Dear HKS Alumni Community,
I am honored to begin my term as the new chair of the HKS Alumni Board. As I step into this role, I am grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me and excited about the opportunities ahead.
Before I continue, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Corina Santangelo MPA 1999 for her exceptional leadership over the past two years. Her guidance has helped us establish a strong foundation for our community. I also want to acknowledge the Board members who left this year for their dedication and passion in serving on the Board.
First, I’d like to share a bit about myself. I graduated with an MPP from HKS in 2004. During my time there, I served as a class advisor, a class assistant for various MPP curriculum classes and electives, and an orientation leader. I have been a member of the Alumni Board for two years and recently served as a co-chair for my class’s 20th Reunion.
Some of my fondest memories at HKS involve connecting with people from all over the world. These experiences taught me that we have more similarities than differences. The connections I made and the experiences I had within our alumni network have shaped my professional path and enriched my personal growth. HKS’s global reputation opened doors for me, and the lessons I learned there continue to guide me. I am committed to giving back to this community that has provided me with so much, and I am excited to do so in this capacity.
Our upcoming year is full of new opportunities. We are currently in the process of welcoming 12 new members to the Alumni Board, as well as welcoming the new dean, Jeremy Weinstein. Our goals for the year will focus on addressing the needs of our very diverse community. This year, we are aiming to make progress on the following:
- Strengthening Alum-to-Alum Connections: We will continue to foster deeper relationships among alums through a variety of in-person and virtual events, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can stay connected.
- Enhancing Alumni Support: Whether you are seeking career advice, networking opportunities, or ways to contribute, we will enhance our resources and support systems to serve you better.
- Celebrating Achievements: We will celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni and recognize the diverse and impactful ways you are making a difference in your communities and professions.
- Strengthening Our Connection to the School: We will continue to support current students and the broader institution. We want to ensure that future generations can benefit from the same opportunities we did and that our voices are heard in important matters that affect us.
- Difficult Conversations: We will continue to provide tools and opportunities for our community to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue.
- Your Voice: We value your input and will conduct an alumni survey to hear your thoughts and perspectives.
Our collective involvement and engagement are our strengths. I encourage you to stay active within our community by attending events, participating as a speaker or host, returning for your reunion, or staying in touch. Your participation and feedback are vital to our success. Together, we can build a stronger and more supportive alumni community.
I’m excited to work with you and hear your ideas.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
Kathy
Kathy Hutson MPP 2004
Chair, HKS Alumni Board