The official co-branded Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University wordmark.
Thunderbird Newsletter Banner

Message from the Director General & Dean

A message from Dean Khagram

My dear friends,

As many of us navigate the heat waves of July, I bring you the latest edition of our Thunderbird newsletter, where we celebrate our collective achievements, spotlight inspiring stories, and set the stage for an even brighter future.

This summer, I have reflected with great pride on being ranked No. 1 in the world in international trade by QS International Trade Rankings. Here at Thunderbird, we are dedicated to creating an environment where global leaders are shaped, and future change-makers are inspired. Our commitment lies in nurturing the talents of our students, equipping them with the skills to tackle the most pressing global challenges, and empowering them to create a positive impact wherever they go.

Our journey forward is an exciting one, fueled by our shared commitment to advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide. Together, let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and continue to make a profound impact across the globe. I have no doubt that with our remarkable community, our future is limitless, and I look forward to an exceptional year, propelling us toward the Thunderbird Academy of Intergalactic Leadership 2096 and beyond!

Warm regards,

Dr. Sanjeev Khagram

Thunderbird News

Executive Education rankings

Thunderbird Executive Education programs earn No. 20 in world ranking by Financial Times

Thunderbird has been recognized by the Financial Times Executive Education rankings for 2023 for its exceptional delivery of custom and open enrollment programs.

Released in May, the prestigious global ranking places Thunderbird’s Executive Education custom programs at No. 20 worldwide — ahead of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge — and No. 4 in the United States, among the top 75 programs globally.

The 2023 rankings also placed Thunderbird at No. 5 in the world for best “overseas custom programs” and No. 11 for “most international participants” in open enrollment programs.

Read more

Dreamcatcher graduation

Thunderbird's Project Dreamcatcher empowers Native American entrepreneurs to thrive

On June 9, 38 women from the Hualapai, San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache, Tohono O'odham, Hopi, Pascua Yaqui, and Navajo Tribal Nations graduated from Project DreamCatcher, a week-long business training program specifically designed for female Native American entrepreneurs, during a ceremony at Thunderbird Global Headquarters on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.

Project DreamCatcher was created through support and funding by the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation in partnership with Thunderbird at ASU. Learn more about the graduates breaking ground in business.

Read more

APSIA award

Thunderbird's Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative honored for excellence in inclusion, community building

"This prestigious recognition celebrates an initiative that bridged learners from all corners of the world with access to a world-class education and deepened a sense of connection within the community,” said Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird.

“The Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative's emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship and a global mindset also aligns with the skills APSIA aims to develop in students. The opportunity to showcase the synergies between Thunderbird and APSIA was one of the highlights of our year.”

Read more

Partner with us to change access to higher education globally

As one of the most ambitious initiatives in higher education, the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative aims to offer online, global education in 40 different languages, at absolutely no cost to the learner. Now, we need your help. A key ingredient for the success of the Global Initiative is collaboration with partnerships at the global, regional, and national levels who can help us reach 100 million learners around the world.

Email us today to help spread the word about this program and to connect us to learners around the world and in all markets.

Learn more

Green Building and Design Magazine

Designing the future at Thunderbird Global Headquarters

Excerpt from Green Building and Design Magazine

The world is at the center of the new Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU in downtown Phoenix. Quite literally, an 8-foot-wide retractable digital globe hangs from the center of a large room, surrounded by LED screens, as part of many interactive components inside the school’s Haas Digital Global Forum.

Within the facilities students can connect with people all over the world in real time using active and multi-dimensional technologies. With a modular approach to space planning, as well as AV and IT fit for future plug-and-play, the headquarters is prepared to adapt to short- and long-term needs. Communal gathering spaces are designed for multi-use programming, with the ability to quickly transform from a study space to collaborative work or event space.

Read more

Schedule a building tour

Planning travels to Phoenix? Let us know in advance and schedule an exclusive tour of the new F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters led by a current student or a Thunderbird alumni engagement staff member. Tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Have a special request or need special accommodations? Please contact the Thunderbird Office of Alumni Engagement.

Request a tour

Donor Spotlight

Donor Spotllight

T-bird Shinichi Hosokawa '01 empowers future generations of T-birds to soar

What led you to give back to Thunderbird?

The simple reason is that Thunderbird's world-class education and network have helped me a lot in my current business career. I would not be where I am without Thunderbird.

Why do you feel it is important, as an alumnus, to philanthropically support Thunderbird?

It is important to support Thunderbird philanthropically so we can educate our next generation. There may be a student out there who is very motivated to grow, but they need support from someone. I wanted to be that someone.

What excites you the most about the future and the next generation of global leaders?

Nowadays, AI and technology is used a lot to help with managing companies and businesses. However, there will always be a need for ambitious, motivated leaders to manage a team. This is especially true in global business, which is more complex. There is no easy answer.

What advice do you have for Thunderbird students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives?

Having strong ambition and motivation will attract other people, which is something that can never be achieved by AI. In order to be strong and ambitious, it is important to have many different experiences and a lot of curiosity.

Make an impact at Thunderbird

Alumni Spotlight

Celebrating our spring 2023 notable grads

Celebrating our spring 2023 notable grads

Among Thunderbird's spring 2023 graduating class, we have a graduate looking to return to Latin America and use her education to propel her home region further, another graduate hopes to leverage the knowledge and network built from his Thunderbird degree to start his own private equity firm, another just accepted a position in Global Risk at one of the world's leading financial institutions, while another graduate dreams of scaling global health care while driven by a strong need to serve others.

Learn about our notable spring 2023 graduates:

  • June Lau | Thunderbird Outstanding Graduate Student, physician dreams of scaling global health care | Read more
  • Grecia Cubillas | Thunderbird Outstanding Undergraduate Student vows to honor Latin American roots | Read more
  • Frank Martinez | Thunderbird grad uses education, community to land position at Bank of America | Read more
  • Tallin Speek | Spring graduate focuses on maximizing opportunities, connections at ASU | Read more
  • Victor Oleynik | Thunderbird graduate aims to empower communities for more democratic world | Read more
  • Alenga Alokola | Thunderbird graduate aims to empower refugee community in Arizona | Read more
  • Melissa Ballesteros | Thunderbird graduate transitions from health care to global affairs, aims to make impact in government | Read more
  • Joseph Kemp | Thunderbird journey inspires online grad to work and live abroad | Read more
  • Matthew Pepper | Thunderbird graduate leverages his degree to drive a global impact | Read more

In addition to learning more about our spring 2023 graduates, we invite you to view the entire ceremony via the button below.

Watch the video

Student News

My second semester at Thunderbird

My second semester at Thunderbird: Exploring global business, environment, innovation, and sustainability

Kensle Figaro, PMP | Current MGM student and SHARE Fellow

"Imagine creating the world's first laptop or being part of a team that revolutionizes an entire industry. This semester I had the privilege of learning from Professor Glenn Edens, who did both, and his insights on innovation were invaluable," stated Jean Kensle Figaro, current MGM student and SHARE Fellow at Thunderbird. "Looking back on my semester at Thunderbird, I am a bit surprised by the fact that I am already halfway through my graduate school journey. However, I have already been provided with so many valuable learning opportunities."

Read more

Latin America Regional Night

Save the date for Regional Night

Friday, September 22 | 7 to 10 p.m. | Thunderbird Global Headquarters

Save the date for the next Thunderbird Regional Night celebrating Latin America at the F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters!

A long-cherished Thunderbird tradition honoring cultural diversity, Regional Night celebrations feature incredible cuisine, culture, traditions, art, and performances of a particular part of the world. The event is free and open to all Thunderbird and ASU students, faculty and staff, families, and greater community.

For any questions about the event, contact Olga Teran, assistant director of student engagement.

Save the date

Lifelong Learning

EMAGAM Header

Unlock your potential as a T-bird

We invite you to unlock your global potential with an Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management (EMAGAM) degree from Thunderbird.

Based in Washington, D.C., the one-year EMAGAM program is designed for busy professionals who want to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. The program is offered in a flexible format, allowing you to pursue the degree while continuing your professional career.

Apply by Sunday, July 30, for an application fee waiver. Don't miss the chance to develop knowledge and skills to help you succeed, no matter where your future leads you.

Learn more

Creative Industries OE

Accelerating Leadership and Management of Global Creative Industries executive certificate

October 6–7 (Munich, Germany) or January 20-21, 2024 (Dubai, UAE)

Global Creative Industries are driving dramatic and far-reaching changes in business, culture, and society. As a vital source of transformative ideas, these industries are also remaking themselves as new technologies emerge and talent is mixed with deep and enriching traditions of creativity and innovation.

Thunderbird’s executive certificate in Accelerating Leadership and Management of Global Creative Industries features leading academic faculty and coaches, creative business leaders, and valuable learning materials customized for those transforming the creative industries and themselves.

Save 50% with code: BDA15E

Learn more

Blitzscaling OE course

Blitzscaling: Identifying and Managing New Hyper-Growth Initiatives professional course

October 9–11 (Phoenix, AZ)

Since the book was released in 2018, Blitzscaling has taken the world of startups and innovation by storm. In it, co-authors Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh lay out the company-building and scaling strategies developed by Hoffman over the course of his legendary career in Silicon Valley.

In the three-day course taught by Thunderbird alumnus Jeff Abbott '92 and Bltzscaling co-author and serial entrepreneur Chris Yeh, participants will walk through the stages, techniques, and strategies that make blitzscaling work for both traditional or established companies and start-ups.

Save 50% with code: BDA15E

Learn more

Space Leadership OE course

Space Leadership, Business, and Policy executive certificate

November 5–9 (Washington, D.C.)

Space is booming. Learn to lead in the new space economy. An increasing number of commercial startups and emerging entrepreneurs are building their business models around products or services for space markets. From NASA’s budget expanding for the first time in decades to the establishment of the United States Space Force, the space sector is boldly making new commitments to the final frontier. This certificate features powerful guest speakers, valuable learning materials, and more.

Taught by globally recognized space leaders and distinguished academic faculty, participants will learn from experts and practitioners how to discover growth opportunities in the space industry.

Save 50% with code: BDA15E

Learn more

Faculty Spotlight

Navigating change and driving innovation: SDG roadmap for business success

Navigating change and driving innovation: SDG roadmap for business success

Mary Teagarden | Deputy Dean and Professor of Global Strategy

Amidst significant changes in the private sector, companies and leaders must navigate and manage these transformations to safeguard their financial success and brand reputation. Simultaneously, businesses need to prioritize innovation and positive change within their organizations.

By actively engaging with the agenda for sustainable development, companies can address pressing challenges related to shifting economic landscapes, environmental transitions, and social transformations.

Learn more

Stay Connected

Update your contact information

Be sure to update your preferred contact information on T-bird Connect to receive the latest communications from Thunderbird and your local alumni chapter. Need assistance with activating or accessing your T-bird Connect account? Contact the Thunderbird Office of Alumni Engagement by email or phone at +1 602-496-7125.

Update here

Download the T-bird Connect app

Download the T-bird Connect app and access a suite of alumni resources right from your mobile device including the ability to find a fellow T-bird, access the roster of alumni chapters and affinity groups, and participate in signature programs including the Thunderbird Mentorship Program.

Activate your T-bird Connect account today by clicking here.

You can also watch our step-by-step guide for more details on signing up.

Download for iOS
Download for Android

Request your Thunderbird alumni email address

All alumni have access to a Thunderbird alumni email account. If you haven’t received one or need assistance logging in, please contact the Thunderbird IT department via the button below. You can log into your Thunderbird alumni email account here.

Request an alumni email account

Estate planning resources: Available to Thunderbird alumni at no cost

Are you ready to plan your will or trust? We would like to give you a free Estate Planning Guide. This information can help you successfully plan your estate and avoid an accidental disinheritance. Click below to request a copy today.

Request Guide

 
Facebook    Twitter    Linkedin    YouTube    Vimeo    

Activate Your T-bird Connect Account

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University
401 N 1st Street | Phoenix, AZ 85004
W: thunderbird.asu.edu | E: t-birdconnect@thunderbird.asu.edu

Copyright © 2022 Arizona Board of Regents | Privacy Statement

 

Email Published Date
July 2023
Email PDF
tbird-alumni-friends-newsletter-2023-07-24.pdf (892.22 KB)
ASU University Technology Office Arizona State University.
Thunderbird School of Global Management

401 North 1st Street Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: 602-496-7000

Why Thunderbird
About Become a T-bird 100 Million Learners The Pub Newsroom Venue reservations Rankings and Accreditation Thunderbird Archives
Worldwide Locations
Global Headquarters The Americas Europe Middle East and North Africa Sub-Saharan Africa Asia Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Resources
School Directory Campus Ambassadors Visit Virtual tour Alumni Portal Student Intranet Employee Intranet
Number one in the U.S. for innovation. #1 ASU, #2 Stanford, #3 MIT. - U.S. News and World Report, 5 years, 2016-2020
Maps and Locations Jobs Directory Contact ASU My ASU
Copyright and Trademark Accessibility Privacy Terms of Use Emergency