Northwestern Leadership Symposium
A Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) tradition since 1964, the annual Northwestern Leadership Symposium provides complimentary programming to help volunteers motivate and grow their Northwestern communities. With sessions from industry-leading faculty and experienced NAA volunteers, there are ample opportunities for alumni to share their knowledge with each other, build and deepen their networks, and discover tools to enhance and strengthen their volunteer experience. Learnings can be applied in their professional and personal life as well.
The NAA is excited to bring together our valued volunteers, who play a vital role in working with us to develop inspiring programs, spark deeper connections with one another, and ensure all alumni feel welcome in our community.
Homecoming and Reunion 2025
This fall, Northwestern Leadership Symposium occurs immediately following Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2025. More information about this year’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend can be found here.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis to those who would otherwise not be able to attend Leadership Symposium. If you need financial assistance to attend, please contact Lindsay Vahl Dean, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Executive Director of the Northwestern Alumni Association, to schedule a confidential conversation. If you are interested, you must schedule a conversation no later than September 19, 2025.
Email volunteer@northwestern.edu with questions.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025
9–10:15 a.m.
Alumni Regents Fall Meeting (closed)
Location: Lake Room
10:30 a.m.–Noon
Registration, Welcome Brunch, and Leadership Symposium Kickoff: Remarks and Fireside Chat with NAA Leadership
Location: Second Floor Lobby and Louis Room
Kristin McDonnell ’85 (’21, ’23, ’25 P), NAA Board President and University Trustee
Lindsay Vahl Dean, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Executive Director, NAA
Noon–12:15 p.m. Break
12:15–2:15 p.m.
The Trust Advantage: How to Be the Most Trustworthy Human (and Northwestern Ambassador) in Every Room, Every Day
Location: Northwestern Room
During this high-energy workshop, Sykes shares a master class in the art of high-trust conversations. You’ll design your own high-trust first impression, build a compelling personal origin story, learn how to turn small talk into big talk, and network like a pro. The stakes are higher than we realize, and the trust advantage is your most powerful career asset!
Andrew Skyes, Adjunct Professor of Executive Education, Kellogg School of Management
2:15–2:30 p.m.
Break
2:30–3:15 p.m.
Select one session from below:
Option 1: Chasing “Wildcat”: Tips for Success in the Leading Strategy Model
Location: Northwestern Room
As alumni club leaders, you play a vital role in shaping the Northwestern alumni experience, and your efforts are central to supporting the mission and global reach of the NAA. In this interactive session, you’ll learn about 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.
Jennifer (Klink) Chin ’16 MS, Director, Alumni Engagement
Option 2: Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Moving Forward with the Alumni Admission Council’s Conversation Model
Location: Arch Room
Join the director of the Alumni Admission Council (AAC) and new members of the AAC Advisory Board for a reflection on the first year of the AAC’s updated conversation model. They’ll discuss the future of the program plus expanded networking and engagement opportunities.
Shikha Malhotra ’01, AAC Advisory Board Member, AAC Director (Boston)
Levent Özgür ’01, AAC Advisory Board Member, AAC Director (Turkey)
Nick Radmer ’24 MS, ’24 CERT, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Option 3: The Mentorship Connection: Insights from the Experience
Location: Lake Room
Join us for an insightful dialogue that explores how meaningful mentorship relationships are built, sustained, and transformed over time. Whether you’re a seasoned mentor, a curious mentee, or someone considering stepping into either role, this session offers valuable lessons on connection, growth, and the impact of mentorship.
3:15–3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30–4 p.m.
Select one session from below:
Option 1: Connect and Converse: Small Group Networking
Location: Louis Room
Option 2: Only Robots Are Reading Your Emails
Location: Arch Room
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) tools scan and summarize emails before they’re even opened, how you craft your message matters more than ever. Learn how AI is reshaping inbox behavior from the team of email specialists at Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) who support alumni club leaders marketing. They will share best practices for writing smarter, more effective emails that reach your audience and inspire action.
Lauren Lakomek, Project Manager, Project Management and User Services, ARD
Kristin Jacobson, Assistant Director of Operations, Project Management and User Services, ARD
Niah Tobarri, Assistant Director of Operations, Project Management and User Services, ARD
4–4:15 p.m.
Break
4:15–5 p.m.
The Future of Northwestern Athletics
Location: Northwestern Room
Join Athletic Director Mark Jackson and head coaches from Northwestern’s premier programs for an inside look at the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. This session will explore the University’s vision for athletic excellence, the role of student-athletes in campus life, and how innovation, leadership, and community support are shaping the future of Northwestern sports.
Mark Jackson, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation
5–5:30 p.m.
Break and Transition to Guild Lounge
5:30–8:30 p.m.
NAA Service and Club Awards Reception and Dinner
Location: Guild Lounge, Scott Hall, 601 University Place
Northwestern's alumni volunteer leaders will be honored for their exceptional commitment and service to the University.
Leticia Elizondo Cabrera, ’20 LLM, Chris Eckels ’09, Mark D. Hassakis ’73, Larry Irving ’76, Rachel Yihui Lin ’13, Samir Mayekar ’06, ’13 MBA.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Breakfast; Conversation with 2025 Club of the Year Leaders
Location: Louis Room
Discover the challenges, successes, and rewards of leading NAA clubs. Leaders from the 2025 Clubs of the Year will share valuable insights and best practices, as well as how they successfully engaged with their local alumni communities.
Todd Atkinson ’89, President, NU Club of Phoenix
Rachel Yihui Lin ’13, President, NU Club of Beijing
Barbara Rubel ’93 MBA, President, NU Club of Switzerland
David Waymer ’14, President, Northwestern University Pride Alumni Club (NUPAC)
10–10:45 a.m.
Undergraduate Admission Overview
Location: Northwestern Room
Learn how Northwestern approaches recruitment and selection for full-time undergraduates. Amidst a changing national higher-ed landscape and steep rise in applications, the University’s Admission team has implemented strategies grounded in Northwestern’s values to ensure a commitment to holistic admission review, innovative and student-centered recruitment practices, expansive outreach, and widening college access.
Liz Kinsley ’15 PhD, Dean of Undergraduate Admission, Northwestern University
10:45–11 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.–Noon
How Are the Students Doing? A Conversation with Campus Life and Student Panel
Location: Louis Room
Join us for a candid look at the student experience at Northwestern today, from involvement in student groups to emerging trends in leadership and campus culture. A panel of current undergraduate leaders share their perspectives on what’s shaping their Northwestern experience and how alumni can support and stay connected to the evolving student community.
Keith Garcia, Executive Director of Campus Life, Student Affairs
Noon–1 p.m.
Closing Luncheon and Leadership Symposium Wrap-Up
Location: Louis Room
1–2:30 p.m.
NAA Staff (Communities Team) Office Hours
Location: Northwestern Room
Alumni Admissions Council (AAC) Meet and Greet
Location: John’s Evans Center (JEC), 1800 Sheridan Road
1–4 p.m.
NAA Board of Directors Fall Meeting (closed)
Location: Segal Visitor’s Center, 1841 Sheridan Road