Schulich Alumni Reach New Horizons at CONNECT ‘25

May 14, 2025

The Schulich community united for a day of insight and connection at CONNECT 2025: New Horizons, an inspiring alumni forum. This half-day event featured dynamic panel discussions, thought-provoking workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, empowering alumni to explore new possibilities and navigate the future with confidence. “CONNECT ’25 is one of the biggest events on our school calendar,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “Our theme this year, New Horizons, couldn’t have been timelier. We’re living through a period of massive global transformation – from disruptive technologies and AI to geopolitical tensions and shifting economic alliances. It’s a time of volatility – but also one that opens the door to immense possibility and opportunity.” “CONNECT 2025 was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and innovation. Alumni walked away not just with insights, but with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, ready to embrace the future and turn challenges into opportunities,” said Christina Niederwanger Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement. The event launched with a compelling fireside chat featuring Dean Detlev Zwick, Daniel Tisch Echevarria, President & CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Rob Cerjanec, Ajax Member of Parliament. Echevarria is a business, public policy, and community leader known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management. Cerjanec is a small business owner and advocate for publicly funded education, is a MPP for Ajax and serves as the Ontario Liberal critic for Economic Development, Innovation, and Tourism. Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to participate in Coach’s Corner where six coaches offered 1:1 professional coaching sessions. Networking sessions were also held in the CIBC Marketplace for attendees to meet with like-minded individuals to discuss Consulting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and Finance as well as a general networking session. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in one of four breakout sessions including: Not So Tarr-iffic, The ROI in AI: Case Studies of Business Transformation and Success, Pitch Perfect: Mastering the Art and Science of Persuasion, and The Future of Real Estate & Infrastructure: Navigating Disruption and Opportunity. Four moderators and 11 speakers discussed key insights, strategies, and industry trends, leaving attendees with valuable takeaways and fresh perspectives to apply in their fields.

From left to right: Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Chris Carder, Connie Bonello (MBA ’98), Daniel Tisch Echevarria, and Dean Detlev Zwick.

To close off the event, the Missing Headlines panel was moderated by Dean Zwick discussing transformative trends that will have a lasting impact on business and society: The Evolution of AI, Geopolitical Shifts Beyond Tariffs, The Power of Startups in Driving Innovation. The expert panelists Connie Bonello, Insights and Data Financial Services Leader, Capgemini, Chris Carder, Executive Director of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Co-Director of Entrepreneurial Studies; and Adjunct Professor, and Matthias Kipping, Professor of Strategic Management; Richard E. Waugh Chair in Business History, and Associate Dean; Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA, all shared thought-provoking insights, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the future and actionable strategies to navigate them. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of coming together in person, CONNECT 2025 reminded us of the power of face-to-face connection. From insightful discussions to meaningful networking, the day was a celebration of collaboration, inspiration, and the collective drive to shape the future,” said Christina Niederwanger. “CONNECT ‘25 showed us what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and momentum. We all left more inspired, informed and connected than ever,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “This event reinforced the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge, leaving attendees energized and equipped to embrace the future with confidence.” CONNECT 2025 was generously sponsored by TD Insurance and CAA Club Group of Companies.