Alumni Happenings: Spring 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026
Every event brings new insights, experiences and connections for alumni and friends of Minnesota Carlson. Here are some highlights:
Heavy Hitters Kick Off 2026 1st Tuesday Season
Alex Rodriguez, co-owner and co-chairman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, and Matt Caldwell, CEO of the same organization, spoke to a sold-out crowd at the McNamara Alumni Center in February. Focusing on the business of sport, they addressed their histories working and investing in professional sports leagues, leadership in this distinct sector, and the unique Minnesota sports market. Read a recap or watch the recording.
Carlson Tailgate and Reunion Weekend
Hundreds of Minnesota Carlson alumni and football fans came together on Reunion weekend in September for a spirited celebration — and a Gopher win! The weekend started with a dinner where alumni celebrating milestones spanning six decades came together to connect and reminisce. Ryan Aytay, ’03 MBA, president and CEO of Tableau and a member of the Minnesota Carlson Board of Advisors, also gave a special presentation about the use of AI as a critical business tool. Relive the weekend.
Women’s Leadership Conference
In March, the Women’s Leadership Conference welcomed three generations of Carlson family women: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Diana Nelson, Wendy Nelson and Juliet Jackson. In a panel moderated by Cathy Wurzer of Minnesota Public Radio, they discussed leading across generations. The keynote address featured corporate executive and board member Annie Young-Scrivner, ’03 MBA. Panels and speakers covered issues related to inclusive workplaces, board service, dual-career couples in the Twin Cities headquarters economy and more. Save the date for next year: March 5, 2027. Read the recap.
Personal Brand with CWGC at Land O’Lakes Exec Series
In October, Carlson Women Global Connect (CWGC) hosted its latest Senior Executive Series event at Land O’Lakes featuring Heather Anfang, ’99 MBA, the company’s executive vice president and president of Dairy Foods, and a member of the CWGC Executive Board and the Minnesota Carlson Board of Advisors. Anfang’s keynote and the panel explored how to authentically express your personal brand while being politically savvy, balancing influence, integrity and inclusion across diverse workplace cultures.
Stacey Kearin, ’03 MBA, vice president of Animal Nutritional Marketing and National Accounts, joined the panel, speaking to a crowd of 117 in-person attendees and 123 additional virtual attendees from across the country.
On the Road Again with Minnesota Carlson
This fall and winter Minnesota Carlson was once again on the road, visiting alumni and friends in several cities across the country. Hundreds of alumni had a great time connecting in Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, New York and San Francisco. In some of the cities, students on treks exploring careers from investment banking to technology joined the events to network with alumni.
This article appeared in the Spring 2026 alumni magazine
In the world of business, Minnesota Carlson and its vibrant community act as a powerful spark for action and change.