School Life
Academics

Alumni Summit

On April 11, 2025, we will hold our third annual Alumni Summit. While the 2023 and 2024 summits brought alumni in careers and with passions related to sustainability and curiosity, the 2025 summit will introduce students to alumni who are demonstrating respect in their careers and extracurricular interests. 

We will welcome 20+ alumni back to campus in April, to speak with students and faculty in this conference-style summit. Alumni presenters will speak on topics of their choice and reflect on respect during three presentation sessions; students will have a plethora of opportunities to ask questions and interact with alums.

Browse our speakers catalog from 2024 on this page - the catalog will be updated to reflect our 2025 speakers by the end of March.

Alumni Summit 2025: Keynote Speaker

Edward Opoku '15 is a former professional soccer player, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a passion for leadership and youth empowerment. Born in Ghana, Edward’s journey in soccer took him to the United States, where he graduated from Millbrook School in 2015 before playing for the University of Virginia. At UVA, he earned multiple accolades, including All-ACC and All-American honors, which led to him signing a Generation Adidas contract with Columbus Crew SC in Major League Soccer (MLS).

After suffering a career-ending injury, Edward transitioned into leadership and business. Previously, he was Director of Client Services at Assael Inc., overseeing the Akoya jewelry program across major retailers like Saks and Neiman Marcus. His ability to manage relationships and operations strengthened the brand's positioning within the luxury jewelry market.

Passionate about giving back, Edward is the Founder and President of BeHappy Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged youth in Ghana. Through fundraising, merchandise sales, and soccer tournaments, BeHappy provides essential resources to children and families, fostering education and opportunity.

Edward has also served as an MLS Players Association representative, advocating for player interests, and as a consultant for San Diego FC (MLS), advising on community engagement strategies. With experience navigating sports, business, and philanthropy, he continues to use his platform to inspire and create opportunities for young athletes making the transition to professional soccer.

Alumni Summit Schedule

Thursday, April 10
  • 5:45 pm - Chapel Talk, Aidan Puri '25, Flagler Memorial Chapel
  • 6:30 pm - Reception & Dinner for participating alumni, Panacea
 
Friday, April 11
  • 7:30 am – Breakfast available in Casertano Hall
  • 8:30-9:10 am – Introductions and kick-off
  • 9:15-10:00 am – Session 1, presentation and Q&A
  • 10:15-11:00 am – Session 2, presentation and Q&A
  • 11:00 am – Sustainable lunch with locally sourced food
  • 12:45-1:30 pm – Session 3, presentation and Q&A
  • 1:45–2:15 pm – Keynote Speaker, Edward Opoku '15
  • 2:15-3:00 pm – The last word with alumni speakers
  • 3:00-4:00 pm - athletic practices
  • 4:00-5:00 pm - Alumni reception, Anthony House
Learn more about our 2025 speakers HERE.

Josh Newman '82 Senior Fellow, UC Irvine School of Social Ecology
Bram Lutton '91 Professor of Science and Technology at Endicott College
Julian Reed '92 Professor of Health Sciences at Furman University, ActivEd Co-founder
Chris Drago '92 Dutchess County Legislator
Alexis Davis '93  Social Worker
Edith Racine '01 Associate Head Coach, Cornell Women's Ice Hockey
Jonathan Lopez '02 Visual Storyteller
Sheen Basu '03  Associate Director Real Estate Operations, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Peter Smith '06  Chief of Staff to the Head of Global Talent, Boeing
Melissa Rome '11 Police Officer
Ken O'Friel '12 CEO and Co-Founder, Toku
Zoe Reinman '12  Advancement Officer, Grace Farms Foundation
Avey Menard '12 Attorney
Sheldon Freeman '14  Musician & Creative Director
Oliver Cohen '16 Adventurer, I Run Earth
Jen Hughes '17 Former Special Assistant & Advisor, The White House
Andrew Lymm '20 Policy Officer & Researcher to Opposition Whip, UK House of Commons
Olivia Charles '21  Student & Entrepreneur