Fall 2024 Events at Hopkins Bloomberg Center Energize SAIS Alumni Community

During fall 2024, members of the SAIS alumni community from across the school’s three campuses came together for multiple events at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C.—to build and enhance connections and enjoy quality time with one another. Below are highlights from six alumni gatherings held at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center during the last few months of the year.

MIPP 50th Anniversary Celebration

On September 28, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) degree program. Alumni from across the decades reflected on their time at SAIS and the impact of the MIPP degree on their careers. Among them were Commander Mate Aerandir, MIPP ’23; Judson Crane, MIPP ’16; Katherine Downs, MIPP ’96; Jim Marckwardt, MIPP ’14; Evan Ryan, MIPP ’06; and Edel Tessema, MIPP ’24. 

A highlight of the occasion was when Judson Crane presented Evan Ryan with the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Award for Public Service, which honors alumni who have brought credit to the university through their current or recently concluded distinguished public service as elected or appointed officials. The event was graced by former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which added a special touch to the joyful and reflective gathering. 

Hopkins-Nanjing Center Alumni and Student Event

On October 2, Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) alumni and current students in the Washington, D.C. area gathered to network and welcome John Urban, the new deputy American co-director at HNC. The event provided the opportunity for participants to receive updates about HNC, meet fellow alumni and students living in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and explore the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, which became SAIS’ new home in August 2023. 

Amici di Bologna

Held on October 5, the annual Amici di Bologna event brought together SAIS Europe alumni and friends—joined by SAIS students, staff and faculty—at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. One of the major highlights of the day was a symposium titled “America at the Polls: Insights from Europe, China, and the Middle East,” featuring distinguished speakers like Yuen Yuen Ang, JHU’s Alfred Chandler Chair of Political Economy; Narges Bajoghli, associate professor at SAIS; and Renaud Dehousse, SAIS Europe’s rector. The discussion was moderated by Matthias Matthijs (B’02, ’03), SAIS Dean Acheson Associate Professor of International Political Economy. 

SAIS Dean James Steinberg and SAIS Europe Rector Renaud Dehousse shared updates from Washington, D.C. and Bologna. The evening continued with cocktails and dinner, where “Bolognesi” reconnected and shared memories. Adele Barzelay (B’16, ’17) and the entire organizing committee made the gathering a great success. 

Alumni Conexiones Event

On October 25, SAIS hosted the inaugural Latin American Studies Program & Americas Alumni Conexiones at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. The evening began with a social hour, followed by insights from the Americas focus area leadership on the exciting developments within the program.

Distinguished guest speakers Christopher da Cunha Bueno Garman, managing director for the Americas at the Eurasia Group; and Benjamin Gedan, SAIS ’11, PhD’16, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center, shared their perspective on the future of Latin America. 

The night concluded with a lively reception. The event was a wonderful opportunity to explore the Hopkins Bloomberg Center, reconnect with former classmates, and expand professional networks. 

Strategic Studies Alumni Dinner

Alumni, faculty, and staff gathered on October 28 for the annual Strategic Studies Alumni Dinner, organized by the Merrill Center for Strategic Studies and the Strat Alumni Council. The evening included a cocktail reception on the Hopkins Bloomberg Center terrace, a seated dinner and, of course, many opportunities to re-connect with friends and classmates. 

During the dinner, guests heard from Alumni Council co-chair Henry Nuzum ’07, ’09, who shared opportunities to stay engaged with the community and launched this year's annual Merrill Center campaign. Professor John McLaughlin provided an update on Strategic Studies-related activities at SAIS and expressed his appreciation to the alumni for their support of student activities, such as the popular staff rides. 

The evening concluded with an introduction by Professor Emeritus Eliot Cohen of the evening’s keynote speaker, John Hamre ’76, PhD ’78, a SAIS alum and chief executive officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Legacy Circle Luncheon

On November 8, SAIS hosted its annual Legacy Circle Luncheon, bringing together our esteemed Legacy Circle members. This annual event honors alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to SAIS and global dialogue in international studies. The school also welcomed members of the 1974 50th reunion class and kicked off celebrations for the classes of 1975, 1976, and 1977.

The event featured panel discussion reflecting on the outcomes of the 2024 U.S. elections with SAIS Dean James Steinberg; Mara Karlin ’05, PhD ’13, professor of practice and then interim director of the Foreign Policy Institute; and Matthias Matthijs, Dean Acheson Associate Professor of International Political Economy.

During the lunch, Ludmilla (Luda) Ksensenko Murphy B’60, ’61 and Richard (Dick) Murphy ’58 were named the recipients of this year’s 1943 Award, which honors members of the SAIS Legacy Circle who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the institution’s continued success with a legacy gift while making a substantial positive impact on the world.

Sophia Lynn ’91 also received the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Community Champion Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions that address critical social, economic and environmental needs throughout society and communities.

The Legacy Circle is an honorary society of alumni and friends who have named Johns Hopkins SAIS in their estate plans. Members of the Legacy Circle invest in the vision of SAIS and ensure that the school will continue to provide opportunities for students both in and out of the classroom for years to come. Their generous support ensures that our legacy of excellence in international studies remains strong and forward-looking. 

Each of these events showcased the dynamic and engaged SAIS alumni community, and the many opportunities alumni have for networking, reflection, and celebration of achievements.