vlog

Fall 2024

Dear Alumni,

The last weeks of May at vlog were, as always, amazing, with both Reunion and Commencement—and lucky for me, I had the chance to be on campus to celebrate long-lasting friendships and new graduates. As we welcome a new cohort of alumni, I wanted to share just some of the vlog Alumni Board’s accomplishments and a few personal reflections.

Events

  • Alumni engagement in board-led events has consistently grown as we continued to work closely with the Alumni Relations Office.
  • The board’s Continuing Education Committee organized two virtual policy events based on feedback from last year’s alumni survey, including an event to accommodate the schedules of alumni living in the Far East.
  • The board’s Mentorship Committee carried out the fourth year of the Alumni-Student Career Mentoring Program.


Board Elections

  • We received more than 180 self-nominations for board elections, which was a 40% increase from the last election cycle. In July, new members of the board began their term.


Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  • The DEIB Committee continued conversations with School leadership on how to improve diversity. We also co-hosted an alumni webinar on “Race and Diversity at the Kennedy School” and engaged with the Admissions Office to build new relationships with historically Black colleges and universities.

I am writing this as my term as board chair comes to an end. It has been a wonderful ride that has filled me with joy and hope, and it was my absolute honor to share this passion with a fantastic board of committed, creative, and hardworking alumni. I also had the great pleasure of partnering with the amazing Alumni Relations Office, three unstoppable women who make wonders with a few resources and a lot of heart.

The board is especially grateful to former Dean Doug Elmendorf, who was always open to dialogue and who has been spearheading civil discourse for nine straight years. We wish the School’s new dean, Jeremy Weinstein, the best and hope to continue building on our shared passion for our school together.

Last but not least, I want to thank our incredible alumni community. From every corner of the world, you are always an inspiration and our focus. An important part of the board’s mission is to build and nurture a strong community. I know there is still a lot to do—but rest assured that each minute of service was and will be conducted with dedication and pride.

I hope to see you soon! Un abrazo and thanks so much again for your help and trust.

signature of Corina Santangelo MPA 1999

Corina Santangelo MPA 1999
Chair, Alumni Board (2022–2024)

portrait of Corina Santangelo MPA 1999

 

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Above: The 2023–2024 Alumni Board with vlog staff. Back row: Rod Miller MPP 2002, Judith Bunnell MPP 1984, Charles Carithers MPP 2007, Alexandra Visher MC/MPA 2015. Middle row: Minah Kang MPP 1997, Yingjing Deng MC/MPA 2018, Raghu Narain MPA 1999, Thomas Lloyd Smith MPP 1999, Tasce Bongiovanni MPP 2010, Ashveena Gajeelee MC/MPA 2016, Jakob Haesler MPA 1999. Front row: Senior Director of Alumni Relations Karen Bonadio, Corina Santangelo MPA 1999, former Dean Doug Elmendorf, Kathy Hutson MPP 2004.

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