Speed Networking Pairs Alumni and Students
Heidi Prescott
October 23, 2026
The University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business hosted its inaugural Executive Connections, a speed networking event bringing together 24 alumni executives and MBA and Specialized Master’s students.
The event featured:
- Rotating five-minute conversations between students and alumni in real estate, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.
- A format designed to ease networking jitters.
- Positive feedback, with every participant expressing interest in participating again.
- A student describing the event as “one of the highlights of my MBA experience.”
Key Takeaways:
- Common Ground: Even brief interactions often revealed surprising connections. For instance, Drew Mitchell (MBA ’08, BBA ’01) and Margaret “Meg” Simon (MSM ’27) discovered a familial link through their fathers’ best man.
- Shared Interests: Hayden Mascarenhas (MSF ’27, BA ’23) and Mitchell bonded over their shared love of ballroom dancing.
- Valuable Connections: The event provided students with direct access to senior leaders, offering insights into leadership, innovation, and career strategies.
The diverse group of executives represented various industries, functions, and career stages, creating a rich tapestry of experiences for students to tap into.