NYU Stern Alumni Reconnect at Reunion 2026

NYU Stern welcomed back alumni and friends for Reunion 2026 on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. Alumni from the Class of 2025 and class years ending in ’1 and ’6 gathered at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday evening, and all Stern alumni were invited to attend a range of events over the two days: an academic panel on AI hosted by the PhD office; thought leadership talks with Stern faculty; a guided tour of the School; and a luncheon with the Dean.

Friday, October 23

Stern PhD Research Day

Reunion kicked off with programming for PhD alumni, hosted by the PhD office. The day started with a tour of student PhD offices, a welcome lunch with remarks from Dean Bharat N. Anand, and featured presentations by PhD students and alumni.

Programming continued with a panel on "AI Opportunities and Challenges in Business School Research and Training" with Professors Eva Ascarza, Dan Gode, Panos Ipeirotis, Rob Richmond, and Arun Sundararajan. The PhD Research day concluded with a special dinner with Viral Acharya, Director of Doctoral Education, and Raghuram Rajan, professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

"Back to School" Night

Reunion continued with thought leadership faculty talks which included:

• Clinical Professor Hans Taparia and Professor Bruce Buchanan on “People’s Capitalism: How People-Owned Businesses Beat Investor-Owned Businesses,” with opening remarks from Laura Stern, director, NYU Stern Alumni Relations.
• Professor Joseph Foudy on “The Future of Money,” with opening remarks from Allison Kuhn (MBA ’23), chair of Reunion Programs and member of the NYU Stern Alumni Council. 
• Clinical Professor Sonia Marciano and Kerolayne Estler (MBA ’27) on “Media Strategy in a Time of Transformation,” in conversation with Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of Starz, with opening remarks from Kerolayne.
• Professor Amy Skoczlas Cole, director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, on “Sustainable Value Creation: Why Investors Are Paying Attention,” with opening remarks from NYU Wagner Professor Paula Luff (GSAS ’83), Director of Sustainability Research and Engagement, DSC Meridian Capital.
• Professor Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Strategy Group, on “A Lens on the Future,” with opening remarks from Marc Palatucci (MBA ’19), director of Growth and Engagement, Future Today Strategy Group and member of the NYU Stern Alumni Council.

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 $70 or more to the School received a special Stern-branded pint glass to commemorate the evening and their generosity. Beverages for the Reunion event were provided by: Jeremy Cowan (EMBA J24), partner and operator, New York City Brewing Company; and Jack Parker (MBA ’24), co-founder, Original Henry Lambert’s Beer.

See photo highlights from the PhD Research Day and "Back to School" Night

Saturday, October 24

Day Programming: Guided School Tour and Luncheon with Dean Bharat N. Anand

Reunion weekend continued with on-campus Saturday programming. The day started with a presentation on the latest updates from Stern, including School initiatives, faculty highlights, and alumni benefits including lifelong learning opportunities, led by Laura Stern, director, NYU Stern Alumni Relations. Following the presentation, alumni enjoyed a guided walking tour of the Kaufman Management Center, Shimkin Hall, and Tisch Hall.
 

After the tour, Stern alumni enjoyed a luncheon and conversation with Bharat N. Anand, Dean of the NYU Stern School of Business, and Tony Watkins (MBA ’11), member of the Stern Executive Board. Dietrich Becker (MBA ’91), chair of the Stern Executive Board, delivered opening remarks.

See photo highlights from the Saturday day programming

Evening Programming: Class Celebrations at the Waldorf Astoria New York

On Saturday evening, alumni from the Class of 2025 and class years ending in ’1 and ’6 reunited at the Waldorf Astoria New York for an elegant celebration at the historic venue.

See photo highlights from the Waldorf Astoria NY

©Braddock, Jr., ©Chandler, ©Giordano, ©Goldman, ©Jones: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

Partnerships

• Catherine Cantave (MBA ’10), Soapbox Strategists
• Jeremy Cowan (EMBA J24), New York City Brewing Company
• Jack Parker (MBA ’24), Original Henry Lambert’s Beer
• Marty Rego (MBA ’84), Century Direct Printing

Reunion 2026 took place during NYU Alumni and Families Weekend, the University’s annual weekend of reunion celebrations and educational activities for alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff.