Global Alumni Network

The work of building connections among our alumni, friends, and business partners has never been as critical—nor has it required as much creativity—as we address the challenge of systemic racism and adapt to the limitations of the pandemic. In response to the murder of George Floyd and too many others, our advancement team has committed to examining our own role and responsibility in responding to the needs of our community and advancing racial justice. Our commitment to serving all alumni, including our BIPOC alumni, is unwavering and driving innovation and change in the way we conduct our work.

During these past months, the steadfast support from our community has been incredible. We are so grateful for the ways so many of you answered the call to support Carlson School students. Beyond the important efforts of mentoring and hiring students who are entering a turbulent job market or seeking out internships, your philanthropic generosity has made the difference in providing crucial financial assistance to those in need and the flexibility to shift to distance learning.

In this final year of the University’s Driven campaign, the Carlson School has much to be grateful for and also much yet to accomplish. Now, more than ever, it is clear that scholarships are the difference-maker in recruiting underrepresented and first-generation students. I am thrilled that Carlson School alumni have led the University community in answering the Bentson Foundation Challenge to support low-income, Pell-eligible undergraduate students (read more about early participants in the challenge on page 40). Your generosity and dedicated commitment to our students continue to inspire and energize us as we hit Driven’s home stretch.

 Sincerely,

Travis Smith
Assistant Dean Institutional Advancement