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The big question in college is "what's next?" At Beyond the Gates, we will help you tackle the big questions and perfect the smallest details.

Working alongside alumni from the University, juniors and seniors are invited to participate in this fast-paced and engaging weekend. Each year, alumni mentors and professionals from around the country come to the Mountain in early January to talk about their experience and give first-hand advice. Keynote speakers, workshops, and breakout sessions give students on-the-ground experiences that will accompany them into the workforce. From finance and journalism to real estate and international affairs, participants will encounter an array of training and guidance. Suddenly the landscape outside the Gates becomes not-so-intimidating and abundant with opportunity. 

Students who participate in Beyond the Gates have the chance to network with helpful alumni and parents and to learn about:

  • Various careers and career paths
  • How to begin and conduct a job search
  • Helpful tips on interviewing and practice interviews
  • LinkedIn and resumes with critique
  • What it's like to live and work in various cities
  • Personal finance and budgeting
  • Business dining etiquette and networking techniques
  • Succeeding in the first year on the job

Beyond the Gates 2024

Past Keynote Speakers

2023: Ijeoma Anyanwu, C'11

Deputy Chief of Data and Strategy for the District of Columbia Public Schools. Read her bio .Ìý

2022: Dr. Chase Spurlock, C'09

Co-Founder and CEO of Decode Health. Read his bio .Ìý

2021: Dr. Renia Rush Dotson, C'88

MD, FACS, MHP, MBA, board certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.Ìý Read her bio

2021: Theodosia Cook, C'11

SHRM-CP, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Colorado.Ìý (Current: Co-Founder, Groundswell Change, LLC) Read her bio

2021: Jeremie Amoroso, C'10

Consultant, Strategy and Operations team at the World Bank.Ìý Read his bio

2020: Kristen Morrissey Theide, C'98

CEO, First Step Project and SVP, Two Sigma (Current: Chief People and Strategic Partnerships Officer, Upside; Prior: Google). Read her bio

2019: Julie Vibul Jolles, C’01

U.S. Department of State/World Bank (Current: Political Advisor, US Mission to the UN). Read her bio

2018: Emily Ochsenschlager, C'03

Producer and Editor, NPR (Current: Creative Producer-Fitness+, Apple). Read her bio

2017: Mercedes Abramo, C'92

President and CEO, Cartier North America. Read her bio

2016: Charlie Brock, C'87

CEO and President, Launch Tennessee (Current: Director, Four Bridges Capital Advisors). Read his bio

2015: Meredith Walker, C'91

Co-Creator and Executive Producer, Smart Girls (Current: Co-Founder and Executive Director, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls: A Digital Network and Online Community). Read her bio

2014: The Rev. Maryetta Anschutz, C’97

Founder and Head of School, Episcopal School of Los Angeles (Current: Founder, Blueprint). Read her bio

2013: Ted Dennard, C’88

Founder and CEO, Savannah Bee Company. Read his bio

2012: Jennifer Bulkeley Staats, C’00

Strategist, Office of the Secretary of Defense (Current: Director, East and ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵeast Asia Programs at United States Institute of Peace). Read her bio

2011: W. Marichal Gentry, C’86

Associate Dean of Yale College and Dean of Student Affairs (Current: Enrollment Management Counselor, Durham Academy). Read his bio

2010: The Hon. Karl Dean, P’10

Mayor of Nashville. (Current: Adjunct Professor of Law, Vanderbilt Law School) Read his bio

2009: Dr. Serena Satcher, C’85

Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician. Read her bio

2008: Dr. Linda Mayes, C’73

Arnold Gesell Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology at the Yale University Child Study Center. Read her bio

2007: Montague (Cosmo) Boyd, C’74

Financial Advisor and Senior VP, Smith Barney (Current: Managing Director, The 680 Group; Prior: Stephens). Read his bio

2006: Read Carson Van de Water, C’86

Chairman of the National Meditation Board (Current: Senior Vice President, Safran USA). Read her bio

2005: Wallace Westfeldt, C’47

Journalist and Former Executive Producer, NBC Nightly News and ABC Special Reports. Read his bio