Attendees pose for a photo at the 2023 MBA Reunion.

Reconnection and Community Highlight Reunion Weekend 2023 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

During the second in-person Reunion Weekend at the Carlson School, May 5-6, 2023, MBA alumni came together in celebration and reconnection, honoring their milestone reunion years, reminiscing on their times as students, and sharing the stories of their journeys from the Carlson School to their present success. 

This year’s Reunion Weekend welcomed MBA alumni from the milestone classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2022, with current and emeritus faculty, MBA program staff, and alumni families joining the weekend events. 

Annie Young-Scrivner, celebrating with her Carlson Executive MBA Class of 2003, opened the weekend with a keynote address that was both sentimental and inspiring. Most memorable was her discussion of different leadership skills and styles, while highlighting members of her CEMBA 2003 class who embodied those skills in their careers. Young-Scrivner is currently the CEO of Wella Company, after building her expertise over the 20 years since her Carlson School graduation in roles at several high-profile consumer-centric brands.    

Another highlight was alumna speaker Roxi Wen, ’02 MBA, currently CFO for Invitae Corp. Wen shared inspiring stories and insights from her deep expertise in creating value and transforming organizations. Among her six key principles for transformational leadership is the guidance that “transformation is a mindset, not a project,” and Wen outlined in her remarks how employing these key principles generates not only value but truly transformational change.

On Saturday, Dean Sri Zaheer received a standing ovation when she addressed an alumni audience for one of the last times of her 12-year tenure as dean. Reiterating the Carlson School’s commitment to our alumni and applauding all the ways that they contribute and add value to the school, she gave an overview of how the school’s identity has been shaped by the innovations originating in the MBA program, and how “bullish” she remains on the value of an MBA. 

Rounding out the weekend were faculty presentations on relevant and timely business topics, opportunities to reminisce with former classmates and network with attendees from all class years, and tours of the Carlson School buildings—which did not exist when some of our returning alumni were completing their coursework. Attendees participated in the crowd-pleasing House of Pricing activity during Professor Mark Bergen’s session, and heard an update on the state of the Carlson School MBA Program from Phil Miller, assistant dean for MBA and MS Programs. At the Saturday evening all class dinner, the Hall of Fame room at Huntington Bank Stadium was buzzing as 100 alumni and guests reconnected over food, drinks, and memories to close out the weekend. 

We invite Carlson School MBA alumni to save the date for their upcoming Reunion Weekends. Next year, May 3-4, 2024, we will celebrate milestones with the classes of 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2023, but all MBA alumni are welcome to join the fun. Future Reunion Weekends will occur May 2-3, 2025, May 1-2, 2026, and April 30-May 1, 2027.

Three men gather together for a photo during the 2023 MBA Reunion
Five people pose for a photo with a cutout a small cutout of Goldy the Gopher during the 2023 MBA Reunion.
A woman is handed a gift at the registration table at the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Annie Young-Scrivner gives a presentation during the 2023 MBA Reunion
A person sits with a notebook and a pen in their hand during the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Four women pose for a photo in front of balloons at the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Two people talk to each other during the 2023 MBA Reunion
Three men gather together for a photo during the 2023 MBA Reunion
Five people pose for a photo with a cutout a small cutout of Goldy the Gopher during the 2023 MBA Reunion.
A woman is handed a gift at the registration table at the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Annie Young-Scrivner gives a presentation during the 2023 MBA Reunion
A person sits with a notebook and a pen in their hand during the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Four women pose for a photo in front of balloons at the 2023 MBA Reunion.
Two people talk to each other during the 2023 MBA Reunion