UNCG Bryan School undergraduates strive to become bold, career-ready leaders in business. With new funding from alumnus Marcus T. Johnson ’99, they’re now better assured of it.

Complemented by enrichment opportunities, the innovative Blueprint Series gives Spartans in UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics a boost to be career-ready as it accelerates students’ personal and professional growth. Johnson is leveraging a Student Professional Development Fund to invest in the Blueprint series, expanding opportunities for every Bryan School student.

Miles Faulkner, a marketing major who’s teaching a Blueprint course this semester about making resumes, interviewing, and preparing for their first job, says the series is invaluable. “This school has prepared me – and through Blueprint I’m now helping prepare younger students – for the real world.

In the program, undergrads take a one-credit-hour course each year focusing on real-world skills, such as developing proposals and personal brand development. Many upperclassmen nearing graduation, like Faulkner, help teach courses for the newer students. Additionally, the undergrads intern at nearby companies as part of the series.

“We didn’t have anything like the Bryan Blueprint series when I was here,” Marcus Johnson said recently. “I would have loved a resource like this.”

A business administration major, Johnson especially valued the practical, real-world approach of his favorite professors, such as Eloise Hassell.

Johnson has become a highly successful businessman in the decades since he graduated in 1999. Leading Johnson Automotive Group, one of the nation’s most prominent dealership groups, he has been honored with the Bryan School Distinguished Alumni Award and currently serves on the Bryan School Advisory Board.

The Blueprint Series is not the only area that will benefit from Johnson’s gift. He is supporting the Bryan School Enrichment Fund, and he is creating a Dean’s Endowment Fund to help the dean respond to the needs of the school and implement innovative new programs.

Bryan School Dean Joy Bhadury explains the value: Johnson’s generous funding will promote student development activities to ensure graduates are career-ready. An example? “We can better support travel undertaken by students to competitions, whether they be regional or national.

International experiences are vital too. “When students wish to study abroad, we’ll provide them with far more funding than what we currently can offer, Dr. Bhadury said. “The funds will provide for more conferences and networking opportunities, and we’ll have even more workshops where business leaders come and speak, as well. We will expand a robust portfolio of opportunities for students.”

Kimberly Alvarado, a senior business administration major, is ready. Her first Blueprint courses as a sophomore changed her academic trajectory, she explains, igniting her passion for professional development. Now coming off a summer internship with Vanguard in Charlotte, she is helping teach Blueprint courses. And, what’s more, as president of UNCG’s ALFPA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), a student group focusing on professional development, networking, and leadership, she’ll receive enrichment funds to attend its national conference, where she’ll learn from business leaders and her national peers.

The true value in Johnson’s generous act, Bhadury explains, is far more than funding. “He is giving his time and talent, as well as treasure.”

Johnson’s giving includes funding for the Alumni House, ensuring that it continues to serve the evolving needs of the University community. And the Alumni House will bear his name. “Seeing it named for a Bryan School graduate validates our mission, speaks to the Bryan School’s longtime culture of care, and gives us all a sense of pride,” Bhadury added.

Johnson enjoys coming back to speak with students. Through his advisory board service and philanthropy, he is propelling the students toward a successful future. As Bhadury says, “He’ll have a tremendous impact on Bryan School students for generations to come.”

“Everything that I give back really has to do with education,” Johnson said. “It’s the foundation for our society, and it’s the springboard for people’s careers and lives. I want each of our Spartan students to be successful, and these gifts will elevate their aspirations with learning opportunities they may not have imagined before.”

His multi-part gift is part of the UNCG Light the Way campaign, which so far has raised more than $200 million to increase student access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs.