Over 1,200 alumni and their guests arrived on campus earlier this month to celebrate Fall Reunions and Alumni Weekend.
Throughout the weekend, alumni and guests enjoyed faculty sessions, women’s and diversity programs, campus tours, various social gatherings, and class-organized programs and panels. The Stanford MSx Program also celebrated its 60th anniversary, with its alums participating in alumni weekend activities and attending MSx-specific program sessions and social activities.
The weekend was also a chance to recognize five alumni and one faculty member for their generous contributions of time and service to Stanford GSB.
Stanford GSB Alumni Association Board President Michael Lopez, MBA ’78, and Raphe Beck, director of alumni relations, presented two awards for outstanding contributions: the John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Awards and the Robert K. Jaedicke Faculty Award.
The Gardner Awards honor alumni who have demonstrated a history of strong volunteer commitment in many different areas, frequently in a leadership role. Historically awarded to MBA alumni, this year’s recipients included a Sloan Fellow from the MSx Program for the first time. The five were recognized for their impact on various boards, events, and programs.
This year’s recipients:
- Sergio M. Autrey, MBA ’78
- Sue Campbell, MBA ’78
- Leslie Denend, MBA ’73
- Tamara Ritchey Powers, MBA ’83
- Cornelis J. P. van der Wal, Sloan Fellow ’94
The Jaedicke Award was awarded to Organizational Behavior Lecturer Matt Abrahams.
This award (formerly called the Silver Apple) is presented annually to a member of the Stanford GSB faculty for service to the school’s alumni. It is named for Dean Emeritus Bob Jaedicke, who joined the faculty in 1961 and served as acting dean in 1979 and 1980, and as dean from 1983 to 1990.
Abrahams has helped alumni hone their communication skills by leading chapter events around the world. He participates in reunion class programs, leads virtual faculty sessions, meets with alumni leaders on and off campus, and makes himself available to help alumni strengthen their connection to the school. After the awards ceremony, Abrahams gave a lecture to reunion attendees titled, "Making Your Communications Memorable.”
These annual awards are one of the many ways Stanford GSB recognizes volunteer leadership and service on behalf of the school.
