Michael Hornsby, a senior in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s undergraduate business program, on what the school’s core tenet of The Bottom Line & The Greater Good means to him.

What does The Bottom Line & The Greater Good Mean for you?

The Bottom Line & The Greater Good, to me, means having the opportunity to make a difference beyond what most businesses use to analyze success, financial statements. It means taking on social responsibility within the community that has offered me so much over these past four years. It means taking a moment to step back and think about how not to improve my life, but those around me.

Why do you think this notion is important in business today?

This notion is extremely important today – in fact, more than ever before. Historically, business executives have focused more on driving value within their corporations and less focused on making a positive impact within their communities. However, this dynamic is changing. Corporations are being held to higher standards, and in response, many are allocating financial and human capital to support numerous philanthropic initiatives. The idea behind these increasing standards is such: Without these communities, no corporation could ever succeed. These companies essentially owe their success to the many communities they serve, and in return, ought to make an effort to give back.

How does UNC Kenan-Flagler embody this philosophy?

UNC Kenan-Flagler embodies this philosophy in its core values and everyday operations. The school offers its students many opportunities to serve the community, and more importantly, provides them with the resources to lead such efforts as well. In talking with friends at other universities, this is very unique and something that differentiates the school from most other business school programs.

What opportunities have you had at the school to truly become a part of this philosophy?

I have become very involved with the MBA Habitat for Humanity Leadership Team, which happens to be a great example of the many leadership opportunities that Kenan-Flagler offers its students. I have always liked Habitat for Humanity and the work that they do so I began volunteering at the build site here in Chapel Hill. There I worked alongside other UNC Kenan-Flagler students and faculty such as David Ravenscraft, who teaches M&A at the business school. Later that year, I was asked to become the VP of Undergraduate Outreach for the MBA Habitat for Humanity Leadership Team.

Since joining the team, I have taken on the task of creating and planning an inaugural event, the Heels for Homes 5K, which will be held this upcoming April. In doing so, I have asked 25 Undergraduate and MBA students to assist in planning this event. This has allowed me not only to become involved myself but to incorporate other students from both programs as well. This year, our goal is to contribute to the $50,000 fundraising target, which will help Habitat for Humanity provide housing for the family of Yoe Moo, Paw Ku and their three young sons. The family, originally from Burma, arrived in the United States in 2008 after living nearly 20 years in refugee camps on the Thailand border.

In the end, what’s so rewarding about this opportunity is that regardless of the amount raised, my team will have a positive impact on the community and help change this family’s life for the better (or greater good) – and that’s the bottom line.