Ben Wiener, AB’94

Why I give to the University of Chicago

In order for the University to continue to provide the best undergraduate education on the planet, it needs our support. Alumni gifts are critical to attracting and retaining great professors, building the facilities that enhance both scholarship and quality of life, and most importantly, ensuring that a University of Chicago education remains within the financial grasp of any student who qualifies for one.

How I support the University

I write a check. I encourage others to write checks. I provide career advice to College students who are interested in the advertising business. For the past five years I've spoken at the Taking the Next Step conference. And for the past four summers I've hosted a Metcalf Fellow in my office at WongDoody, the public relations, advertising, and marketing firm for which I am the Chief Executive Officer.

Most recently, I've worked with the University of Chicago on its Regional Leadership initiative here in Los Angeles. We're trying to reach out and reenergize the alumni community here and help them recognize the University's tremendous achievements, as well as the University's tremendous needs. A lot of alumni have both the means and the interest to make an impact on the University and we're making an effort to get them involved.

Why it is important for me to volunteer my time

I really enjoy my contact with students and alumni. If I was just writing a check, I wouldn't feel nearly as connected to the College or the community.

How my Chicago education has informed my career

Advertising rewards an ability to learn new industries quickly, analyze business problems succinctly, and move seamlessly from thinking about marketing an airline to figuring out how to sell more fish sticks. The Common Core gave me a framework for critical thinking and analysis that I use every day. I can also amaze my colleagues with obscure literary, historical, and philosophical allusions.