Reunions provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the ties that endure while discovering new ways in which the school continues to shape the lives of alumni. For many graduates, reunions deepen their appreciation for the extraordinary community that is Stanford GSB and inspire them to give back in ways that are instrumental to sustaining the vitality of the school. Reunion attendance in 2010 was exceptionally strong, with six classes setting records (MBA classes of 1970, 1975, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000) and with more attendees at fall reunion weekend than ever before. In fact, the MBA Class of 2000 set an all-time record for classmates and guests in attendance.
The MBA Class of 1985 celebrates its 25th reunion and achieves the coveted “Triple Crown” with
records for attendance, campaign participation and total dollars raised.
As the economy strengthens, so does the support and involvement of alumni as evidenced by very strong reunion fundraising campaigns. Collectively, the 10 classes celebrating reunions contributed $35.2 million in gifts and pledges — more than twice the amount raised by the reunion campaigns five years ago. Aggregate participation across the 10 classes achieved a terrific 63% and three classes either set records or achieved their best-ever results for participation.
Of particular note, the MBA Class of 1985 — with its long history of record setting at Stanford GSB — once again continued that tradition in achieving the coveted “Triple Crown” by setting records for reunion attendance (144 classmates), campaign participation (86%), and dollars raised (a remarkable $16,998,004). With the theme “Sharing Wisdom and Dreams,” the residential reunion featured truly amazing and moving class panels, small group discussions, outdoor activities, and a festive and high-spirited closing dinner. Thanks in large part to the hard work of the committees, the weekend was a smashing success with some attendees even commenting that it was the highlight of the last 25 years of their lives. “Our class really pulled together for our 25th reunion. We had 70 volunteers who participated in organizing the reunion and in helping to raise the class gift. Our weekend together gave us a chance to appreciate each other and our shared Stanford GSB experience,” notes Anne Casscells, one of the reunion fundraising chairs for the class.
The success of all class campaigns helps support the design and implementation of our curriculum, multidisciplinary partnerships throughout Stanford, and the opening of the Knight Management Center as our new home. There is no question that the results of the 2010 reunions are testament to the value alumni place on what the school has meant to them and are critical in creating transformational experiences for today’s students. Thank you to all whose involvement, generosity, and commitment — whether as a reunion attendee, dedicated volunteer, or through a gift or pledge in celebration of a class — bring Stanford GSB to life in so many ways!
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