Brown alumni are changing lives through philanthropy and service

To the Class of ​2023,

As president of the Brown School Alumni Board, and a recent graduate myself, I want to congratulate you on your graduation from the Brown School! Please know that our alumni are so proud of all that you have worked for and accomplished.

Since my graduation in 2017, I have seen how the alumni community continues to embrace their connection to the Brown School. It is a welcoming group of over 10,000 alumni across the country and the world. The alumni community has provided me with networking opportunities, professional development, and wonderful friendships. Whether you are moving away or staying in St. Louis, I encourage you to stay in touch and keep connected with the Brown School.

Throughout the year the Alumni Board and the Brown School host a variety of programs and events. I hope you will take note of these offerings and stay involved. You will also receive invitations during the year to networking programs through Career Services, and connecting with first-year students before they start school in the fall. There are many different ways to stay up to date on what is happening at the school.

In order to receive the most accurate information as an alumni, please visit our website to update your preferred email address (if not your WUSTL email address) and your new address. Update Information Here. If you have any questions about staying connected, please email Carlton Matthews, Senior Associate Director of Advancement, at carltonmatthews@wustl.edu.

Welcome to the Brown School alumni community! I look forward to connecting with you soon!

Allison Cayne, AB ’07, MSW ’17
Alumni Board President

Make a Gift: Your philanthropy provides our students with critical scholarship and research support so they can continue on to create a more equitable society without the burden of debt. Read these stories and learn how you can help Make Way for our community.

Global Alumni Events: The Brown School community is a part of the Washington University Alumni Association with access to a wide range of service and social events throughout the year. Click here to learn more about regional, shared interest and cultural, and professional networks!

Awards of Distinction: Each spring, the Brown School recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of Brown School distinguished alumni and emerging leaders who are creating a difference in their field, community, and world. To join this year’s celebration virtually, please click here. To nominate a deserving alum for next year’s awards, please click here.

Brown School Alumni Board: The mission of the Brown School Alumni Board is:

Engage all alumni to support and strengthen the Brown School Community and its Mission by:

  • Serving as an ambassador for the Brown School through philanthropy, service, and representation
  • Facilitating mutually engaging and inclusive interactions among alumni, faculty, students, and staff
  • Offering professional resources and opportunities for the Brown School Community

All in an effort to realize the Brown School’s vision – To create positive social change through our path-breaking research and educational excellence. Nominate yourself or a fellow alumni to join the Brown School Alumni Board!

Our alumni are executives, leaders, teachers, and provide care to countless people around the world.

Make Way: Our Student Initiative

Portia Nartey, MSW ’22, MSP ’22, works toward improving lives on a global scale. In 2019, Portia secured additional scholarships that brought her to the Brown School and helped finance her education.

Give Now


Emilie Fan, MSW ’13, executive director of advancement, leads the strategy and fundraising efforts in partnership with the dean of the Brown School. Fun fact: Emilie and her husband met while in their first semester at the Brown School!

Lia Nunez, AB ’11, senior associate director of advancement, dedicated to connecting alumni and students through philanthropy, scholarships, and signature events. Fun fact: Lia introduced Michelle Obama at an event!

Carlton Matthews, senior associate director of advancement, leads fundraising efforts in support of the annual fund, manages our Alumni Board and Eliot Society Committee, and oversees communications for the Brown School Advancement team. Fun fact: Carlton marched in drumline throughout high school and college!

Nick Ponche, assistant director of volunteer engagement and stewardship, seeks to inform and involve alumni volunteers and philanthropic partners. Fun fact: Growing up Nick and his brother participated in twin studies at the Washington University School of Medicine.

CURRENT ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS

  • Meghan Baer, MSW ’10 | Alumni Board Chair
  • Ryan Bell, MPH ’13
  • Rachel Berg, MSW ’10
  • Elizabeth Cahn, AB ’16 MPH ’17
  • Allison Cayne, AB ’07 MSW ’17
  • Destiny Davis, MSW ’20 MBA ’20
  • Jennifer Friedman, MSW ’20
  • Connie Fry, MSW ’01
  • Jan Goodson, MSW ’72
  • Benjamin Johnston, MPH ’16
  • Ashton Megli, MSW/MBA ’22
  • Déjà Miles, MSW ’21 MBA ’21
  • Patricia Saleeby, PhD ’05
  • Jackson Sarter, MSW ’20
  • Shelby Schroeder, MSW ’08
  • Jessica Thein, MSW/MPH ’14
  • Erika Wilson Wells, MSW ’96
  • Melissa Yazzie, MSW ’18
  • Josh Yudkin, AB ’11 MPH ’12 MA ’16

For more information, contact n.ponche@wustl.edu

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Emilie Docter Fan
Executive Director of Advancement, Brown School
emiliefan@wustl.edu
(314) 935-8263

Carlton Matthews
Senior Associate Director of Advancement
carltonmatthews@wustl.edu
(314) 935-5888

Lia Nunez
Senior Associate Director of Advancement
lmnunez@wustl.edu
(314) 935-7992

Nick Ponche
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Stewardship
n.ponche@wustl.edu
(314) 935-5245

Emma Bunde
Administrative Assistant
bunde.e@wustl.edu
(314) 935-3498

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