Alumni Volunteers Celebrate Service and Impact During Donaldson Alumni Leadership Summit

On November 20-21, alumni volunteers gathered at Edward P. Evans Hall for the Donaldson Alumni Leadership Summit to exchange perspectives and forge deeper connections with each other and the school. Throughout two days of engaging programming, attendees learned about Yale School of Management’s strategic priorities and were honored for their exceptional service.

Dean Kerwin Charles, the Indra K. Nooyi Dean and Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Economics, Policy, and Management, opened the summit with his perspectives on where Yale SOM is headed and warm remarks recognizing the vital role alumni play in shaping that future. “The school could not be in the position it is now without your diligent and committed work,” Dean Charles said. “I thank you on the school's behalf and on my personal behalf as dean.”

Over 100 volunteers registered to return to campus for the event, named for Founding Dean William H. Donaldson. These dedicated alumni represent the broader community of more than 3,913 graduates who have supported the Yale SOM community by serving as alumni chapter leaders, mentors, guest speakers, and in countless other ways.

Louisa Chen ’23, summit attendee and co-president of the Yale Club of British Columbia, sees volunteering as an opportunity to embody the encouragement she once experienced as a student. “I got tons of support from fellow Yalies, so I decided to spend my time to give back,” she said. “I think that’s always a circle. I help the next SOM students because I can be part of the future by helping them.”

In addition to the welcome from Dean Charles, Thursday’s highlights included a student-led Yale campus walking tour and a dinner featuring a presentation from Stuart DeCew ’11, Executive Director of the Yale Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY).

“Innovation happens at the edges,” said DeCew. “And Yale is perfectly situated to create those edge connections.” CBEY, launched in 2006 by Yale School of the Environment and Yale SOM, is a hub for joint degree students focused on creating innovative and sustainable solutions to today’s challenges. From plant-based leather to sustainable airport design, alumni are putting cross-sector ideas into action. “Activity happens here,” he said.

On Friday, attendees were invited to attend opening remarks from President Maurie McInnis during the Yale Alumni Association's Assembly and Convocation, before an insightful lunch discussion focused on Yale SOM's funding model with Deputy Dean Joel Getz and Chief Financial Officer Jason Kroon. Attendees gained transparency into the history of the school’s self-support funding model and the importance of donor-funded scholarships for attracting, supporting, and retaining students. The afternoon also included "Pathways to Engagement," a session exploring volunteering opportunities at Yale SOM, hosted by Development and Alumni Relations staff.

The summit culminated with closing reflections from Jane Donaldson, the school's first director of admissions and wife of the late Founding Dean William H. Donaldson. “The success of a school is always measured by its alumni and their impact,” she said. The presentation of Alumni Volunteer Awards recognizing the outstanding contributions of Yale SOM alumni followed Donaldson’s remarks.

The summit offered inspiration, energizing attendees to represent the school’s mission in their everyday lives. “It’s very important, how we interact in the rest of the world,” said attendee Kodjo Adovor ’18. “That shows up in many ways—in connecting with other Yalies and what it takes to accomplish things that would make great impact.”

“It’s truly wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to reconnect with alumni in person,” said Courtney Lightfoot, Managing Director for Alumni Relations. “Our volunteers play a vital role in keeping our community strong, and the Donaldson Alumni Leadership Summit is a chance to celebrate their commitment and engagement.”

The Donaldson Alumni Leadership Summit continues to serve as a cornerstone event for recognizing the invaluable contributions of alumni volunteers and inviting individuals to build new connections throughout the Yale SOM community.

Distinguished Volunteer Service by an Individual awards were presented to three exceptional alumni:

• Matt Broder ’87 was honored for his dedicated leadership as the immediate past chair of the Yale School of Management Alumni Advisory Board, longstanding service as Class Secretary for the Class of 1987, and overall commitment to the spirit of service and community.
• Kate Fuentes ’22 was recognized for her unwavering commitment and exceptional service to the SOM and EMBA community, particularly the impactful “Pathway to the Boardroom” workshops she has led for EMBA students.
• Stephanie Wayne ’21 received her award virtually, celebrated for her enthusiastic support as a chapter leader in Los Angeles, California, and her passionate support of Admissions, Reunions, Stewardship, and Yale Day of Service.  

Distinguished Volunteer Service by a Group award recognized three outstanding collaborative efforts:

• The SOM Entrepreneurs Network Professional Alumni Group, chaired by Victor Padilla-Taylor ’15, was celebrated for a proactive and personal approach to community building, creating the largest PAG with over 826 members through one-on-one outreach and vision-driven leadership.
• The Chinese Alumni Alliance Affinity Group was honored for outstanding dedication and leadership in launching and growing a strong and engaged network of more than 200 alumni across the globe. Leaders Vera Wang ’22, Justin Cao ’12, and Joy Han ’22 accepted the award on behalf of the group.
• The SOM Class of 1982 Virtual Planning Group received special recognition for their innovative approach to class engagement during challenging times. The dedicated team includes Stewart Halpern ’82, Ken Galdston ’82, Amy Ginsburg ’82, Jay Harris ’82, Ken Kring ’82, Patrice Pitts ’82, Laura Weisel ’82, Angelique Electra ’82, Lori Parmer ’82, Sally Fox ’82, and Marion McCollum-Hampton ’82.

Distinguished Volunteer Service by an Individual – Fundraising awards recognized two alumni whose philanthropic leadership has made a significant impact:

• Jim Levitt ’80 was honored for his enthusiasm for his classmates, thoughtful advocacy, his central role in leading his class to a record-setting fundraising year as the 45th Reunion Co-Chair, and his commitment to preserving the legacy of Yale SOM by advancing the History Video Project.
• Becky Vitas-Schamis ’00 was celebrated for her demonstrated commitment to strengthening Yale SOM and advancing its mission of educating leaders for business and society as Co-Chair of the Driving Purpose Campaign and serving as a reunion gift co-chair for her 15th, 20th, and 25th Reunions.

Are you interested in getting involved? Explore our volunteer opportunities and visit SOM Connect to explore professional alumni groups, find the latest events, and more.