School Updates

February 27, 2025

From the GSB Alumni Association Board of Directors

Dear Fellow Alumni,

As president of the Stanford GSB Alumni Association (GSBAA), I’m thrilled to introduce Alumni Catalysts, a new peer-recognition program that spotlights alumni who’ve done ordinary things extraordinarily well. Peers often see what others don’t — the dedication behind a meaningful initiative, the quiet leadership that shapes a team, or the persistence that sparks real change. The GSBAA and the GSB’s Office of External Relations are launching this initiative to bring those stories to light.

The Alumni Catalysts Awards celebrate the remarkable alumni whose contributions may not be broadly known. Please take a few moments to nominate a fellow alum!

Nominations are open through June 15, 2025. We will honor the inaugural cohort of Alumni Catalysts at the All-Alumni Day and Centennial Celebration on October 10, 2025.

Every class and program can play a role in this milestone moment. If you know a GSB alum whose actions have made a difference — whether to a person, in an organization, or beyond — please nominate them today!

Warmest regards,

David Yoon, MBA ’00
President, Stanford GSB Alumni Association

Stories of Impact

2025 GSB Graduation Speakers

Akshata Murty, MBA ’06, an investor and philanthropist, and Rishi Sunak, MBA ’06, former UK Prime Minister, will deliver remarks at Stanford GSB’s diploma ceremony, reflecting on their journey from the GSB to the world stage.

Season Two of the if/Then Podcast

If/Then, a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business, brings cutting-edge research on decision-making, leadership, innovation — and more — into focus. Tune in and listen.

Inventors may hesitate to leave their jobs if they can’t take their ideas with them. | iStock/CSA-Printstock/elsar77

What Happened After a Court Ruled That Employers “Own Your Brain”

Learn how a groundbreaking ruling that determined employers can claim ownership of employees’ brain data sparked curiosity. For Chris Armstrong, the Joan E. Horngren Professor of Accounting, the decision presented a unique opportunity to study the intersection of intellectual property rights and innovation.

Voices of the GSB

“If you don’t have something that you’re optimizing for, you’ll get distracted by every shiny object.”

— Thomas Higgenbotham, MS ’20

Read Thomas’ Story

Centennial Corner

Stanford GSB Town Square Travels – Miami

Saturday, March 1 | 4:00–7:00 p.m. Local Time

Join us this Saturday! Celebrate the GSB’s centennial year: connect with alumni, learn about the latest innovations, and help shape our future while enjoying waterfront views, lively music, and local cuisine. Professor Garth Saloner and Associate Dean of External Relations Derrick Bolton, will engage in conversation about the future of entrepreneurship and the GSB’s latest developments.

Stanford GSB Town Square Travels – Dallas

Saturday, April 26 | 5:00–8:00 p.m. Local Time

Stanford GSB is coming to Dallas to celebrate 100 years! GSB Senior Associate Dean and Professor Amit Seru and Associate Dean of External Relations Derrick Bolton, MA/MBA ’98, examine the shifting relationship between shareholder and stakeholder value. Professor Seru will share classroom insights and engage the audience in a live poll, comparing perspectives on this critical issue and demonstrating the interconnectedness of research and real-world applications.

View All Alumni Centennial Events

Alumni Town Square

Upcoming Events

Stanford is Going on Tour

Saturday, April 5 | 4:00–9:00 p.m. Local Time
Chicago, IL

Fuel your curiosity and cheer on President (and former GSB Dean) Jonathan Levin in this multi-city tour. First event is in Chicago on April 5—learn more and register!

“GSBNow: Mastering Money Matters,” Professor Annamaria Lusardi on Financial Literacy for All

Tuesday, April 8 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Online

Millions of people struggle with basic money management, making poor borrowing decisions and failing to plan for their financial futures. Being a GSB alum doesn't mean you're immune! Professor Lusardi speaks on the importance of financial literacy and how Stanford is making this education accessible through the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making.

“GSB Alumni Insights: Leadership Lessons from the Gridiron, the Boardroom, and Congress,” Anthony Gonzalez, MBA ’14

Tuesday, April 15 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Online

GSB Alumni Insights sessions are led by alumni just like you; we hope you’ll come away with some practical knowledge or a nugget of insight! Anthony Gonzalez, MBA ’14 – a first-round NFL draft pick who played for the Indianapolis Colts – served as a U.S. Congressman and now holds executive and board roles across various companies. He’ll share how leadership lessons from the football field have shaped his approach to business and politics.

View All Upcoming Events

In the News

FORBES

Six Books For Building Resilient And People-First Organization

Among the list is Dying for a Paycheck by Jeffrey Pfeffer, the Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior at the GSB. Pfeffer delivers a sobering but essential look at how modern workplace practices negatively impact employee well-being.

See More News

Alumni Directory | My Account | Stanford GSB Alumni Website