Carlson School Alumni Happenings: Fall 2022

First Carlson School MBA Reunion Weekend

In May, the Carlson School welcomed MBA alumni and friends back to campus to celebrate the inaugural in-person Reunion Weekend. MBA graduates celebrating milestones from 50th to 1st came together to reconnect, network, and learn from faculty and fellow alumni. The weekend kicked off with members of the class of 1972 celebrating their 50th Reunion joined by Professors Emeritus Norm Chervany and Bill Rudelius to discuss how much the school has evolved in 50 years: when the MBA program had fewer students, the school was unnamed, and neither of the two buildings that now house the Carlson School existed. Another highlight of the weekend was the keynote presentation and discussion between Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and Dean Sri Zaheer, who is also chair of the Board of Governors for the Minneapolis Fed.

We look forward to celebrating May 5-6, 2023 with the classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2022!

Thriving as a Professional of Color

Carlson 360 for Alumni of Color and the graduate student group MOSAIC hosted Thriving as a Professional of Color, which highlighted four outstanding professionals: Leo Cardoso, ’12 MHRIR, Napoleon Howell, ’19 MBA, Jaylon Rosenblum, and Shanequa Williams, ’08 MHRIR. The panelists led a conversation about the unique challenges professionals of color face in the workplace. Sign up to be notified of Carlson 360 and DEI-related events at z.umn.edu/carlsonaffinity.

Carlson Women Global Connect

Carlson School alumnae mixed and mingled this spring at a networking event at FINNEGANS Brew Co. in Minneapolis. The group also held two professional development webinars—about career wellness and avoiding self-sabotage, organized a book club, launched peer-to-peer mentorship groups, and more. Learn more and get involved with Carlson Women Global Connect.

Women’s Leadership Conference

After a two-year hiatus, the ever-popular Women’s Leadership Conference was back this year. More than 250 women and men participated in the event, including alumni, faculty, and current students from the Carlson School and the University of Minnesota, as well as executives and emerging leaders from the regional business community and around the country. Participants had the opportunity to network, have professional headshots taken, and select from among 12 relevant sessions, covering topics as varied as negotiation strategies to the necessary role women allies play in leading anti-racism in the workplace.

Save the date to join us for next year’s conference: Friday, March 3, 2023.

Farewelcome & Commencement

Graduating students were welcomed into the Carlson School alumni network this spring through various events and celebrations. The tradition of graduates receiving an alumni mug as a graduation gift has continued year after year. Welcome to the alumni family, Class of 2022!

Andrew Van de Ven Engaged Scholarship Conference

The inaugural Van de Ven conference took place this June, just months after Professor Emeritus Andy Van de Ven, whose lifetime of scholarship inspired the conference, passed away. Many former students, advisees, current and former colleagues, and friends came together to present their engaged scholarship research and share remembrances of Professor Van de Ven. The biannual conference will next occur June 2024.