Celebrating together in China and Rochester, led by the China Parent Network Committee.

The Ģą˝´«Ă˝ is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and celebrations have reached new heights—literally—at the Great Wall of China. On June 14, 2025, the Beijing team of the China Parent Network Committee (CPNC) hosted a special event, bringing together more than 40 parents, alumni, students, and incoming families to welcome new members of the Rochester community and celebrate this historic milestone.

As a tribute to the University, on October 6, 2025. The piece entitled “Great Wall Hero Bamboo Slips” embodies both cultural and historical significance, featuring the ancient Chinese writing medium of bamboo slips, engraved with Chairman Mao Zedong’s poem Qing Ping Yue · Liupan Mountain.

The gift symbolizes courage, heritage, and connection, values shared by both the Ģą˝´«Ă˝ and its global community.

In addition to the event atop the Great Wall, celebrations were held in Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Jinan, Chengdu, and a second event in Beijing throughout the year, hosted by members of the CPNC.

How a URochester experience shaped a career in media, cultural awareness, and mentorship

When Bhaskar Pant ’72 arrived at the Ģą˝´«Ă˝ in January 1968, the world he entered felt exciting and bewildering. Coming from Zambia via the UK, Pant faced the dual challenge of navigating a new country and educational system. Decades later, he reflects on how those formative years at Rochester shaped his global career and how he remains connected to the University by mentoring students through the and advocating for cultural awareness.

Finding footing in a new world

Pant’s journey to Rochester began with a culture shock. “I remember feeling a bit lost at first,” Pant recalls. “But I soon found a community through the International Students’ Union, which became a crucial part of my university experience.”

Pant overcame feelings of being overwhelmed and learned to find his footing. This made him aware of others who might feel confused by cultural differences or unfamiliar environments. His firsthand experience encouraged him to approach others with empathy and understanding—a characteristic central to Pant today.

Discovering a passion for media

While Pant enrolled as an , his interests soon expanded beyond the classroom. His involvement with WRUR, the university’s radio station, proved to be a turning point. Pant progressed from a volunteer to a newscaster and the station’s general manager, overseeing programming and operations.

WRUR opened a new world for Pant. Media production, communication, and journalism suddenly provided a creative outlet to his technical studies.

Pant’s passion for media extended to the university’s media center, where he directed videotaping of campus events, including 50th anniversary celebrations. This hands-on experience with broadcasting and production planted the seeds for a future career in media.

How an open curriculum fostered a global mission

Although Pant initially pursued engineering, his academic journey evolved to include communication and cultural studies. He took French classes and explored courses in acoustics, blending his technical background with his newfound passion for audio and broadcasting.

After graduating from Rochester, Pant earned a master’s in broadcast journalism from Indiana University. His career took him ultimately to Turner Broadcasting and CNN in India, serving as its first President for South Asia, where he gained firsthand experience in global media.

However, during his time at CNN, Pant noticed a gap—Indian IT professionals traveling to the U.S. often struggled with cultural adaptation. Remembering the culture shock he experienced as a student, Pant saw the opportunity for education and empathy. He recognized this need and transitioned into cultural awareness education, founding programs to help professionals navigate cross-cultural differences.

Today, Pant manages professional education and teaches cultural awareness at MIT. He won the coveted MIT Excellence Award in 2024 for embracing diversity and inclusion in his longstanding work at MIT.

“The flexibility of the U.S. education system allowed me to shift my focus from engineering to media and communication,” he says. “That’s something I always encourage students to embrace—keeping an open mind about their future paths.”

Giving back to the University community

Pant’s connection to Rochester remains strong. In the fall of 2024, he returned to campus to lead a cultural awareness workshop for faculty and staff, sharing his insights on navigating cross-cultural environments.

Reflecting on his journey, Pant emphasizes the importance of adaptability and openness—values he attributes to his time at the URochester.

“My experiences at Rochester taught me that career paths aren’t always linear,” he says. “Sometimes, the things you explore outside the classroom can shape your future in unexpected ways.”

For Bhaskar Pant, the journey from Zambia to Rochester and beyond is a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and cultural understanding. His story continues to inspire a new generation of Rochester students to think globally and act with empathy.

Entrepreneur Yohay Wakabayashi ’10, ’11S (MS) shares some of his favorite things to do in one of the world’s top destinations for culture and cuisine.

Tomohiro Ohsumi/AP images for the Ģą˝´«Ă˝ (Wakabayashi); courtesy of Maison Rococo (food)

Meet violinist and Global Leadership Council member Vivien Goh ’69E

Photo credits: Gilbert Chan

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I graduated with a bachelor of music in violin performance from the Eastman School. After graduation, I returned to Singapore and performed actively on stage, radio, and television in Singapore and the region. I taught violin classes in public schools and had a private violin studio until 2017. I was the founding music director and resident conductor of the Singapore Youth Orchestra from 1980-1990.

Currently, I am retired but still teach a chamber music class at the School of the Arts. I am an organist and choir director at the Wesley Methodist Church and sit on the Boards of the Youth Orchestra and the Music Conservatory. I am involved in projects to mentor young musicians. I am an avid walker in the various parks in Singapore and also on my travels in the UK, Europe, Japan, and New Zealand.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the URochester?

At Eastman, I was involved in so many musical activities that were not available in Singapore in the 1960s, like playing in a full Symphony Orchestra and being part of chamber music groups. The opportunity to listen to famous musicians “live” at school and on campus provided many moments of inspiration.

What University resources or initiatives were most impactful to your next steps after graduating?

The Sibley Library was and remains one of the great collections of music scores and audio recordings. The Eastman Theatre and Kilbourn Hall were thrilling to perform in. I was loaned a precious Italian violin – a G.B. Guadagnini – to use in my senior year.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

My experiences in the Eastman Orchestras, playing under various conductors and guest conductors and composers like Stravinsky and Khachaturian shaped my activities as conductor of the Singapore Youth Orchestra, as did my intensive activities as a member of the Eastman Honors Quartet. The Suzuki Method was first introduced at Eastman when I was there. I used the concepts of this method in my teaching. Listening to great musicians of the day “live” was a great inspiration.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

My time spent in Rochester had a great influence on my life and I wanted to share this experience with aspiring young musicians in Singapore who were looking for a university education. Currently, I am on the Global Leadership Council.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

Being involved in this community brings you together with many alumni from different faculties and professions which broadens your horizons. It is also rewarding to help steer young students toward fulfilling their aspirations.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

I enjoy many of the live-streamed concerts from Eastman and webinars on a wide range of topics. It is fulfilling to know that I can help future students experience what I did at the University.

Meet proud Delta Gamma and author Jerramy Fine ’99

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I was born in Colorado. After graduating from the University, I moved to London and have been here ever since.  Currently, I’m finishing up my fifth book and first novel, Royal Resistance, and working part-time for Democrats Abroad.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the URochester?

Honestly, I loved every minute. There is something magical about that stage of life when your only obligation is to study something you love, surrounded by people that you cherish. I will always treasure the instant camaraderie of my freshman year hall, the excitement of joining a sorority my sophomore year, my London internship in Parliament the following year, and the intense bittersweetness of senior year – knowing the magic would soon come to an end.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

Delta Gamma was an incredible crash course in leadership and the strength of women in numbers, but my UK semester abroad changed my life irrevocably as it triggered a desire to return to London after graduation, reshaping my entire trajectory.

What University resources or initiatives were most impactful to your next steps after graduating?

I remember walking through the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. with my resume, knocking on every Ģą˝´«Ă˝ alumni door (including the door of Josh Shapiro ’95, current Governor of Pennsylvania, who was only a staffer at the time) – all greeted me warmly, with tips for people on the Hill who were hiring. I went to The London School of Economics and Political Science for my masters in the end, but I’ll never forget the job prospects that opened up for me that day in D.C.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Ģą˝´«Ă˝ gave me my best friends, a springboard to the life abroad I’d always dreamed of, and even, as of a few years ago, a new literary agent (Jason Bartholomew, ’96.)

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I’ve always been keen to show my devotion to the University and how it changed the life of a Colorado farm girl like me. I love volunteering at the URochester booth at the US university fair in London and explaining to prospective UK students why the University is such a great place to study. I also love contacting students from my home state and being the first to tell them the exciting news that they’ve been accepted to the URochester.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

I truly believe that the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young. Reconnecting with the college phase of life, when the world was our oyster, is good for the soul. Even if you meet University alumni who are older or younger than you, we all have a shared experience that has made us who we are today – and you can’t help leaving an alumni event with a smile on your face, feeling like you’re 21 again.

Chris Foley ’94E (DMA) and Tyler Ramos ’22E (DMA) share their experience as Eastman alumni, mentorship partners, and music collaborators

Chris Foley ’94E (DMA)

In the world of music education and performance, two alumni from the , and not only excel as musicians, performers, and educators but also as mentorship partners.

Foley, a Canadian residing just outside of Toronto, is an eight-time mentor with , and Ramos, from Honolulu, Hawai’i, has benefited from the program twice as a mentee. In October 2022, the two were matched through The Meliora Collective. The two then began their mentor-mentee relationship, one that included something unexpected: Foley performing the Canadian premiere of one of Ramos’s original arrangements.

“Our mentorship program provides enriching opportunities for all participants to learn, expand their networks, and gain new perspectives,” says Michelle Cavalcanti, senior associate director of Career and Professional Affinity Programs at the University. “Remarkable connections, like the one between Chris and Tyler, often form in the program. We invite everyone to discover more and sign up as either a mentor or mentee—each of us has something to offer and much to gain by participating.”

The backstory

Following the official conclusion of the three-month mentorship program, Foley and Ramos remained in contact. It was during one of their conversations that Ramos shared a new composition: an arrangement of . This piece, a fusion of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 1878 Hawaiian folk song and the classical style of Franz Liszt, deeply impressed Foley—he knew he had to play the piece. A few months later, Foley brought this composition to life during a performance at an Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association recital.

“Playing my mentee’s work at a concert was never in the mentorship handbook, but it was a lot of fun, and the audience loved it,” says Foley. He adds that both he and Ramos hope to collaborate again in the future.

The Eastman difference

Participating in this mentorship program has allowed Foley to give back to the community that has given him so much. He stresses the value of Eastman’s expansive global alumni network, saying, “After completing my doctorate, some of my initial opportunities came through fellow Eastman graduates—they literally helped me get my career started.”

Foley emphasizes that true mentorship goes beyond developing task lists, reviewing professional documents, and providing job-hunting tips. “Understanding a person’s aspirations, cultural background, and educational experience is essential,” he says. “From that foundation, we can engage in genuine, meaningful conversations that can facilitate personal and professional growth.”

Tyler Ramos ’22E (DMA)

In addition to being a mentor, Foley has also benefited from being a mentee. —professor emerita of piano accompanying and chamber music at Eastman and one of Foley’s early teachers—was a particularly influential one. Decades after meeting her, Barr still offers guidance to Foley, which, he notes, is important for those mid-career like him.

“Jean is the greatest mentor I’ve ever had,” he says. “She gave me advice that I pass on to mentees today: make long-term connections and find people you absolutely trust. They will help you throughout your career and guide you when you go through challenging professional experiences.”

For Ramos, his first time as a mentee with the program connected him with Eastman alumnus , a bassoonist and faculty member at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. Vacchi, helped Ramos realize that his professional path could encompass more than “just” being one type of musician. “The program, through both Steve and Chris, has broadened my perspective,” he says. “I’ve learned that my career doesn’t have to be narrowly defined—that it can be as diverse and encompassing as the range of instruments I play.”

Like Foley, Ramos appreciates being part of Eastman’s strong alumni community and has found value in being both a mentee and informally mentoring others. For instance, he has provided advice to undergraduate students, encouraging them to build strong friendships and find supportive allies in the competitive music world. “Giving back and supporting others doesn’t ever diminish one’s own success,” he adds. “It brings out the best in everyone.”

Cavalcanti underscores the mutual benefits of mentorship. “Our mentees get to connect with alumni whose career paths aren’t strictly linear, helping them envision career opportunities they may never have considered,” she says. “Our mentors benefit, too—refining their leadership and communication skills, forging new connections, and helping people reach their career goals.”

Meet optical engineer, College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Network member, and United Kingdom Network Leader Pedro Vallejo Ramirez ’16

Share a bit about yourself!

I was born in Colombia and raised in Panama, and I originally applied to study mechanical engineering at the URochester. It wasn’t until the first few weeks on campus that I learned about the University’s world-class optics program, and I hesitantly (at first) sat in the Optics 101 lecture with Professor Wayne Knox. Eleven years later, I hold a PhD in optical microscopy and work as an optical engineer at Snap Inc doing research and development for augmented reality glasses. What’s even neater, and something I didn’t expect during my time as a student, is that I apply what I learned during my optics training at the University on a daily basis.

When did you get first get involved as an alumni volunteer? What role(s)?

I’ve always been interested in listening to people’s life stories and how mostly random and serendipitous encounters determined the course of their lives and careers. This led me to join the Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) during my time as an undergraduate and I attended events all over the United States to mingle with alumni. Ever since graduating, I’ve been involved with the London alumni community, helping with event coordination, and actively encouraging my peers to attend.

What inspired you to get connected and get active, and continue to stay involved?

I still feel a very strong connection to the University, not only due to the wonderful times I had on campus, but also due to the gratitude I have towards my education and the opportunities it opened for me. When Dean Gloria Culver reached out to invite me to the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Advisory Network, I didn’t hesitate to join! The Advisory Network has been a fantastic conduit for learning about the University’s global strategy, and to be able to contribute with my own opinions on how to continue engaging alumni outside the US.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends community?

Reach out to the Office of Alumni Relations to find the next event close to you, and then go to the event! Take the plunge, you never know who you might meet and have stories in common with. It’s great to be in a collective atmosphere where everyone has had a common experience and walked the same hallways.

Meet career advisor and seasoned Meliora Collective mentor Bonnie Liu ’13S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

Life as an MBA student was busy but rewarding. I enjoyed the knowledge I gained from all my courses and getting to know my classmates. I was the vice president of Simon Asian Club (SAC), and I will never forget our trip to Japan in 2012, especially my memory of watching the fireworks together to ring in the first day of 2013. My other favorite memory was being the 2nd year student coach to 1st year students, that experience really helped build my confidence and was part of the reason that I was offered a job at the (CMC) at Simon and decided to switch my career path to international education.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

I came to Rochester hoping to jumpstart my career in finance but life at Simon gave me more than I expected. I made many great friends, got to explore different places, and even changed my career. I always remember the day when I went to the CMC to report my job offer, and then left the office with a new offer from Simon, asking if I would be interested in joining the CMC team to help with students’ career development. I made the choice to switch my career and I would not have begun my career in international education if I did not have the opportunities I did at Simon. This year I am celebrating 10 years since graduating from Simon and 10 years in education. I could not have imagined any of this happening 12 years ago when I was first applying for Simon.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I benefitted greatly from all that Simon had to offer and the encouragement they give to students to try out different things. As an alum, I feel responsible, and I am happy to bring my knowledge and expertise to contribute to the wider University community. I am the member of Simon China Advisory Committee and in our meetings I get the opportunity to learn what’s new at the University and exchange ideas with my peers. I also joined at its very inception and have had 1-2 mentees in each session since. The mentorship program is a great platform where I can connect with current students, learn what’s going on with them, and share my experiences and insights with them. Career coaching is my job, and I am happy to give back this way and help students with their career development.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The most rewarding part is seeing the continued development of the University. By joining committee meetings and talking to students, I can continue bringing value to my alma mater.

What are you looking forward to next?

I look forward to our next committee meeting to learn what’s new at the University, as well as the upcoming fall session of the mentorship program to meet my future mentees.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

Follow the news from the University and attend an alumni event if you can, we have a really powerful alumni network. Also, sign up to be a mentor!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I can’t believe my time as a student in Rochester was already 12 years ago, and my class is celebrating our 10th reunion this year. I hope to visit Rochester in the near future!

Meet avid Meliora Collective mentor and collaborative volunteer launching a global nonprofit Martin Levine ’68

Share a bit about yourself, your time at UR and your journey since you graduated.

In many ways the academic experience and friends I made at Rochester formed the foundation for a career journey I could never have anticipated. It’s led me from teaching political science at Miami University, to government service, social impact investing and international consulting. And coming full circle, along with six other Rochester alumni, this spring I’ve launched a global nonprofit – .

How did you reconnect with the University and what inspired you to get involved?

I reconnected with Rochester last year at the Fenno Conference in Washington – an inspiring event celebrating the legacy of one of our University’s most acclaimed political scientists. The day I spent there brought back a flood of memories from my time as a political science major. I met current Rochester faculty and dozens of fellow alumni, including two who graduated with my class. I was hooked! I knew I wanted to get back into the Rochester orbit.

How have you been engaged as a volunteer?

People in the Office of Alumni Relations encouraged me to join . That led to my serving as a mentor for two alumni and a graduating senior and it’s been enormously rewarding. I’ve become friends with an alum who lives in Japan; a ’21 graduate in Washington, DC; and an international student. Our pairings have become mentoring partnerships, as I’ve learned so much from them. Last month I served as an “Industry Connector” at the inaugural Rochester Connects networking event in Washington – introducing students and other alumni to opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in the UR community?

Just jump in! There are so many points of entry – join the online Meliora Collective or attend an alumni-and-friends event. You can also reach out to the wonderful people in the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement and they’ll offer you a whole menu of ways to get involved.

Tell us a little more about the nonprofit you’re launching with other alumni.

Acting Globally engages people around the world to have an impact on global challenges, ranging from climate change to access to healthcare and education. We provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer their talents – remotely or on-site – with grassroots groups in developing countries. We currently have pilot partnerships underway working with two groups in Africa – one of which was founded by a Class of 2021 Rochester graduate. In addition to the Rochester alumni who are engaged in this initiative, we’re exploring other ways to expand our partnership with the University. To learn more or get involved, make sure to . We’re all proud to be part of the committed, caring Ģą˝´«Ă˝ community.

An alumna and her husband retired, sold everything, and now live full-time on their 56-foot sailboat

Zack Hummel and Jill Hummel ’81

On their 38th wedding anniversary, Jill Hummel ’81 and her husband, Zack—otherwise known by their self-appointed titles of Captain Zack and Admiral Jill—moved out of their three-story home in Connecticut and onto their 500-square-foot sailboat. It was August 1, 2020, and the couple decided to brand their new home Che Figata, which means “totally awesome” in Italian slang—an apt description for this exciting new phase of their lives.

Today, the couple’s address is wherever the wind takes them. So far, that’s included the entire east coast of the United States, the Caribbean Islands, and even the Galapagos. Their ultimate plan is to circumnavigate the world over the next few years. “We love adventure, learning, and taking on a challenge,” says Jill. “Sailing brings it all together for us.”

This spring and early summer, the Hummels are sailing to Australia and New Zealand with about 30 other boats affiliated with the World Sailing Club. When they get to Australia, they plan to rent an RV and explore by land for about six months before charting a course to Indonesia and Thailand.

Fate, the Hummels say, brought the two of them together. Forty-three years ago, they were college students participating in the same Semester in Politics program in London. Jill hailed from the URochester, and Zack from the University of Michigan. They hit it off, returned home, and maintained a long-distance relationship before marrying in 1982.

Since then, they’ve both earned law degrees, raised three children together, and welcomed two grandkids. They also pursued busy, high-profile careers. Most recently, Jill served as the president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Connecticut, and Zack was a partner at the Shipman & Goodwin law firm working out of the Stamford, Connecticut, office.

The couple’s love for sailing started 16 years ago when they bought their first sailboat. Zack, who grew up sailing on Lake Michigan, introduced Jill to the sport. After years of sailing together, they started talking about the possibility of selling everything and living on a boat. A few years ago, the Hummels said, “If not now, when?” That’s when their daydreams started turning into real plans—they prepared their lives, plotted their routes, and got a bigger boat.

And off they went. “We love this life,” Jill says. “By no means is it easy, though—it requires careful planning, constant vigilance, and tireless maintenance.” The couple wouldn’t have it any other way. “We get through challenges every day—that’s just the way of life on a boat,” adds Zack. “We also have a lot of joy in our lives and appreciate everything more, from sunsets to snorkeling to each other.”