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First JD-MBA Alumni Association Event is a Success
Jay Xu, Class of 2009

On November 14th, 2006, the JD-MBA Alumni Association held its first ever alumni reunion to honor four individuals whose efforts have made Northwestern’s JD-MBA program one of the most successful joint programs in the nation.  The four honorees included: Dean Don Jacobs, Bill Brodsky, Dean Van Zandt, and Dean Ed Wilson.

Jim Sinclair and Ryan Paulowsky kicked off the meeting with a slide presentation that gave everyone a look into the current state of the JD-MBA program and Alumni base. The presentation revealed interesting stats such as the professions and locations of the JD-MBA alumni and the scheme of the 3 year JD-MBA program.

Next, each of the honorees gave a heartwarming speech about transformation JD-MBA from a generic four year program to an integrated three year program. First, Bill Brodsky, the Chairman and CEO of the Chicago Board Options Exchange NW Law trustee, recalled how his fervor to make the JD-MBA program more integrated stemmed from hearing the problems his son faced in the old JD-MBA program.  Next, Dean Don Jacobs described the explosive meeting that culminated into the revamp of the JD-MBA program into its current state. Then, Dean Van Zandt delineated some of the future challenges facing the program and possible plans to keep the program as the top of the country.  Last but not least, Ed Wilson capped the evening off with a touching speech where he thanked every JD-MBA alumnus for their past efforts and continuing support of the program.
Overall, the reunion was a huge success as more than 30 JD-MBA alumni, spanning 30 years, participated along with a myriad professors and almost every current JD-MBA student. This event was definitely a great way to bring all the JD-MBA closer together and promote networking among the alums and the current JD-MBA students.