The Sweet Side of Leadership: UIC Business Visits Eli’s Cheesecake
Experiential Learning and Partnership in Action
Business with Purpose: Leadership and Community in Action
Inside Eli’s: Lessons in Business and Culture
Recently, I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of enthusiastic UIC Business students, faculty, and staff on a visit to Eli’s Cheesecake, a third-generation, family-owned business that has become a Chicago institution.
Hosted by President Marc Schulman, Vice President Elana Schulman, and members of their leadership team, the visit began with an engaging presentation on Eli’s rich history, people-first culture, and business model. Their focus on community impact and commitment to exceptional product quality resonated deeply with our students, faculty, and staff.
During the guided tour, students gained valuable insights into large-scale food production, quality control, and the operational excellence that sustains this iconic Chicago brand.
“Seeing the production process up close gave me a new appreciation for how local businesses connect with national brands,”
— Ting-Yu Li, MBA student
Business with Purpose: Leadership and Community in Action
Business with Purpose: Leadership and Community in Action
“It’s inspiring to meet entrepreneurs who bring their vision to life and contribute so much to the community,” shared Dr. Alan Malter, Associate Professor and Director of the MS in Marketing program. “Every great product reflects both innovation and care.”
The visit concluded with a hands-on cheesecake decorating contest, an enjoyable and creative activity that allowed students to showcase their artistic flair and take home a piece of Eli’s legendary cheesecake!
Experiences like these highlight what makes UIC Business special—our ability to connect students with Chicago’s thriving business community and to learn directly from organizations that model purpose-driven leadership.
Our students left inspired by the company’s mission, leadership, and dedication to excellence, and the visit strengthened our ongoing partnership with Eli’s Cheesecake and its remarkable team.
My sincere thanks to the Schulman family and the Eli’s Cheesecake team for their hospitality and partnership.
—Sandy Wayne, Dean, UIC Business