The Program honors John E. Jeuck, AB ’37, MBA ’38, PhD ’49, an award-winning teacher and scholar of business history, especially corporate strategy. Jeuck joined the faculty in 1946. When he retired in 1988, he was Robert Law Professor of Business Administration and a former dean.
The Program launched in 2002. Each year, the current cohorts of Distinguished Fellows explore the question of how leaders make enduring and positive impact on their organizations and society. The program is directed by Booth Faculty member Chris Collins and has benefited from the guidance of past faculty directors Harry L. Davis, Chad Syverson, and John C. Heaton.
Following the tradition of the friendship between Jeuck and his students, the Distinguished Fellows retain a focus on building close relationships among the small cohort of members. The small size allows for intimacy, deep conversations, rich debates, and the opportunity for fellows to participate in each other’s personal and professional development. All of this is achieved via a diverse program that incorporates varied readings, group discussions, interactions with guests and alumni, and occasional excursions. Ultimately the fellowship is more than a scholarship. It is a practicum and community that focuses on the values of learning, leadership, and community.
Over the years, the Fellows alumni community has grown to include leaders in many diverse pursuits, including business—from startups to Fortune 100 companies—medical and legal fields, and more.
The heart of the program are the bonds that unite cohorts of fellows. These connections are grounded in a seriousness of purpose in which they take ownership for their own development and the development of other Fellows. Fellows strive to represent the program at Chicago Booth and beyond with respect and gratitude. Finally, Fellows place a stronger emphasis on asking questions than on making statements. They ask questions of themselves and those around them in order to build community and to ensure the kind of learning that is only acquired by encountering other perspectives.
The founder of the Distinguished Fellows Program, John E. Jeuck, AB ’37, MBA ’38, PhD ’49, was an award-winning teacher and scholar of business history, especially corporate strategy. Jeuck joined the faculty in 1946. When he retired in 1988, he was Robert Law Professor of Business Administration and former dean.
Program Founder: John E. Jeuck (1916-2009)Christopher D. Collins
Clinical Associate Professor of Leadership
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
773.702.6259
chris.collins@chicagobooth.edu
