2023 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium: Building for the Future

Published 02/27/2023 in Alumni Features, Program Updates
Written 02/27/2023

Every three years, the Milken Scholars Program brings together Alumni from around the world to discuss personal and professional experiences and strengthen ties within the Scholar community.

From February 17-19, 2023, 120 Scholars and guests gathered for the 2023 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.  

Sessions and discussions focused on the event theme, Building for the Future, where guest speakers shared their career trajectories along with personal journeys as they navigated family hardships, self-discovery, and unexpected life challenges.  

These raw conversations sparked deeper discussions in Alumni-led breakout sessions and Q&A segments where Alumni shared advice and insights on topics such as caring for loved ones, preparing for retirement, estate planning, managing career pivots, amongst many other important topics relevant to their different stages of life. The last morning of the Symposium started with a Wellness Break that helped participants reflect on their inspiration and touch base with their inner selves. The Symposium ended with an intimate conversation where Scholars brainstormed how to maintain their engagement with the Program and ways to move forward with the resources and ideas discussed throughout the weekend in order to create partnerships for tangible change in their own lives and their communities.

As Lifelong Leaders for a Better World, Alumni left re-energized and ready to continue Building for the Future. 

A special thank you to all guests and session speakers. Your contributions made the weekend impactful for all. A few of the sessions at the Symposium included:

  • Building for the Future: Our Role as Lifelong Leaders for a Better World

Presentation by Co-Founder Mike Milken

  • Putting the Future of our Health & Aging at the Forefront

Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President, Milken Family Foundation

Lauren Dunning, Director, Milken Institute, Center for the Future of Aging

Dr. Paul Song, CEO, NKGen Biotech & Co-founder/Chairman, Fuse Biotherapeutics

Dr. Laura Trejo, Director, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department

  • Lifelong Leaders for a Better Future: Building Technology for Healthier Communities

Doug Hirsch, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GoodRx

  • Claiming your Space as Lifelong Leaders Building for the Future

Dr. Yvonne Chan, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Vaughn Next Century Learning Center

  • Keynote Address at Alumni Scholars Dinner

Christine Simmons, Strategist, Creator, Impact Maker, Entrepreneur

Mike Klowden, Vice Chairman, Milken Institute

Dr. Richard Merkin, Founder, President & CEO, Heritage Provider Network

We look forward to reconvening in 2026!  For now, you can find photos of the event in the 2023 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium photo album.