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Northwestern Alumni

Leadership Symposium 2026

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Schedule

Please note: The schedule is subject to change, and minor adjustments will be made as the program is finalized.

8:30–10:30 a.m.

Alumni Regents Fall Meeting (closed)

10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Check-In and Registration

Jack Kang and Lindsay Vahl Dean

11–11:30 a.m.

Kickoff Brunch: Welcome and What’s Ahead

  • Jack Kang ’90, Trustee and President-Elect, NAA Board of Directors
  • Lindsay Vahl Dean, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Executive Director, NAA

Kick off the Northwestern Leadership Symposium with a welcome from NAA leadership as we look ahead to the coming year. Learn about the NAA’s priorities and explore how alumni volunteers can continue to strengthen the University through leadership, service, and connection.

Wendi Gardner

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Belonging, Identity, and Meaning: How Social Groups Contribute to Psychological Well-Being

Wendi Gardner, Associate Professor of Psychology, Weinberg College Arts and Sciences

How can the groups you lead contribute to your group members’ psychological well-being? Wendi Gardner will discuss the distinct psychological needs that groups satisfy and share research illustrating the importance of community connection to mental health. The session will also cover how leaders can emphasize a sense of shared mission and cohesion through their communication with group members.

12:30–12:45 p.m.

Break

Amit Prachand

12:45–1:30 p.m.

From Students to Alumni: What Today’s Wildcats Tell Us About Tomorrow

Amit Prachand ’95 (’27, ’30 P), Associate Vice President for Information and Analytics

What can we learn from today’s students to inform how we engage with tomorrow’s alumni? Drawing from the University’s suite of undergraduate student surveys, Amit Prachand will share high-level insights into the experiences, perspectives, and aspirations of current students. Explore trends in student engagement, campus involvement, career readiness, and future plans, and discover how these findings can provide valuable context for alumni outreach, strengthen the student-to-alumni transition, and help build a more connected Northwestern community.

1:30–1:45 p.m.

Break

1:45–2:30 p.m.

From Students to Alumni: Engaging the Next Generation of Northwestern Graduates (Part 2)

Panelists: To be announced.

As recent alumni navigate new careers, relocations, and competing commitments, past assumptions about engagement may no longer apply. In this panel, recent graduates will share their experiences navigating the student-to-alumni transition and what motivates them to stay connected to Northwestern. Through candid conversation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how recent graduates define community, networking, volunteerism, and leadership, as well as practical club strategies for engaging and recruiting recent alumni. Coupled with the student survey session, this discussion offers a unique perspective on both the aspirations of current students and the realities of recent alumni experiences. 

2:30–2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45–3:30 p.m.

Chasing “Wildcat”: Success with the Leading Strategy Model

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As alumni club leaders, you play a vital role in shaping the Northwestern alumni experience. Your efforts are central to supporting the NAA’s mission and global reach. In this interactive session, the NAA’s Communities team will share updates to club expectations and the Leading Strategy Model with practical tips for achieving higher levels of success. Through small-group discussions and shared best practices, we’ll explore how your efforts align with the NAA’s evolving strategies.

3:30–4 p.m.

Communities Team Open House: Networking Featuring Club Leaders of the Year

Connect with Club Leaders of the Year and NAA Communities staff.

4–4:15 p.m.

Break

Adam Goodman

4:15–5 p.m.

Lead with Questions: Adaptive Leadership in Action

Adam Goodman, Director, Northwestern University’s Center for Leadership; Clinical Professor, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

We will explore how alumni leaders can shift from having the right answers to the right questions. Drawing on research from adaptive leadership and leadership coaching, this interactive session provides performance-based resources for how curiosity and inquiry build trust, surface hidden challenges, and unlock better decisions when leading volunteer teams.

5–5:30 p.m.

Break and Transition to Guild Lounge

5:30–9 p.m.

NAA Service and Club Awards Reception and Dinner

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Celebrate Northwestern volunteers for their exceptional commitment and service to the University at the NAA Service and Club Awards.

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Randy Bennett ’88, ’91 MS; Ebony Campbell ’05 MS; Candy Deemer ’76, ’77 MS; Idil Kara ’21; Michelle Madigan ’02, ’03 MS; Ken Porrello ’78, ’82 MBA

8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Check-In and Help Desk

Chelsea Hayes

8:30–9:45 a.m.

Conquering Connection: Three Ways to Connect with Anyone

Chelsea C. Hayes ’12 MS, NAA Board of Directors; CEO, The Coaching Factory

Connecting with others is the key to strong relationships, impactful programming, and even a longer life expectancy. Yet in 2026, connection isn't always easy. Real connection requires curiosity, thoughtfulness, and time. Join Chelsea Hayes for a fast-paced, interactive experience designed to inspire all of us as we continue our journey toward becoming more courageous connectors.

9:45–10 a.m.

Break

Nour Kteily

10–11 a.m.

Spotlight: Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement

Nour Kteily, Professor of Management and Organizations; Kellogg Chair in Enlightened Disagreement; Co-Director, Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement; Co-Director, Dispute Resolution Research Center

In this session, Nour Kteily will discuss the challenges and opportunities involving effective engagement across difference and will shed light on the initiatives taking place at the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement at Northwestern.

11–11:15 a.m.

Break

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

To be announced

12:15–1 p.m.

Closing Luncheon and Leadership Symposium Wrap-Up

12:30–4 p.m.

NAA Board of Directors Fall Meeting (closed)

1:15–2 p.m.

Behind-the-Scenes Campus Experiences

Choose one of three exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences at Northwestern. Additional details will be provided closer to the event.