NYU Stern Alumni Celebrate at Reunion 2025
NYU Stern welcomed back alumni and friends for Reunion 2025, with over 1,700 registrants—a record-breaking number—for a multi-day event that took place from Wednesday, May 7–Saturday, May 10. Alumni from the Class of 2024 and class years ending in ’0 and ’5 gathered at The New York Public Library on Saturday evening, and all Stern alumni were invited to attend faculty talks and a Lifelong Learning workshop with Professor Suzy Welch.
Wednesday Conversation with David Ko (BS ’93), CEO of Calm, and Professor Dolly Chugh
Reunion kicked off with a fireside chat with David Ko (BS ’93), CEO of Calm, NYU Trustee, and member of the Stern Executive Board, and Professor Dolly Chugh, faculty director of NYU Stern's Leadership Accelerator. David discussed his new bestselling book, Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery, One Conversation at a Time, and shared powerful insights from his candid conversations with top leaders and innovators on how to reset, refocus, and thrive. The session concluded with attendees receiving a complimentary signed copy of David’s book. A reception followed, offering alumni and students the chance to connect directly with both David and Dolly.
Professor Dolly Chugh and David Ko (BS ’93) in conversation at Reunion 2025
David Ko (BS ’93) signing copies of his new book
Watch the Wednesday night fireside chat and view photo highlights
Friday "Back to School" Night
Reunion continued with a High Tea with PhD Faculty, where Justina Blanco, director of PhD programs, gave welcome remarks on behalf of the doctoral office. Rob Salomon, professor of international management and Dean of Stern at NYUAD, introduced Raghu Sundaram, Stern Dean Emeritus and NYU senior vice-chancellor and head of global strategy, who gave remarks on the state of the Stern school. Following the remarks, alumni engaged in meaningful discussions on research, academic pursuits, and career pathways with their former professors.
See photo highlights from the High Tea with PhD Faculty
Programming continued with Thought Leadership Faculty Talks, which included:
- Professor Emeritus Ed Altman on "Unlocking the Credit Cycle: Insights into Leveraged Finance and the Rise of Private Debt," with opening remarks from Sara Klein (MBA ’24), member of the philanthropy committee on the Stern Alumni Council.
- Clinical Associate Professor Alison Taylor on "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World," with opening remarks from Beau Gresham (MBA ’20), vice chair of Stern 10 on the Stern Alumni Council.
- Clinical Professor Glenn Okun on "Big Returns: Strategies for Mastering the Markets," with opening remarks from Diana Charlite (MBA ’15), vice chair of reunion programs on the Stern Alumni Council.
- Professor Michael Posner on "Social Media and Democracy: Can We Reclaim a Common Truth?” with opening remarks from Alyssa Wypychoski (MBA ’20), member of the London Alumni Regional Committee.
Friday evening concluded with a "Beer Blast"-Style Reception, a nostalgic nod to the longstanding tradition begun by Dr. Ellery Karl (MBA ’86). Now known as “Stern Social,” “Beer Blast” began as an on-campus social event that has evolved into gatherings at local bars for current students. Alumni who donated to the School received a special Reunion-branded pint glass to commemorate the evening. Beverages for the Reunion event were provided by Jeremy Cowan (EMBA J24), founder and partner, Alphabet City Brewing Company; Tara Hankinson (MBA ’15), co-founder and co-CEO, TALEA Beer Co.; and Oliver Spring (MBA ’24), co-founder of OOSO Sparkling Tea.
Alumni at the “Beer Blast”-Style Reception
See photo highlights from the Friday “Back to School” events
Saturday Day Programming at NYU Stern and an Evening Celebration at The New York Public Library
The on-campus Saturday programming included a lunch, followed by the Lifelong Learning workshop, “What Am I Good At, Like Really Good At?” with Professor Suzy Welch, faculty director of the Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. Opening remarks were given by Allison Kuhn (MBA ’23), co-chair of reunion programs on the Stern Alumni Council. During the workshop, Professor Welch provided attendees with a structured approach to understanding their cognitive and emotional aptitudes, a clearer sense of their unique abilities, and a strategic roadmap for aligning their talents with meaningful opportunities. Attendees also received a copy of Professor Welch's new book, Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career. Beverages for the lunch were provided by Oliver Spring (MBA ’24), co-founder of OOSO Sparkling Tea.
Professor Suzy Welch leading the Lifelong Learning workshop
See photo highlights from the Saturday daytime program
On Saturday night, alumni from the Class of 2024 and class years ending in ’0 and ’5 reunited at The New York Public Library for an elegant evening celebration at the iconic venue. Attendees had the chance to reconnect and mingle throughout the library, complete with a photo booth, open bar, dinner stations, and sweet treats. The Class of 2005 relived their time at Stern as they opened the time capsule they created as students twenty years ago.
PhD alumni from all class years attended a special reception in the Trustees Room of the Library. Justina Blanco, director of PhD programs, gave welcome remarks, and Professor Luis Cabral introduced Professor Mor Armony, vice dean for faculty and research. Mor shared updates on the PhD program, followed by a Q&A with Luis Cabral and Chiara Gardenghi (PhD ’25), a graduate of Stern’s PhD program in Economics, to give insights into the current experience. Additionally, Viral Acharya, director of doctoral education, who was not able to attend in person, delivered remarks by video on behalf of the program.
The Class of 2024 and alumni from class years ending in ’0 and ’5 celebrated at The New York Public Library
See photo highlights from The New York Public Library celebration
We are proud to partner with Stern alumni for Reunion 2025:
- Anthony Cirone (MBA ’95), Li-Lac Chocolates
- Catherine Cantave (MBA ’10), Soapbox Strategists Digital Marketing
- Jeremy Cowan (EMBA J24), Alphabet City Brewing Company
- Marty Rego (MBA ’84), Century Direct Printing
- Oliver Spring (MBA ’24), OOSO Sparkling Tea
- Tara Hankinson (MBA ’15), TALEA Beer Co.