource providers in the Bay Area, ACT contributes an estimated value of more than $2 million in consulting services annually.

Reynolds has since turned her focus to contributing her insights and expertise as a class reunion fundraising chair and member of the Business School Fund Council. By using her broad knowledge of class-based giving from both her undergraduate and graduate experiences, she continues to inform and improve strategies to increase participation in the Business School Fund.

Reynolds’ involvement has reinforced her own convictions about the role that all alumni have in ensuring the success of the school through their collective commitment of both financial resources and time. “For me, it starts with the realization that my consistent annual gifts coupled with those of my classmates and fellow alumni are what make it possible for the school to undertake the incredible changes to the curriculum that were launched this year.”

“My time as a student at Stanford GSB was just the beginning,” Reynolds notes. “I find great satisfaction in having an impact through the volunteer roles that I’ve taken on at the school, and volunteering keeps me connected to a place that continues to mean so much to me.”