Chanelle Bertelsen, Director of Marketing and Communications

The enduring relationship between a school and its alumni can have a profound influence across time and geography. In Marketing and Communications, we have the privilege of connecting with students daily and hearing their amazing stories and accomplishments. This week, the team had a unique opportunity to delve into the narratives, recollections, and impacts SMUS has imparted upon its alumni, past faculty, and staff at our alumni reception on Thursday, January 25.

An exceptional facet of SMUS is its ability to cultivate an extended community. At the core of this community lies a dedication to mentorship, guidance, and the art of story-sharing. Alumni, past faculty, and staff contribute their time and wisdom in shaping the current generation. The deep reservoir of collective experience unveiled this past week is demonstrative of the fact that SMUS is not merely an institution; it is a living, dynamic community that evolves and expands with each passing year. Our community branches across countries, cultures, and interests, meaning every student and family will find their place here at SMUS.

We see this with the many SMUS alumni returning to assist and inspire students, as evidenced by recent visits from Danny Wu ‘14, Filmmaker, Justin Tse ‘15, Entrepreneur, and at our SMUS STEAM Speaker Series where Cindy Kim ‘15 delivered her presentation, "What are the molecular messages that encode neurodevelopmental diseases?"

We also look  forward to the upcoming three-week series on "Pathways to Medicine" by Megan Parry, where alumni Fay Hoefer ‘23, Nekhil Govender ‘21, and Dave Duru ‘22 will work with students looking to study science and medicine. The participation of alumni who have distinguished themselves in their aspiring fields, speaks volumes and helps us all to celebrate their victories.

SMUS is privileged to possess a community where alumni, past faculty, and staff value and support our current and future generations. As we continue to celebrate the stories and contributions of our extended community, it becomes abundantly clear that SMUS is not merely a school; it is a lifelong partner and community in our collective growth and successes.