Our alumni once sat where the Class of 2027 sits now. Who better to welcome a new class, and to show where the experience can lead?

At Opening Session on September 10, 13 Leadership Council SMC alumni returned to meet the Class of 2027. After brief introductions, the alumni joined small groups for candid conversations about how their program experiences and the relationships they built continue to shape their lives, leadership, and community engagement.

Their stories made the possibilities of the year ahead feel immediate. Alumni encouraged participants to meet people beyond their usual circles, stay open to unexpected connections, and keep showing up for their communities. They also demonstrated that graduation is not an ending. It is an invitation to keep learning, collaborating, and contributing. 

Here’s what the Class of 2027 said:

“Surprised and impressed by the meaningful connections alumni spoke about. I’ll work on engaging more with new people.”

“I appreciated how intentional the day was and how the alumni reinforced topics shared throughout the day.”

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Thank You to Our Alumni

We are deeply grateful to the alumni who returned to share their experiences, answer questions, and help the Class of 2027 imagine what they might build together:

Shakeel Ali
Susan Baker
Dan Barros
Jen Bue
Sarah Delisle
La Saundra Gutter
Angenette Lau
Rich Lee
Daisy Li
Andrea Pappajohn
Mary Prem
Pranita Venkatesh
Phoebe Shin Venkat

The welcome continued after the Learning Day, as many other alumni, board members, sponsors, and partners joined the Class of 2027 at the Welcome Reception. Thank you to every alum who came to celebrate, connect, and cheer on the incoming class.