A major focus of my office in the last several years has been to support alumni chapters worldwide. We now have more than 70 chapters, up from just over a dozen seven years ago. What is the benefit to the GSB and to alumni in allocating resources to chapters?
In a very real sense, chapters are ambassadors for the GSB. By sponsoring regional events, these groups not only keep alumni connected, but also promote the school to the general public--including prospective students and recruiters. Chapters also assist the admissions office at events for prospective students. Members often interview candidates and can play an important role in reaching out to admitted students. Many regional chapters welcome new graduates and student interns to their areas.
Special interest chapters play a major role in promoting and helping the GSB. In addition to spearheading several projects and surveys, the University of Chicago Women's Business Group coordinates programs and initiatives with the student women's group. The Tech/Venture group plays a key role in WestQuest, a student networking and career event held annually in San Francisco. The African American group assists with the DuSable Business Conference and is involved in fundraising efforts.
The importance of regional chapters is even greater outside the United States. For the business community, prospective students, and members of the media, a local alumni group often is the only face of the school they see. For example, the Bangkok and Tokyo chapters routinely host faculty and arrange meetings with local business leaders. On a recent trip, chapter members in São Paulo and Buenos Aires hosted students at receptions, tours, and meetings with government officials. Our visibility can be positively affected by chapter activities in a given area.
Chapters are good for the GSB, but what do you get out of them? There are the obvious opportunities for networking and socializing. There are ample opportunities to gain new friends and business contacts. Faculty presentations provide a chance to hear the latest on business fundamentals. Career management sessions provide personal and professional growth opportunities, and individuals from various industries may broaden your knowledge of the business environment
in a specific area. Chapter participation can be particularly rewarding during times of transition, such as moving to a new area or looking for a job. Some chapters even distribute job listings to members.
Regional chapters keep alumni in touch with the GSB by hosting visits from faculty and administrators, and they help the school stay relevant to alumni. Each winter, for example, nine U.S. chapters and one inter-national chapter sponsor business forecast events featuring GSB faculty. These regional forecasts are held in addition to a luncheon in Chicago that draws 1,500 attendees
annually. New York has led the way in hosting events for admitted students and is
now joined by several other cities. Atlanta has anchored an annual pro-am investment challenge for many years, encouraging
participation by other chapters as far away
as Singapore. The Chicago chapter sponsors
a career series and holds monthly events with speakers.
Chapters can enhance your social life as well as your career. The Bay Area group sponsors an annual dinner dance and a trip to see the Cubs play the Giants. Several chapters hold events such as pub nights for recent graduates.
Finally, giving your time to an alumni group is a rewarding way to engage in philanthropic activities. It's a win-win situation all around.
