In all, we spoke with the leadership of five renowned universities (ELON, UCLA, USC, Thunderbird School of Global Management (ASU), and Harvard), witnessed the Mars landing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), reconnected with 60 alumni and expanded our network with local Belgian institutes which foster knowledge transfer and economic growth (investment & trade, start-ups). There was a lot to be learned and a lot to be proud off!
Academic Collaborations
After this very intensive but interesting week, we came back with a signed MoU with the university of ELON and inspiration for next steps regarding the Activity Based Learning model of Prof. Dr. Eric Mazur (Harvard). Beginning of 2019, the leadership of Thunderbird School for Global Management will be visiting Brussels to see how we can strengthen our collaboration in educating future leaders for their role in a rapidly changing society, with growing digitalisation, globalisation and sustainability, and the growing role of media and communication. In addition, conversations with the advancement and alumni relations offices of UCLA, USC and ASU have already been scheduled.
International Network – Set up a regional alumni chapter & connect our unique network
With alumni events in LA, Boston and NY, we managed to get a good understanding of the importance to our alumni regarding the VUB DNA (Critical Thinking, Sustainable Development). More than reconnecting to the nostalgic part of having studied at the VUB, we investigated our role as a unique and international network, towards a sustainable future. With the celebration of 50 years VUB in 2019-2020, we are looking to seize this moment to invest heavily in the further development of our international alumni network. Being an alumnus of the VUB is something to be proud of. And with 61,000 alumni covering the globe from east to west and north to south, we can make the world a better place. But we need your help!
Are you interested in setting up an alumni chapter in your region? Let us know via: alumni@vub.be