McDonough Welcomes Over 200 Alumni Back to the Hilltop

Hoya alumni, family, and friends recently returned to the Hilltop for the 2023 Graduate Alumni Reunion. The event celebrated the MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Corporate International Master’s in Business, Executive Master’s in Leadership, M.S. in Finance, M.A. in International Business and Policy, and M.S. in Accounting classes of 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018.

The reunion began on Friday, September 29, with a panel of alumni authors to explore the power of creation. John Saunders (EMBA’17), ‘Iolani L. Bullock (MBA ’18), Janet Bruins (MBA’18), and Evan Piekara (MBA’13) discussed their paths to becoming authors, the impact McDonough had on their authorship journey, and the influence that artificial intelligence  has on creativity. The conversation was moderated by Jeanine Turner, Annette N. Shelby Chair in Business and Leadership Communication and director of the Communication, Culture, and Technology program at Georgetown.

Professor Jeanine Turner and alumni John Saunders (EMBA’17), ‘Iolani L. Bullock (MBA ’18), Janet Bruins (MBA’18), and Evan Piekara (MBA’13) during the authors alumni panel.

Additionally, Peter Classen (MBA’93) and Genevieve Roberts (MBA’93) led an alumni fireside chat to discuss how to turn dreams into a reality build a professional career, and achieve personal aspirations.

To connect with longtime friends and former classmates, alumni also attended a picnic lunch at Dahlgren Quad as well as a football game to cheer on the Hoyas. To conclude the weekend of celebrations, McDonough honored several exceptional alumni during an awards ceremony, where they were recognized for their career achievements, school engagement, and dedication to the community. 

The 2023 Graduate Alumni Reunion award winners include:

Rose Wang (GEMBA’18), Dean’s Award. The Dean’s Award is presented to an alumnus renowned in their field and who exemplifies the characteristics of principled leadership and service to society.

Evan Piekara (MBA’13), Alumni Engagement Award. The Alumni Engagement Award is presented to the most highly engaged alumni over the course of the past year.

Charles Harris (MBA’98), MAAC Award. The MAAC Award is presented to a MAAC member who has demonstrated exceptional service to Georgetown McDonough and exhibited high-level leadership within his or her organization.

Robert Burger (EMBA’03), CIRCLE Award. The CIRCLE Award is presented to a CIRCLE member who has demonstrated dedication to Georgetown McDonough’s executive degree program and their students.

Andrew Christopher (MSF’18) and Aarushi Das (MS’F18), MSF Award. The MSF Award is presented to a graduate excelling in their field and demonstrating commitment to Georgetown University and the McDonough School of Business.

Dawn Campbell (EML’18), Stuart Chapman (MBA’13), Rafael Fantauzzi (EML’08), Elizabeth Harless (EML’13), Kafi Joseph (EMBA’18), Katie Lott (MA-IBP’18), Thomas Ortenzi (MBA’93), and Scott Weber (EMBA’13), Magis Award. The Magis Award is presented to the graduates who have gone above and beyond for McDonough students and their community.