Worldwide Wednesday connects Kellogg alumni around the planet, shows power of network

by Deborah Leigh Wood

Nearly 1,800 alumni participated in the inaugural “Worldwide Wednesday” networking event initiated by the Kellogg School to build connections with its members around the globe.

The international event was held Sept. 22 in more than 45 cities. The Kellogg School Office of Development and Alumni Relations conceived Worldwide Wednesday to welcome new graduates into local alumni clubs and introduce them to the Kellogg Alumni Network.

More than 150 graduates, many from the Class of 2004, attended the gatherings. In addition to clubs in the United States, a host of international clubs participated: Barcelona, Benelux, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Geneva, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Sydney, Toronto, the U.K., Venezuela and Zurich.

Said Roger (Whit) Shepard, associate dean for development and alumni relations: “This was a terrific opportunity to celebrate the fact that the Kellogg family truly spans the globe. I think our newest alumni were impressed that the Kellogg Alumni Network is there for them wherever they are and wherever they go. That’s a strong message.”

The Kellogg School alumni relations office sent representatives, including some faculty members, to each Worldwide Wednesday event. Popular local bars and restaurants served as sites for many gatherings. However, some clubs took a different approach. The Kellogg Alumni Club of Alaska, for example, sponsored a private equity event, while the Israel club went go-karting. Wisconsin alumni toured a Milwaukee brewery and the Chicago club, which drew 100 participants, took a cruise on the Chicago River. All participants received souvenir glasses featuring the Kellogg Worldwide Wednesday logo.

“Events such as this are a tangible way for us to demonstrate our support for our extended alumni family and their contributions to Kellogg,” said Shepard.