Dear Wellington Community,
I’ve had the fortune of getting to know Jaguars across many classes, not just my own generation of the 1990s. And what stands out most is this: today’s Wellington students move through the world the same way we did. The same curiosity. The same humor. The same underlying drive to figure things out. Come back and walk the halls. Still no locks on lockers. Still laughter around every corner. You'll see it immediately.
We are the same kids.
That matters, especially as the campus evolves. It can be easy to feel distance when the physical place changes. But the through line is still there. The buildings may look different, but the kids remain the same. They are us and we are them.
That connection is what allows this work to matter.
At its core, the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board is grounded in a simple belief: our alumni community exists to be of service to each other and to our students, our Alumni in Training. This year, we've seen that belief take hold in real ways. Alumni are stepping forward to mentor, to connect and to open doors. Students are engaging earlier and beginning to see themselves as part of something bigger than their time on campus.
A virtuous cycle is taking shape, one where students become engaged alumni and alumni show up to shape the student experience.
That cycle helps ensure every Wellington graduate leaves not only with a strong education, but with a network they understand how to access and contribute to—one that helps position them to build a family-sustaining income and a life of purpose.
This spring, we saw that connection come to life. Watching Dorina Yessios ’92 return to Wellington and become visibly moved by the memories, relationships and sense of belonging she found here reminded all of us what this place means. Honoring the 2018 Boys Tennis Team reinforced something equally important: Wellington creates the conditions for success through rigor, discipline, teamwork, camaraderie and sacrifice.
Today's students now have people like Dorina and the members of that championship team to learn from, connect with and follow.
Connection, mentorship and service do not happen by accident. They happen because people choose to invest in one another.
JagsConnect — From Foundation to Integration
JagsConnect is moving from concept to integration within the student experience.
- Career exploration is reaching students earlier through alumni panels and classroom engagement.
- Career readiness is becoming more structured for juniors and seniors through resume support, interview preparation and alumni connections.
- Mentorship and connection are expanding across industries and generations of Jaguars.
- In-school programming is coming online with the new Upper School, bringing alumni voices directly into the student experience.
JagsConnect is becoming part of what it means to be a Wellington student.
Institutional Alignment and Momentum
We are seeing clear alignment between alumni engagement and the direction of the school.
- Stronger partnership with the Board of Trustees
- Dedicated institutional support for alumni engagement
- Two dedicated liaisons helping connect WAAB and the institution
- Campus investment through a future-focused Upper School and enhanced performing and visual arts spaces
The signal is clear: Wellington is investing in its alumni community, and that investment is being met with engagement.
The result is simple: alumni have more opportunity than ever to influence the future of Wellington and the experience of the students who will follow them.
We will continue to grow JagsConnect and deepen mentorship opportunities for students and alumni.
We will continue to celebrate alumni through storytelling and share the many paths Jaguars take after graduation.
We will continue to create opportunities for alumni to find community, connection and third spaces together through events and shared experiences.
Our goal is simple: every Wellington graduate leaves connected supported and positioned to build a family-sustaining income and a life of purpose.
Thank you to every alum, volunteer and partner who has leaned in to make this possible. The momentum is real and the work ahead matters.
Warmly,
Idin Pirasteh ’97
President, Wellington Alumni Advisory Board
Trustee, The Wellington School