Hult Global Case Challenge

Billing itself as "the world's largest crowd-sourcing platform" and dedicated to tackling issues related to global poverty, the Hult Global Case Challenge is a forum that challenges students from all over the world to find ways to do business that make the world a better place. For the first time ever, a team from the Oregon MBA was one of the 300 chosen from more than 4,000 applicants to compete in this year's competition. First-year MBAs Grace Chang, Paul Chun, Shannon Oliver, Andrew White, and Jessica Zutz reached beyond their comfort zones to design a solution that would increase access to inexpensive solar power for East African communities that currently rely on kerosene, a fuel that is dangerous, dirty, and expensive. Making the most of their connections both in and out of the Lundquist College, the team undertook a crash course in the economy and culture of East Africa. Bonding, brainstorming, and plenty of long hours ensued: "There were even several nights when we got kicked out of Lillis because the building was shutting down," the team recalled.