Headlined by Professor William Kirby’s keynote entitled, Can China Lead?, this year’s Alumni Day generated record numbers, with close to 300 alumni in attendance. It is an event that has become a beloved tradition amongst GSAS alumni, offering attendees the opportunity to reengage with the vibrant intellectual life of the Graduate School and to reconnect with friends and colleagues.

In his morning address, William C. Kirby, T.M. Chang Professor of China Studies and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration, considered China’s business, economic, and political development in an international context, sparking questions from the audience on China’s increasingly significant role in the world economy. The discussion continued over lunch at the Faculty Club.  Six additional faculty members presented afternoon symposia on topics ranging from theater and philosophy to evolutionary biology.  The day ended with a celebratory reception.  Photos from the event are posted below.

Current students and alumni chat over breakfast

Dean Xiao-Li Meng welcomes alumni back to Cambridge

Audience members enjoy Professor William Kirby's morning keynote address on China

Professor William Kirby considers China’s business, economic, and political development in an international context

Alumnus and Nobel Prize Laureate Brian Schmidt asks a question at the morning keynote address

GSAS Dean Xiao-Li Meng presents engraved silver bowls to three attendees celebrating the 25th anniversary of their GSAS degrees: David Lee, AB '87, AM '88, Eric Mankin, MBA '86, PhD '88 and Gene Glaudell, AM '88.

GSAS Dean Xiao-Li Meng presents engraved silver bowls to three attendees celebrating the 50th anniversary of their GSAS degrees: Henry Bass, AM '63, Robert Lambert, PhD '63 and Frederic Scherer, MBA '58, PhD '63

Sarah Carothers, Senior Associate Director of Gift Planning, chats with council members John Moon and Ken Froewiss before sitting down for lunch

Alumni catch up over lunch at the Faculty Club

A student chats with an alumna at the Faculty Club luncheon

Lunch at the Faculty Club

Professor Hopi Hoekstra presents, What Darwin Didn't Know: Connecting Genes to Survival

Professor Robert Sampson presents, Great American City: Chicago and the Enduring Neighborhood Effect

Professor Laurel Ulrich presents, Tangible Things: Exploring Harvard Collections

Professor George Church presents, Check your DNA…ASAP