At a joint event with friends and fellows of the Hertie Foundation, the alumni community reconnected over panel discussions, workshop sessions and social events.
Achieving. More. Together. From 16 to 18 June 2023, about 250 alumni of the Hertie School and many more fellows of the Hertie Foundation met under this motto at this year’s Hertie Summit and Alumni Reunion. The three-day event marks the annual gathering of the alumni network with more than 3,500 former Hertie School students from over 100 countries. The summit featured nearly twenty alumni speakers as well as Hertie School faculty who engaged with the participants in discussions about the most relevant topics of the day. The community connected with old and new friends alike, bonding over networking sessions, social meetups, talks and workshops on the latest political and social trends. Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the German Minister for Education and Research, joined the opening panel of the three day event.
“The Hertie Summit and Alumni Reunion marks one of our biggest events in our academic year,” says Managing Director Dr Axel Baisch. “We are grateful for the many committed alumni who continue to shape the Hertie School after their own graduation and join us in Berlin every year,” he adds.
Alejandra Leal Vallejo honoured with the Alumni Achievement Award
A special gem at this year’s alumni reunion was the distinction of Alejandra Leal Vallejo, the 2023 Alumni Achievement Award winner. On behalf of the jury, Hertie School President Cornelia Woll commended Leal for her successful advocacy work for safe mobility in Mexico. Leal, who graduated with a master’s in public policy (MPP) in 2012, led a coalition of over 130 non-governmental organisations to change the Mexican constitution. Safe roads and sustainable mobility are now a human right in Mexico thanks to her tireless advocacy work.
“We are proud to have our community come together in debate, exchange and friendship and see how their career paths impact public policy debates,” Hertie School President Cornelia Woll says. “With her positive impact on road safety in Mexico, Alejandra Leal’s achievements are a great case in point and a testament to our motto – understand today, shape tomorrow.”
Ways to get involved
The traditional alumni reunion reconnects the Hertie School’s alumni network every year. The special 20th anniversary edition of the Hertie Summit and Alumni Reunion will take place on 5-7 July 2024. In the meantime, interested alumni are welcome to engage with one of the local alumni chapters close to them, join an alumni event or explore different ways of staying involved.
Get in contact with our alumni affairs department
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Nena Grceva, Director Alumni Affairs