Vanderbilt and Owen are on a thrilling upward trajectory thanks to the launch of the Dare to Grow campaign and the arrival of Dean Steenburgh. The Owen Asia Alumni Board is delighted to be collaborating closely with the dean and Chancellor Diermeier to explore innovative ways to enhance connectivity between the school, the university, and the growing Vanderbilt community in Asia.
In October, our board had the honor to host Chancellor Diermeier in Tokyo, Japan, for an energizing discussion about his vision for the university and the profound opportunities that lie ahead to deepen Vanderbilt’s presence and impact in Asia. It was heartening to hear the chancellor share his story of connection to Asia based on his personal experiences in our dynamic region, and to discuss in practical terms how we can leverage the unique knowledge, expertise and networks of alumni in Asia, in ways that best contribute to Vanderbilt’s continuous improvement mission.
It was truly remarkable and deeply appreciated by all to have the chancellor bridge the geographical gap and make himself accessible to alumni in Tokyo, many of whom have not been back to campus since they graduated. This personal touch underscored the significance of the region for the university’s future and has inspired us to think more strategically about how we, as alumni, can contribute to the continued growth and success of Vanderbilt and Owen. Asia is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, and we look forward to finding new opportunities to further engage the business community in countries like Singapore, China, and Japan. There is also a growing number of Asia-born companies in Nashville, many in the automotive industry as an example, that are an untapped well for collaboration and engagement with our faculty, students and alumni.
The Owen Asia Alumni Board is delighted to be collaborating closely with the dean and Chancellor Diermeier to explore innovative ways to enhance connectivity between the school, the university, and the growing Vanderbilt community in Asia.
The current positive momentum at Owen, such as the Management Hall renovation, is an asset that resonates globally, as is Owen’s small size and unique culture. Owen’s personalized educational approach, combined with academic excellence, is particularly appealing to prospective students in Asia, who hold high expectations when investing time and resources in an educational institution. Another valuable asset is Owen’s Nashville location. Prospective students are eager to learn about what life will be like in one of the U.S.’s most vibrant and fastest growing cities.
The Owen Asia Alumni Board has made significant progress towards our three primary goals–placing more students from Asia at Owen and Vanderbilt, facilitating job placements for graduates in Asia, and spreading the university brand across the region. These goals are not only in alignment with the Chancellor’s vision but also deeply resonate with Dean Steenburgh’s objectives for the school. Our board looks forward to continued collaboration with Dean Steenburgh and developing new ways to make an impact as we embark on Owen’s next chapter.
Vanderbilt’s journey of continuous improvement and the Dare to Grow campaign align seamlessly with the rapid growth taking place in Asia. As we contemplate the immense economic opportunities in Asia, firsthand experience is invaluable. I would encourage all alumni, if the opportunity arises, to visit Asia and witness the dynamic growth and potential personally! Whether for business or tourism, there is so much to offer here. Your engagement will not only deepen your understanding but also strengthen the connections between Owen and Asia. Together, we can build bridges that help take Owen and Vanderbilt to the next level.
– Derek Young, MBA’91, President of
Fidelity International’s Japan operations.