The Loyola Consulting Group (LCG) transformed McGuire Hall into a space where students sat with business owners to present strategies and recommendations to produce real growth, known as the ‘Final Deliverable.’ What began as a semester-long project through the student-run organization turned into a moment where ideas met execution, and students proved their ability to tackle real-world business challenges.
LCG is a pro bono consulting club, open to all students, that partners with businesses ranging from startups to well-established firms, many of them based in the Baltimore area. Executive Director of LCG Matthew Rogers ‘26 said since the launch of the club, the organization has supported more than 60 local businesses and delivered over $1.5 million worth of consulting services. Within the organization, students serve as analysts, general members, or consultants who lead project teams.
LCG’s incoming Executive Director Mathias Hieber ’28 said the sense of real-world responsibility is what sets the club apart.
“The biggest thing is that it’s real. You’re not just going to meetings. You’re actually responsible for work that matters to someone outside of Loyola. There’s a level of accountability that makes it feel closer to an internship or job, and that’s what makes it so valuable,” Hieber said.
At the start of the semester, students were split up into eight teams, and each paired with a business client. Some of the clients included What the Sprout and the District Court of Maryland.
In these groups, they work closely with clients to develop strategic solutions in areas such as marketing, social media, and accounting. Members working with What the Sprout developed a strategic marketing plan and focused on social media content alongside a content calendar, whereas members working with The District Court of Maryland created an informational banner on their website to inform people what to do if they are evicted. This process involved conducting research, analyzing data, and collaborating directly with business owners to gain a deeper understanding of their goals and challenges.
The impact of this work extends well beyond the classroom. Rogers said 91% of clients continue to use LCG’s recommendations even after the engagement ends, and 95% report satisfaction with the research and findings provided.
Analyst Eoin Hartigan ’28 described how collaboration quickly grew into something more meaningful with his client, Bataleur, a private airline company located in South Africa.
“Our team was very optimistic about forming a relationship with our client from the beginning of the semester. It was clear that he had a deep passion for the project, and every weekly meeting with him just allowed that passion to bleed through into our own work. Although I have only been involved with Bataleur for a few months, I feel a strong connection to the performance of the company in the future,” Hartigan said.
For many students, the experience offers a level of responsibility that extends beyond the classroom. Instead of working through hypothetical situations, members are asked to provide insights that can directly influence real businesses. That sense of impact has contributed to the organization’s rapid growth, with interest in joining LCG increasing by 254% in recent years.
At the Final Deliverable event, the semester-long work finally came to a head. Each team presented their findings and recommendations not only to their clients, but also to fellow students, faculty members, and the Dean of the Sellinger School of Business Mary Ann Scully.
Consultant Simone Abbasi ’29 reflected on her team’s performance.
“I was completely ecstatic, so proud of my team and all the hard work that they’ve put into this. It’s not only just a club and another organization, but it is truly, truly a family that we’ve built, and I just, I’m so proud and I’m so glad for all the hard work that they’ve done and how it turned out tonight on stage,” Abbasi said.
For business owners, the event provided an opportunity to gain new perspectives on their operations. For students, it marked a moment where preparation met real-world impact.
The Final Deliverable highlighted the broader mission of LCG: bridging the gap between academic learning and community engagement. By offering consulting services at no cost, the organization supports local businesses while giving students hands-on experience that prepares them for future careers.
“LCG has probably been the most impactful thing I’ve been a part of here. I’ve learned a ton, met a lot of great people, and it’s definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way. I’m excited to help keep growing it,” Hieber said.
