As part of the McDonnell Academy’s core mission to foster close relationships among future global leaders, our goal is for alumni to rely on the Academy networks and track-two diplomacy throughout their careers to address global issues.
McDonnell Academy alumni come from different degree programs, different partner universities and different regions around the world – facts that reflect the diversity found in our cohorts. As the numbers of alumni increase, we continue to organize opportunities for engagement and networking as reminders that they are Scholars for Life.

McDonnell Academy Alumni Panels
The McDonnell Academy has organized a special panel series featuring our Alumni. Hear from alumni Scholars who are established professionals – in international organizations, non-profits, academics, entrepreneurship, finance, law, and more.
McDonnell Alumni Spotlight
Scholars for Life
Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni
Established in 2019 in honor of Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, founder of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, the award is presented to one McDonnell Alumnus a year. This award honors those alumni who “give back”, exemplifying outstanding leadership through professional and personal development.
Apply for the Wrighton Award
Above all, training through Olin Business School and the McDonnell Academy has empowered me with an extensive network of contacts. You get to meet and talk to people you would never otherwise have the opportunity to see.
Ming Zu Director, Global Procurement and Category Management, Emerson
McDonnell Academy Alumni Wrighton Award
McDonnell Alumni: Join our Mentorship Network
Our Scholars emerge from the McDonnell Academy program as global citizens and responsible leaders empowered to forge productive careers and impact our global community.
Alumni contribute to the mentorship network
The continued interaction with Scholars from different cultural backgrounds and areas of expertise is valuable later when we need to overcome barriers that arise when we work in diverse environments.
Fernando Lopez, PhD Professor, Alberto Hurtado UniversityGlobal Alumni and Parents Fellowship
The McDonnell Academy recognizes key sponsors for their support and commitment to the mission of international education.
View some of our sponsorsMeet our McDonnell Academy Alumni

Kun Cao
Tsinghua University

Ryan Do
US Scholars Program

Xinyi Du
Tsinghua University

Siliang Fu
Tsinghua University

Shumyle Haider
Global Scholar-Pakistan

Meenakshi Jha
Jawaharlal Nehru University

Hye Young Kim
Korea University

Yigang Li
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Seulki Seo
Global Scholar-Korea

Lingyue Wang
Xi’an Jiaotong University

Mengfei Wu
Tsinghua University

Jiaao Yu
The University of Queensland

Xu Zhang
Tsinghua University

Wenjia Zhao
China Agricultural University