September marks the beginning of an exciting new program year for the Riordan community! In this edition, we welcome our newest Riordan Scholars and MBA Fellows, reflect on their first sessions, and share opportunities for alumni to help celebrate the Riordan Programs’ upcoming 40th Anniversary. Read on to learn how you can submit your Riordan story and nominate an outstanding member of our community for the Riordan Programs Hall of Fame.

We were excited to welcome our 2026–27 Riordan Scholars as they began a new year of learning, leadership development, and community building. The Scholars kicked off their first session with Inside the Executive, featuring MacKenzie Green, Global Head of Social at Audible.

During the conversation, MacKenzie shared insights from her career journey, valuable lessons in leadership, and her perspective on what it takes to build a meaningful career in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Her candid advice encouraged Scholars to remain curious, embrace new opportunities, and confidently pursue their professional goals.

We’re excited to welcome Cohort 1 of the 2026–27 Riordan MBA Fellows Program! As the new program year begins, we look forward to getting to know our Fellows, celebrating their milestones, and supporting them as they take the next steps toward their goals.

From conversations with guest speakers to connections with peers and mentors, there is plenty to look forward to in the year ahead. We’re excited to see the ideas, experiences, and energy this cohort brings to each session.

We also look forward to welcoming Cohort 2 as they begin their Riordan journey soon. To all our incoming Fellows, welcome to the Riordan community!

The Riordan Programs at UCLA Anderson turns 40 in 2027, and we want you to be part of the celebration! We’re highlighting the journeys, achievements, and connections that make our alumni community special. Share your story for a chance to be featured throughout our anniversary year.

🏛️ Called to Serve: Public Service & Military
Alumni serving their communities through careers in public service or the military.

🎂 The Classes That Started It All: Scholars ’87 & Fellows ’88
Memories and reflections from the inaugural Riordan Scholars class of 1987 and Riordan Fellows class of 1988.

✈️ Across the Globe: Alumni Around the World
Alumni building lives and careers around the globe.

🍽️ Serving Success: Alumni Restaurant Owners
Alumni bringing their entrepreneurial vision to life through restaurant ownership.

💼 From SMC to Wall Street
Alumni who turned inspiration from the Stock Market Competition into careers in finance.

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏾 A Connection That Lasts: Alumni & Their Mentors
Alumni whose mentorships through The Riordan Programs grew into lasting, meaningful connections.

✍🏽 The Next Chapter: Alumni Authors & Storytellers
Alumni sharing their ideas and perspectives through published books, articles, or essays.

🫶 Giving It Forward: Alumni on Nonprofit Boards
Alumni making a difference through leadership on nonprofit boards.

🚀 From Vision to Venture: Alumni Entrepreneurs
Alumni who brought their vision to life by founding a business or organization.

🎬 Behind the Scenes: Alumni in Entertainment

Alumni shaping the entertainment industry through careers in film, television, sports, music, and media.

🎓 Degrees of Impact: Alumni in Research & Academia
Alumni pursuing or holding PhDs and making an impact through research, scholarship, and teaching.

💙 A Shared Beginning: Alumni Love Stories
Couples who are both Riordan Alumni.

Have a story that fits one of these features? We’d love to hear it!

Story Submission Deadline: November 19, 2026

As we prepare to celebrate the Riordan Programs’ 40th Anniversary in 2027, we invite our community to nominate individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Riordan legacy.

The Riordan Programs Hall of Fame honors exceptional alumni, faculty, staff, volunteers, and supporters who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to mentoring and creating opportunities for underrepresented students in business. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

Selected honorees will be formally recognized as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027

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