Email Template
 
 
 
 
 
July 2025
 
 
Alumni Connector image
 
 
Commencement
 
 
PHOTO: Ryan Zhang
 
 

Dear GSE Alumni,

On campus, summer is in full bloom, and even the GSE’s new home (a.k.a. the Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier building [ANKO] and the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes building [or Raikes building]) continue to blossom with color as paint and décor are sprouting throughout the interior. To take advantage of the season, we are hosting a Golden State Valkyries’ game (women’s professional basketball) for their inaugural season in San Francisco and a Bay FC (women’s professional soccer/fútbol) game in South Bay, featuring the US Women’s National Team legend, Abby Dahlkemper, as they take on their rival, the San Diego Wave FC. We have already sold out for both events, and have started a waitlist in case more tickets become available. We look forward to representing the GSE at these games this summer!

Speaking of signing up, we’re excited to head to the East Coast this September for our next stop on the Stanford Open Minds Tour NYC. The invitation to the GSE Open Minds Cocktail Reception went out last week, so to quote Hamilton, “History is happening in Manhattan and we just happen to be in the greatest city in the world.” If you’re in or around the greatest city in the world, we want to see your minds at work and the myriad ways you’re applying your education to the professional landscape.

This issue of the Connector centers around this idea of GSE minds at work, with the charge to our graduates to “go forth and do wonderful things,” plus reflections from alumni 10 and 30 years after graduation, the influence their education has had on their career trajectories, and the impact they’re having in various educational contexts.

Each of you has a story that illustrates GSE minds at work. If you are interested in being featured or have a story suggestion for a future Connector, don’t be shy. We would love to hear from you!

Warm wishes,

Marly


 
 
 
 

Marly Solebello
She/Her/Hers

Director, Alumni Relations
(650) 497-1557 | marlys@stanford.edu
482 Galvez Mall | Stanford, CA 94305-3009

 
 

Alumni Corner

 
 


This month’s Alumni Spotlight is 
Shigeko Ito, PhD ’97
 

Shigeko grew up in Japan and was first introduced to Stanford through an impressionable homestay experience with a family of Stanford alumni who inspired her to immigrate to the U.S. to pursue higher education. She earned a master’s degree in education and a Montessori teaching certificate from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, CA, and a PhD in education from Stanford. Shigeko Ito's soon-to-be-released memoir, The Pond Beyond the Forest: Reflections on Childhood Trauma and Motherhood (She Writes Press), details her experience growing up in Japan, its dramatic departure from American life, and the enduring impact both had on her lifetime.

Read More

 
 
 
 
 
June’s Connector posed the following Game Changer:

Q: How is the GSE Alumni Connector working for you? What do you like? What would you like to see more of?

A: We asked, you answered, and future editions of the Connector will reflect your feedback! Thank you to everyone who completed our survey. We are keeping it open for another month, so please respond now if you haven’t yet. In the meantime, you can expect to see more stories about alums and the varied life and career paths they have followed since their time at the GSE.

June’s Game Changer winner was selected at random from the survey responses we received. Complete the survey in July for your next shot at GSE swag.

 
 
 
 
 
2025 Commencement Ceremony

 
 
Commencement
 
 
GSE graduates urged to be flexible in the face of disruption
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The multiplier effect of the GSE
 
 
Stories of Impact
 
 
First-generation alumna reflects on 30 years of educational leadership
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Design thinking for real world solutions
 
 
Stanford alumni with residents at a village.
 
 
Alum applies GSE framework to community capacity-building efforts worldwide 10 years after graduating from Stanford
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commencement 2024 Throwback
 
 
Jex photo.jpeg
 
 
Lifelong learning GSE student collects her masters degree after 80 years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Professional learning opportunities
 
 
 
August 4-5, 2025 | Virtual
 
 
Teaching Mathematics Through Big Ideas and Connections
 
Designed for K–12 teachers, leaders, and administrators, this workshop offers strategies for engaging all learners through open-ended, in-depth content. This interactive workshop focuses on teaching through big ideas—core mathematical concepts that unify and elevate individual standards.  Find out more →
 
 
 
 
August 20, 2025 | Virtual
 
 
Stanford for Life: Your Alumni Journey
 
Chief Alumni Relations Officer Renee Hirschberg as she walks us through the best ways to engage with Stanford as an alum.  Register here →
 
 
 
 
September 9-10, 2025 | In Person
 
 
Youcubed Mathematics Leadership Summit at Stanford
 
Join Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams for two days of professional learning focused on leading mindset and mathematics change in schools, districts, counties, and beyond. You will engage in content from the latest neuroscience and mathematics education research while meeting other professionals who are leading similar changes. This is an interactive format where we will discuss challenges and solutions.   Find out more →
 
 
 
 
September 12-13, 2025 | In Person
 
 
Challenge Success Annual Conference 2025
 
Join us this fall to learn research-based, equity-centered strategies to increase well-being, enhance belonging, and deepen engagement for K-12 students in your community. Registration pricing includes two days of programming, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday.   Find out more →
 
 
 
 
 
 
News, stories, and updates
 
 
Deportation threat impacts California K‒12 schools. Student absences increased 22% under threat of deportation efforts, Stanford study finds. | Read More 

The lasting effect of California’s Eaton Fire on families. GSE research examines the challenges of caregiving for families recovering from a disaster. | Learn More Dean Schwartz’s latest School’s In Podcast: Revolutionizing dyslexia screening: Technology to empower teachers | Listen Here 

Mark your calendars!

2025 Learning Design and Technology (LDT) Expo: Friday, August 1, 2025

Bay FC Game: Saturday, August 16, 2025

Golden State Valkyries Game: Sunday, August 17, 2025

GSE Open Minds Cocktail Reception in NYCFriday, September 12, 2025

GSE Reunion Homecoming: October 16-19, 2025, Stanford University

GSE Open Minds Cocktail Reception in LA: Friday, November 14, 2025

 
 
 
 
 
GSE Game Changer
 
 

Each month, we’re shaking things up with a fun challenge where your attention to detail, knowledge, and competitive spirit can win you exclusive GSE swag! Whether it's trivia, puzzles, or scavenger hunts, this is your chance to snag some awesome prizes. Get ready to play, have fun, and make a game-changing move! Don't miss out—it's the ultimate way to wrap up the newsletter each month.

 
 
July's Game Changer
 
 
How is the GSE Alumni Connector working for you? What do you like? What would you like to see more of? *Thanks to the response we received following this question last month, we are asking again!

Submit your responses here by Friday, August 8, for a chance to win exclusive GSE swag! Those who answer will be entered into a raffle, with one winner drawn each month.
 
 
 
Stanford Graduate School of Education
 
485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305-3096
 
GSE ALUMNI NETWORK GET INVOLVED GSE NEWS MAKE A GIFT
 
 
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