With more than 700 Stern alumni at J.P. Morgan alone and a growing presence across 11 major corporations, the Stern Corporate Ambassadors (SCA) program is transforming how NYU Stern graduates connect in the workplace. What began in 2021 as Chavon Sutton's (MBA ’12) vision to eliminate the challenge of finding alumni colleagues at their companies has evolved into a strategic initiative that creates community, enhances recruitment, and strengthens Stern's corporate partnerships. These SCA networks, located at companies with a large or growing Stern presence, are proving that Stern connections last far beyond graduation day, creating what Sutton calls "a virtuous circle" of alumni engagement.

Alumni socialize at the Summer 2024 Tech Reception at Bottino restaurant in Chelsea, NY

“Locating fellow alumni in large firms was too often a matter of chance,” Sutton recalled. “You can be in a large firm and not know where the Sternies are. With the Corporate Ambassadors program, Stern serves as a connector among colleagues, offering them community, networking, and a communication gateway to opportunities at the School, such as mentoring current students and participating in Lifelong Learning programs.”

Laura Stern, director of alumni relations, described how SCA supports recruitment. “Student interns who have had informal interactions with our ambassadors, such as one-on-one coffee chats, have told us these were transformative experiences that convinced them to continue their careers at those companies.”  Currently, there are 10 companies and others under consideration.

"The SCA program allows NYU Stern to engage with our alumni at key corporate partners," explained Kate Gregory, senior director of corporate relations. "Beyond traditional networking, the program has generated unexpected benefits, including collaborative opportunities in recruiting and philanthropy."

The program's reach is significant. J.P. Morgan leads with over 700 alumni members, followed by notable companies including (in descending order of membership size):

• PwC
• Goldman Sachs
• Amazon/Audible
• American Express
• Google
• Pfizer
• Microsoft
• BlackRock
• Estée Lauder

Corporate Ambassadors bring added value to alumni interactions. Stern Alumni Council member and corporate ambassador for Goldman Sachs, Eric Lipkind (MBA ’18), articulated the program's core mission: "I know that I valued the alumni connections I made when I started at Goldman. Our goal is to help new employees immediately feel connected to a broader professional community and develop relationships here—including with the alumni in leadership who also attend our events." This approach manifested in an October 2024 reception featuring a fireside chat with senior leadership, including Alison Mass (BS ’80, MBA ’81) and Chris Gallea (BS ’88).

Alumni gather at the Goldman Sachs Reception

Eric Lipkind (MBA ’18), a Goldman Corporate Ambassador at the event

The program on occasion can extend beyond single-company networking. This spring, Corporate Ambassadors at Pfizer invited MBA students to join them for a talk with Professor Batia Wiesenfeld, who discussed how GenAI can unlock organization-wide innovation. Microsoft Corporate Ambassador Earl Fitzhugh (MBA ’12) organized a reception for Sternies from the SCA member tech companies to hear Professor Arun Sundararajan discuss AI governance, trust, and the future of work.

Microsoft Corporate Ambassador Earl Fitzhugh (MBA ’12), the incoming Chair of the Alumni Council, introduces Professor Arun Sundararajan (left)

"This is about creating meaningful professional connections," Fitzhugh, the incoming Chair of the Stern Alumni Council, noted. “I’m passionate about giving back and paying it forward. As an alum, I can see the value that the SCA program offers. It’s rewarding to connect back with the School. Stern is with you for life.”

Photo Credit: ©Creighton, ©Olivo, ©Sorel: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau