The Michigan Ross Network: Pan-Asian Alums Build Bridges Across Time and Continents
At the Ross School of Business, some of the most profound alumni connections and traditions often unfold long after graduation. A shining example comes from the Global MBA Class of 2005, whose members recently organized a 20-year reunion in Tokyo—an event that underscores the organic, enduring power of the Michigan Ross alumni network.
Nearly half of the original cohort—now business leaders in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand—convened in Tokyo last fall, their gathering sparked by a shared, independent commitment to one another. Over dinner, stories, and laughter mingled with maize-and-blue keepsakes, classmates witnessed how, even as life’s chapters evolved, the bonds forged in Ann Arbor had only deepened.
As class president, Masaki Mizutani reflected:
Even rivers and mountains change in ten years. Yet the love and loyalty of Ross classmates endures, wherever we go.
“I feel so relieved and proud to see that all of our classmates are doing well, both in business and everyday life,” Masaki continued. “This event was truly made possible thanks to the huge contributions of Vice President Nam Jin and Krong from San Diego. Their ideas and actions not only brought our classmates together but also strengthened our ties with our former professors and the school.”
Nam Jin Cho, who designed a commemorative reunion booklet, described the privilege of curating classmates’ journeys:
I was the first person to see everyone’s full stories. Their honesty, their challenges, and their growth moved me deeply. We live in different countries, work in different fields, and face different responsibilities—yet we are asking the same questions, arriving at similar reflections. We are walking parallel journeys, still connected by the same Ross spirit.
Krongtong Na-Songkhla shared about what the Tokyo alumni reunion meant to her:
Putting this reunion together was a labor of love. Reconnecting after so much time reminded me that, although we live in different countries and walk different paths, our hearts are still shaped by something we built together years ago. May this reunion not be an end, but a renewed beginning—a reminder that no matter where life takes us, we will always share this journey.
These alumni demonstrate that while professional accomplishments stand tall, it’s the values and friendships of Ross—our living network of individuals—that help to build a better world. The school’s mission thrives not just in boardrooms but in moments of connection, collaboration, and lifelong support.
Ross celebrates these organic alumni reunions, knowing that they exemplify the true impact of a Michigan education: a degree that powers careers, and a global community dedicated to making business a force for positive change.
A Global Network, Evolving and Thriving
Following a careful review of its MBA portfolio, Michigan Ross recently paused new recruitment for the Global MBA as a distinct or separate program. However, Ross continues to welcome students from across Pan-Asia and the world into its dynamic MBA offerings—including the Full-Time, Online, and Executive MBA programs. Each format is designed to foster leadership, innovation, and lasting community on an international scale.
The Michigan Ross MBA—now ranked #9 by Poets&Quants— remains a world-class passport to career success for people from across the globe.
Inspired by the story about the Global MBA alumni in Tokyo? If so, consider the multiple ways that alumni from the Pan-Asia region can connect with Ross and each other:
- U-M Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion | June 5-6, 2026, Tokyo: This popular 10th annual event is open to all U-M alumni interested in convening in Tokyo to celebrate their maize-and-blue pride. Ross alumni are also invited to the Ross Alumni Dinner on Sunday, June 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
- Michigan Ross Milestone Reunion and Homecoming Weekend | October 16-17, 2026, Ann Arbor: Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Ann Arbor campus for Homecoming Weekend, reconnect with classmates, make new friends, and create positive new memories with fellow alumni.
- Refer a Student to the Ross MBA Program: Do you know someone who would thrive in the Ross MBA program? Please encourage them to apply and help foster the next generation of business leaders from the school.
- Global Experiences: Help Ross students pursue action-based learning opportunities in the Pan-Asia region and beyond by making a gift to Ross Global Initiatives - Student Support.
Between official reunions, alumni are always encouraged to create their own moments of connection—whether in Tokyo, Seoul, San Diego, or anywhere the Ross spirit travels. The new Los Angeles campus will also be available for Ross alumni gatherings and events by 2027. If you’d like to inquire about future alumni engagement opportunities at the LA campus, please contact the Ross Office of Advancement at [email protected]. Until then, hats off to the Michigan Ross Network and its impact across time and continents.
Once Ross, Always Ross. Go Blue!
