Throughout your life, you build a network of trusted friends, classmates, teachers, and more. They become confidants, influencers, and resources.
Every college or university claims to have a robust, international alumni network, but not many show their networks are still connected thirty years after graduation. When Paul Harper, associate dean for inclusion, engagement, and international affairs, spoke at the 2024 National Black MBA Conference, he didn’t know he was going to reveal just how connected the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business MBA Class of 1990-1991 is to this day.
Harper spoke about the Woodland Hills School District creating an international festival for their students and families in honor of Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba’s (MBA ’91) return to Pittsburgh last year as a part of the Africa Business Initiative. Masire-Mwamba serves as Botswana’s Ambassador to Belgium.
When the collaborative planning for Masire-Mwamba’s visit began, Harper connected with Carlton Scott, executive director of the InterCultural House, who served on the Woodland Hills School District School Board. It was important to the planning committee to include a community engagement opportunity as a part of her visit.
The school board created the festival to fulfill this need. The 2023 event was so successful that the school district decided to hold the event annually and name the festival in her honor.
MBA 1990 – 34 Years Later
A handful of Masire-Mwamba’s MBA classmates were in the audience and approached Harper after his remarks. One of whom was Floyd Trotman (MBA ’90). Trotman, who graduated from Woodland Hills High School, was ecstatic that his two “academic homes” were connecting. He approached Harper to connect him with festival organizers.
At the festival, Trotman shared messages for the students, athletes, and school staff. To the students, Trotman related to their “gifts, talents, and struggles.” Trotman felt like he didn’t perform his best in high school and encouraged students in a similar boat. To the student-athletes, Trotman encouraged them to “develop the most important muscle – the brain.” He spoke about life after athletics and encouraged them to pursue their passions. To the staff of teachers and administrators, Trotman reminded them that their support of all students is crucial. “Never stop planting positive seeds into these kids because many will have futures that surprise you,” he said.
Embracing Cultural Collaboration
Trotman introduced Masire-Mwamba at the festival. She thanked the community for the honor of naming the festival after her. She encouraged continued growth and celebration of the district’s cultural diversity, saying, “The International Festival is not just an event. It provides a powerful platform with the potential to promote understanding and appreciation fostering a sense of belonging and celebration.”
The event, held on October 10, 2024, showcased food, music, and more from around the world. A mariachi band blended with African drummers. Special heart-shaped cookies represented “the warm heart of Africa” – Malawi, whose dignitaries attended the event. Fireworks capped the festive evening that over 450 people attended.
Reconnect with Your Classmates
This illustrates a network that’s still strong over thirty years later. Have you connected with any of your classmates lately? Are you looking to get reacquainted with Pitt Business? Consider updating your contact information or participating in a variety of ways.