Connecting Leaders

Thriving Through Intergenerational Connections

Morehead-Cain Alumni continually engage with and enhance the Program through mentorship, job opportunities, and internships; their expertise and guidance; and philanthropic support. Morehead-Cains are part of a lifelong community that impacts those around them and beyond.

In 2022–2023, Morehead-Cain Alumni connected with one another and with current scholars through various community-building programs and events.

Ninth Triennial Morehead-Cain Alumni Forum

In October 2022, more than 600 alumni, scholars, and friends attended the ninth triennial Forum—celebrating 25+ years after Forum founder Brad Ives ’86 conceived of the idea. Brian Strong ’00 and Madhu Vulimiri ’14 served as the Forum co-chairs, and Janora McDuffie ’99 engaged guests as the emcee. The keynote address for the alumni dinner was delivered by Jerry Blackwell ’84. The weekend included two days of SEVEN Talks, featuring alumni from every decade and two scholar speakers.

Watch the highlight video and SEVEN Talks >

Regional Alumni Events and Coffee Chats

The Regional Alumni Gatherings were in full swing in 2022–2023. More than 300 alumni attended a Regional Alumni Event in fifteen cities in the United States and Canada. Alumni hosts for the events spanned across six decades, from the 1970s to the 2020s.

The new “coffee chat” event offered scholars the opportunity to connect with groups of alumni from various backgrounds and career pathways. Two coffee chats were held in Winter 2022, featuring Morehead-Cain Alumni in the sports industry and those who were UNC student body presidents.

View event photos on Facebook >

Morehead-Cain Mentoring Program

Each year, rising junior and senior scholars are invited to join the Mentoring Program and be matched with an alumni mentor based on the scholar’s interests and needs. From giving and receiving expert advice to engaging in lifelong learning, scholars and alumni benefit greatly from participating in the program.

In 2022–2023, 100 mentorship connections were made through the program, providing structure and support to these relationships so that they can develop based on shared values and interests.

Learn more about the Mentoring Program >

Follow-up Alumni Survey with BCG

In February 2023, more than 600 alumni responded to the Morehead-Cain Alumni Survey, administered through the generosity of Mike Deimler ’86 and his pro bono team at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The survey was a follow-up to a 2017 BCG survey, which made the case for deeper investment in alumni activities. The survey highlights a diverse, engaged community of alumni—and many opportunities for continued advancement of the Foundation’s work.

Learn about the four key takeaways and next steps >