Humans of Kellogg: John Gilmore (JV)

By: Siddhaarth Sudhakaran Today, we meet John Gilmore, a legal eagle who currently serves at the Cook County Circuit Court. He's also the partner of Worth Goodell, who's widely known as MBAi's sweetest muffin—the one who bakes birthday cakes, crochets, and hosts great dinners.

John and Worth met at Dartmouth College as undergraduates, but their journey has taken them many places, both professionally and personally. John's story isn't a straight line. It's a journey of discovery, finding a passion, and then realizing that passion was only a stepping stone to something else entirely. Read on to find how a curious Ivy-leaguer born into a family of medical professionals discovered his calling in journalism, which eventually led him to his nascent career in law.

From Journalism to Jurisprudence

"I never planned on going to law school," John says, a warm smile emerging on his face. "I was born into a family of doctors—my parents and my sister were doctors—but I realized early in undergrad that medicine wasn't my calling. After some soul-searching, I found that I enjoyed writing, particularly explaining complex topics to a large audience."

This love for “explaining” things led him to a career in medical journalism, where he penned articles on subjects ranging from drug trials to cancer testing. He'd pore over research papers, interview scientists, and talk to companies trying to bring new diagnostic tests to market. It was here, in the midst of conversations about clinical trials and FDA hurdles, that a pattern emerged.

"I'd be interviewing a CEO or a general counsel, and I'd ask a question, and they'd say, 'I can't really answer that directly, there are legal nuances involved,'" he recalls. "Over the course of time as I continued being curious, a few of them started telling me, 'John, you should probably go to law school to get answers you want.’" At first, John brushed these suggestions off, but it lingered in the back of his mind. Finally, he decided, Why not? He realized he could get a much deeper understanding of the world by looking at it through a legal lens.

Worth: The Supportive Partner

Engaged! John (left), Mango (center) Worth (right)

Going to law school was a big leap, but John wasn't alone. His partner, Worth, was his steadfast support system. "He really helped me out with studying for the LSAT, making meals, just managing the house so I could focus," John says, his voice full of appreciation.

During John's time in rural Virginia for law school, Worth was working for a startup in New York, and they navigated a long-distance relationship. "We had multiple FaceTime calls and chats throughout the first year," he says. Worth moved in with John during his second year of law school. "Having a partner in law school has its benefits, but also its challenges," John says. "You're trying to balance the rigor of academics and recruiting while nurturing a relationship."

The dynamic has now shifted. Worth is attending Kellogg for his MBAi, and John has taken on the role of supporter. "I've been a business student's partner now," he jokes. "I walk Mango their adorable canine companion] more, and I take the lead in household chores." This role reversal has also helped John appreciate the differences between the academic environments. "The culture here is just so different," John says, comparing Kellogg to his law school experience. He observes a much more laid-back atmosphere among Kellogg folks.

A Home Full of Life

John and Worth's home is a reflection of their lives: warm, welcoming, and full of character. "If minimalism is one extreme, our place is the opposite," he laughs. The walls are covered in art and decor, and there are plants everywhere, a byproduct of Worth's green thumb.

Family Halloween John (left), Mango (center), Worth (right)

Their household also includes two beloved pets: aforementioned Mango, a goofy, sweet dog who "replaced" John in Worth's life during law school, and Miko, a comparatively introverted cat the couple adopted last summer. Mango is an exceptionally friendly dog whose love language is physical touch. She cuddles up to everyone who visits, with one major exception. "Mango is afraid of nuns," he says with a grin, recalling a time a friend dressed up as one for Halloween and the dog completely freaked out.

Having spent last Thanksgiving at John and Worth’s home, I can attest to their exceptional hospitality and highly recommend signing up for an SGD at their place!

Most Memorable K-Moment

For John, the most memorable moment of his Kellogg journey was the MBAi retreat. He'd only recently passed his bar exam—an achievement that came after years of hard work and perseverance. He arrived at the retreat, having not talked to many MBAi students unsure of whether he would fit in. Worth, however, had already shared the good news with his classmates. "All of a sudden people were cheering and congratulating me for passing an exam that was very important to me," John recalls. Kaela, the MBAi President, even popped a bottle of champagne. The outpouring of genuine happiness from people, several of whom he barely knew at that point, was overwhelming. He felt truly included and cared for, a warmth that I could feel through the sparkle in his eyes.

Advice for Other Kellogg Couples

John's advice for other couples navigating the demanding world of graduate school is simple and heartfelt: communicate.

"Make sure you and your partner know what is expected of each other," he stresses. "There are days when you'll have projects or exams, and you just need to be on the same page about who's doing what." It’s about being a team, understanding each other's needs, and making sure no one feels like they're being put on the back burner.

John's journey is a beautiful reminder that life rarely follows a script. Sometimes, the most fulfilling paths are the ones we stumble upon, guided by curiosity and supported by those we love. What's a roundabout journey you've taken that led you to an unexpected place?

Read about other Humans of Kellogg:

Isabelle Hofgeartner 2Y '26