Celebrating The Northwestern Family in Mexico
“The Northwestern Family.”
This was a frequent refrain during Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro’s historic visit to Mexico in early December with newly-appointed Kellogg Dean Francesca Cornelli and Professor Samuel Stupp (’77 PhD), among other university leaders. They visited Mexico City at the invitation of Trustee Fernando Chico (’76 MBA), the first Latin American trustee.
But who is the Northwestern family in Mexico? The speakers shared their perspectives and history about this illustrious group of which we are all proud to be part.
Global History and Future
Kellogg launched its global programs more than 30 years ago — at a time that no other business school was talking about their global reach, says Dean Cornelli. That long history has influenced the school in untold ways, and the international reach has accelerated in recent years.
When President Schapiro took the helm 11 years ago, none of the trustees were from outside the United States, today six are. During that same time, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate program has increased from 4 to 12 percent. Even the “We Will.” campaign demonstrates the growing international connection, with 5400 donors from 110 countries donating more than $76 million.
Unique in Culture and Perspective
“The single best way Northwestern is known is by its alumni,” explained President Schapiro. “They are hardworking alums who care about giving back to their own country and to the world.”
Trustee Chico agreed, saying that his time at Kellogg made him a successful entrepreneur, “but what I am even more proud of is the human element…. I wake up every morning and think ‘Let’s create jobs.’”
Many Northwestern alumni also adopt Midwestern modesty. President Schapiro appeared conflicted about this, appreciating the benefits but also wanting alumni to shout louder about Northwestern’s many accomplishments, such as having the largest biomedical research center in the U.S., the Simpson Querrey Institute. He wants alumni and students not only to have a sense of pride but also communicate it and show off.
Purple Pride: 800 Strong
There are about 800 Northwestern alumni in Mexico. While dominated by Kellogg, this impressive group represents the diversity of the school, from Engineering to Music to Journalism. It is primarily made up of alumni from Ph.D and masters programs, but includes a growing number from the undergraduate program. It is a tight-knit group: More than one in every eight of those alumni attended the event!
More and more is being done in the Northwestern family in Mexico to connect, communicate and promote an amazing growing community, their accomplishments and the way they give back to society and country.
Kristin C. Barrett is Journalism and Economics ’06 graduate of the Medill School of Journalism.
