Beth Stern '02
	Browse archive of featured alumni

Featured Alumni

February 2008

Beth Stern '02
Executive Director
LUNGevity Foundation

What attracted you to the SEEK Program? If you graduated from Kellogg prior to SEEK being offered as a major, what drew you to courses relating to CSR, social responsibility or nonprofit management?

I did not take many CSR classes at Kellogg (I graduated TMP in 2002), as I was in for-profit management at that time. I've since left to pursue a career in nonprofit management. I did take a class with Prof. Diermeier right before his new concentration (SEEK) was formed, and it really opened my eyes. I had been socially conscious prior to that, but learning about the role of "non-market strategies" in an organization's success was illuminating and motivating.

What value did you get from your experiences with the SEEK Program, or in courses relating to CSR, social responsibility or nonprofit management at Kellogg?

An awareness of the (potentially devastating) role of non-market forces like public opinion, scandal, and irresponsible business practices.

Have those experiences been helpful to you in your daily life, both professionally and personally?

Absolutely.

What is the name of your current organization, and what does your organization do?

LUNGevity Foundation. We fund research into diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer and provide support for people affected by lung cancer.

Please briefly describe your position or role at your organization.

Executive Director. I run the place.

Are you applying the skills/knowledge you learned at Kellogg in your career?

Every day. Everything from brand equity to finance to operations to distribution channels plays a huge role in what we do. I draw on my experiences at Kellogg every day. And I use my alumni contacts to connect with important folks in various sectors.