Co-owner, Tapped Maple Syrup, LLC
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) has a strong culture around thriving communities and local economies. The culture of service found among MBA students, referred to as candidates, is remarkable. As of May, 2022 the alumni of the program work at 47 unique organizations, while volunteering at 79 unique organizations. Serving outpaces working.
Executive educator Jeremy Solin is leading the charge to expand the commitment to serve to include strategic giving. “Philanthropy has to be seen as a common practice that we should all have,” said Solin. “Without that, so many people perceive it as an elite practice and feel detached from developing philanthropic habits.” Solin knows that to give strategically requires a complete understanding of leadership. Beyond the applied practice in a business sense, the candidates were also exposed to leadership in equity and inclusion, leadership in local government, leadership in philanthropy, and leadership in community sustainability.
“To be aware of philanthropic needs, you must also be aware of sustainable issues. To make an impact on diversity, you also need to be aware of governmental concerns,” Solin shared. “To be a good leader, you need to understand what limits you daily, see the value in what you bring, and the impact you can have on your community.”
There is so much more to consider before the creation of a strategic plan for shared philanthropy can be entertained. But the development phase has challenged and grown the candidates in unique new ways. As a result, they will have the skills to influence how the organizations where they work, serve, and play invest their financial resources.
Solin is a fifth generation maple syrup producer. He and his wife Abi own Tapped Maple Syrup, LLC. Solin also has his doctorate in sustainability education. In addition to teaching in the MBA program he teaches in the College of Natural Resources, supports doctoral candidates in the School of Education and can be found at UW-Madison as a Maple Syrup Project Manager.
Do you have a philanthropic idea you would like to explore? To connect with the MBA team for more information regarding their philanthropy projects, email mbainfo@uwsp.edu or visit uwsp.edu/mba to learn more about their program. To learn more about Jeremy Solin and Tapped Maple Syrup, LLC, visit tappedmaplesyrup.com.