Part of the McDonnell Academy’s core mission is to foster close relationships among future global leaders
Our goal is for alumni to rely on the McDonnell 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 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
I’ve dedicated myself to solving the large-scale skills gap and unemployment problems affecting millions of people around the world. I’m often amazed to see how some obvious solutions are ignored just because we are so used
to the status quo. Changing this is very hard, but with the support of the McDonnell Academy and amazing people around me, I’m confident that we’ll make a permanent dent in this world.
McDonnell Academy Alumni Wrighton Award
McDonnell Alumni: We value our connection with you
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 stay connected
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 UniversityMcDonnell Academy Alumni Engagement
Sponsored in part by Cho-Yee and Patricia To to further advance McDonnell Academy Alumni initiatives, we continue to organize opportunities for engagement and networking as reminders that our alumni are Scholars for Life.
Discover More
Watch the alumni-led discussions on career insights and regional trends, or read about how our alumni help current Scholars with career, leadership or personal goals.
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 Academy Mentorship Network
Providing opportunities for engagement open to all of our alumni around the world, the McDonnell Academy Mentorship Network has been developed to help foster meaningful relationships among Scholars and McDonnell Alumni.
Global 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
Adriana Rivera
US Scholars Program