Formed in 2006, the Monterey Peninsula Chapter holds the alumni "claim to fame" as the largest community of alumni in the world.  Surely the photo above explains why so many of our alumni choose to remain local.

"Third Wednesday Happy Hour"
Throughout the fall 2006, former Alumni Director Barbara Burke hosted monthly gatherings at Peter B's Brew Pub in Downtown Monterey. Attended by a dynamic group of Monterey alumni, these happy hours gave local alumni the chance to reconnect, expand their networks and sample some of the best locally produced ale in the state.

International Professional Service Semester, Africa
In September 2006, Ed Laurance, long-term GSIPS professor, and recently appointed dean to the International Policy Studies School, briefed local alumni on his trip to Africa, and showed a video of his interviews with alumni, who are working thoughout the continent. Dean Laurance visted alumni and students participating in the International Professional Service Semester (IPSS) in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and Angola.

Wine Tasting and Welcome
In February 2007, Monterey alumni gathered at the Institute's historic Adobe (currently the Admissions Office), for an evening of wine tasting, desserts and conversation. The event was to have included a trip to the local State Theatre for a double-feature film, but alumni were having too much fun to leave the party. The wine flowed, and the guests bid farewell to out-going Alumni Director Barbara Burke (who remains on campus as the executive assistant to President Clara Yu, and the executive secretary to the Board of Trustees), and welcomed in-coming Director of Alumni Relations Leah Gowron.

Future events for Monterey alumni include an on-campus lecture by Chile's Honorable Judge Juan Guzman-Tapia on Friday, May 11, 2007, the day before he joins former Mayor Dan Albert, and Leon and Sylvia Panetta in receiving honorary doctorates at the Institute's Commencement 2007 ceremony.

Stay tuned for more events