Alumni Event

From campus to continents: Scholars for Life, leaders for a global network

Fostering stronger connections, McDonnell Academy introduces Alumni Regional Events—a new initiative for global community engagement.

Attend our first regional event! This initiative seeks to engage the St. Louis McDonnell Academy alumni and expand professional networks. We hope this local initiative will serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives among our regional alumni, both in the U.S. and abroad.

McDonnell Academy St. Louis Alumni Reception

March 28, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Knight Center Pub, 4th Floor
Knight Center, Danforth Campus
Washington University In St. Louis
  • Parking available in the McMillan Garage. Exit parking passes will be available at the event.
  • Kid Zone crafts available to occupy children during the event.

Program

Informal networking session: Appetizers, bar and coffee available. Dessert provided by Foundry Bakery, providing high quality baked goods. McDonnell alumnus, Huong Pham, and her husband Ray Yeh, an Olin alumnus, were inspired to break barriers and bring people together through the exploration of flavors and textures by preparing their own take on Taiwanese-centric baked breads and pastries.

Welcome & Introductions
  • Team will kick off the event with a warm welcome to all attendees and introduction to Academy team.
  • Brief overview of the McDonnell Academy’s commitment to academic and leadership success.
Strategic Plan Overview
  • Discuss key points of the strategic plan.
  • Learn more about how alumni involvement can contribute to its success.
Engagement Opportunities 
  • Invite attendees to share insights into their career paths and areas of expertise.
  • Highlight the importance of networking and regional engagement.
  • Introduce the concept of semester-based local events.
  • Discover preferences for upcoming events.

Join our journey!

For alumni who may have limited engagement, these regional events provide an opportunity to reconnect with the McDonnell Academy and Washington University. By attending, participants can gain insights into the latest happenings at the Academy, learn about new programs, and rediscover the innovative spirit that once ignited their academic journey. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s make an impact together!


Growing Professional Networks

Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth, and our regional events can be tailor-made to foster connections that go beyond borders. By attending, alumni can tap into a diverse pool of expertise within their region, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career development. A stronger local network invariably translates into global professional growth.

These regional events serve as a pilot for a broader vision. As we witness the impact and success of these gatherings, we aim to inspire similar initiatives across different regions, both nationally and internationally. By setting the standard, our aim is to inspire fellow alumni communities to adopt a similar approach, weaving a network of interconnected regional communities. The Academy’s pillars—Global Mindset, Community, and Leadership—embody the spirit of Scholars for Life. The McDonnell Academy aligns seamlessly with WashU’s ‘Here and Next’ strategic plan, working in tandem to advance education, research, and societal impact. Together, we foster a global mindset, build strong community bonds, and develop leadership, contributing significantly to WashU’s vision of global excellence and impact.

I am interested!

Keep an eye out for updates as we collectively create an impact! Your involvement is crucial as we develop a regional alumni toolkit. We’d greatly appreciate your input at any time in shaping this resource to best meet the needs of our growing community.

Here’s how you can engage:

  • Mentor Match-Up: Share your expertise and guide fellow Scholars.
  • Welcome Letter Writing: Extend a warm fall welcome to incoming Scholars .
  • Two-Minute Tips Video: Share quick insights or advice to benefit Scholars and alumni.
  • Event Coordination: Help the Academy organize and facilitate gatherings to strengthen our network.

Together, let’s shape the future of our Scholar for Life community!

Contact Angie Rahaman, the communications and alumni relations coordinator for the McDonnell Academy with any inquiries.