Milken Alumni Scholars Leading the Way
Published 09/06/2024 in Alumni Features, Program Updates
Written
09/06/2024
One aspect that sets the Milken Scholars Program apart from traditional scholarship awards is its commitment to provide lifelong support to Scholars. Throughout their post-college years, Alumni are invited to dive deeper into the world connected with the Milken Institute and Milken Family Foundation. This year, Alumni were invited to attend the 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Ceremony in New York and the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Among this year’s honorees, the Ellis Island Honors Society recognized Milken Scholars Program co-founder, Michael Milken, for his philanthropic and financial achievements. The evening was an opportunity to commemorate the United States’ powerful immigrant history and celebrate those who continue to uplift diverse voices throughout the country. Alongside Michael Milken, recipients of the 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor included Whoopi Goldberg, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Priscilla Presley, amongst other extraordinary honorees. After the event, Josselyn Navas, MS ‘18, shared a beautiful story on social media, “The last time I was on Ellis Island was 18 years ago when I first arrived to New York City from Ecuador with my mom. My dad, having previously spent a decade in Los Angeles, brought us to Ellis Island as a testament to the courage and rich history of immigrants in the United States. It was a full-circle moment to be on the Island again, this time in a room full of distinguished guests and international leaders.”
Kate Tsyvkin, MS ‘98, had the opportunity to share this wonderful experience with her daughter who donned the medal of honor Michael Milken shared with her for a group photo, “As a political refugee, it was humbling to inhabit a space where so many hopeful souls once brought their determination, grit, and ambitions. As a Milken Scholar, it was particularly meaningful to share this great honor bestowed on Mike, alongside very proud fellow Scholars. Sharing this special evening with my daughter was made even more memorable when Mike lent her his medal. But that’s par for the course for Mike, always passing the torch, inspiring the next generation to do better, to see themselves as he sees them— limitless."
Another opportunity that encouraged Alumni to connect with stakeholders across diverse sectors was the Milken Institute’s 27th Global Conference themed "Shaping a Shared Future." Alumni participated in sessions with leaders at the forefront of critical issues ranging from climate change, artificial intelligence, healthcare, human rights, global markets, and more. Speakers also tugged at attendees’ heartstrings and imparted on many a call to action. After the “Silver Threads: Weaving the Caregiving Tapestry” session, Linda Chan, MS ‘17, said, “It deeply resonated with me as I am a caregiver both at home for my brother with special needs, and at work as an ICU nurse… This session prompted me to reflect on what I hope to see in the future - a world where caregivers are valued, where self-care for caregivers is emphasized, and where those we care for can maintain their sense of identity and independence without feeling like a burden.”
Mike Milken joined 45 Scholars at a special Milken Scholars Power Breakfast sponsored by Milken Scholar Alumna Diana Hong, MS ’99, on the last day of the Conference where he listened to Scholars’ takeaways from past sessions and shared some of his hopes for the future. When reflecting on his experience at Global Conference, Kevin Ou, MS ‘15, said, “The session hosted by Mike featuring John Hope Bryant brought much more optimism into my perspective… As a first-generation minority that was born into poverty, I too have the power to transform the wealth of knowledge and experience I have from my upbringing into tools to make positive change.”
As part of its commitment to providing lifelong support, the Milken Scholars Program prides itself in supporting Scholars throughout their professional careers and helping open doors of opportunities where their unique stories and talents can continue to transform the world.
