Binghamton University is highlighting how a strong commitment to community service can enrich a business education through the experiences of Morgan Collett-O’Brien, a first-year business administration student at the university’s School of Management (SOM). Collett-O’Brien, who grew up in Binghamton, New York, sees business not just as a path to a career but as a framework for improving how organizations support people and communities. Her story illustrates the ways Binghamton’s business programs can intersect with civic engagement and leadership.
Early Passion for Service Shapes Business Goals
Collett-O’Brien’s interest in community service predates her college career, and she credits those early experiences with guiding her choice to study business. She believes understanding the human side of business, how strategies affect people’s lives is crucial for future leaders. During her time at Binghamton, she has engaged in activities ranging from serving as a student ambassador at a national leadership conference to organizing local outreach initiatives such as toy and book drives and leading volunteers to create winter gear for children of incarcerated parents. These projects demonstrate how students can combine academic pursuits with real-world impact in the Greater Binghamton area.
Her role with It’s Raining Lemonade, a local nonprofit focused on community connection, has been particularly influential. As youth engagement advisor, Collett-O’Brien worked with grassroots leaders to develop strategies for attracting young volunteers, a task that deepened her understanding of collaboration, communication, and leadership. This blend of service and business strategy reflects broader trends at Binghamton where students are encouraged to integrate classroom learning with civic engagement opportunities.
Institutions like the Center for Civic Engagement provide structures for service and community-based learning that complement traditional coursework, though the precise extent of those programs in the School of Management was not detailed in this article. Opportunities such as volunteer placements, community-engaged research, and internships with local organizations underpin the university’s commitment to applied learning.
Academic Support and Professional Growth
Collett-O’Brien emphasizes the value of mentorship within SOM, citing guidance from both upperclassmen and alumni networks as a key factor in her development. This support system helped her grow academically and professionally, from refining interview skills to delivering presentations. She also participated in competitive case competitions, working with peers to provide audit recommendations using artificial intelligence, an example of how experiential learning complements theoretical study in business programs. These activities align with the broader offerings of Binghamton’s School of Management, which include internships, student clubs, and leadership programs that prepare students for diverse careers and civic roles, though the specific integration of community service into the curriculum varies by program and student interest.
Broader Context and Opportunities
Collett-O’Brien’s story suggests that community service can be a defining component of a business education, especially for students seeking to lead with purpose and social awareness. Binghamton University’s emphasis on civic engagement through institutional partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and applied learning projects offers a support structure for students like her. However, the article does not specify how widely such service-oriented pathways are embedded across all business concentrations, leaving open questions about access and consistency of these experiences for the broader student body. Tracking how community-engaged learning is formally incorporated into business coursework, or whether it remains primarily extracurricular, would offer a clearer picture of its role in shaping future business leaders.
