Reunion 2008 Recap
True Blue and Gold energy was ripping through the veins of our MBA Reunion Classes who came back to Haas for their reunion this spring. Former classmates were fueled by their conversations, reconnections, and the stimulating topics discussed at the conference on Clean Technology over the weekend of April 25-27, 2008.
The weekend kicked off with complimentary career advancement coaching sessions from the Haas Career Center on Thursday and Friday. Then informal class socials in the SF (E&O Trading Company was rocked by MBA 93) and in the East Bay (MBA 98s had a stellar wine tasting at Solano Cellars in Berkeley) warmed the classes up for the weekend events.
The Clean Tech Innovation conference at the Haas School on Saturday featured star Haas School faculty, alumni and industry panelists, and energy thought leaders. Everyone was brought up to speed on the current issues around the environmental and energy challenges facing us today and they heard from alums working to invest in or improve energy markets.
An expo followed with several companies founded by Haas alumni and current students showcasing their products and niche services for the energy market. Several clean air vehicles – hybrid cars from PG & E and CalCars.org as well as a special electric scooter– were on display for alumni to check out, sit in/on, and explore.
Celebrations continued into the evening at Pyramid Brewery on over fine food and drink in a casual and lively atmosphere. They “owned” this Berkeley Brewery that evening.
As Keith Kilpatrick, MBA 03, says
"The reunion was filled with good cheer, great memories and even better stories about life after graduation. Sometimes living so close to UC Berkeley, you forget the global reach of your MBA class. I really enjoyed the reconnecting with my friends from Asia, South America and Europe. Nothing beats laughs and stories with fellow alumni on a sunny Berkeley day!"
A beautiful Berkeley Sunday lured the alums and their families up to Tilden Park for a sunny picnic and afternoon of sports and games. The most beautiful babies, kids, and growing bellies were on display!
As Kal Deutsch, MBA 93 says,
"The Haas reunion brought back a flood of great memories from my school days. I had a great time reliving the old days with friends, and sharing the latest happenings with family and career. I even made some business contacts that could help me professionally. One lesson learned - you shouldn't wait until a reunion year to reignite your personal friendships and professional contacts within the Haas community."
JT Kleep from 1998 marvels
"It was fantastic to see everyone again and also to see such a great turn out. All the events were great, from the wine tasting to the dinner and the BBQ. It was quite mind blowing to see the amount of small kids at the BBQ as well! I am so happy I made the trip from Australia. Will definitely be there in 5 years!"
The final leg of the Reunion program is yet to come, but it will be available in the Summer. Each former student will receive a yearbook highlighting classmates’ personal and career highlights since graduation.
Thanks to everyone that came from near and far (what an amazing list -- Australia, Spain, South America, Mexico, Utah, Canada, Asia, and the East Coast). Haas is honored to support MBA Reunions and looks forward to working with the classes ending in 4s and 9s for their reunion in April 24-26, 2009.
GO BEARS!
