Milken Scholars Holiday Dinners

Published 01/15/2025 in Program Updates

Written by Reyes, Natalie | 01/15/2025

Milken Scholars represent over 70 countries worldwide, but for the holidays many of them are back in their hometowns of Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Capitalizing on this opportunity, the Milken Scholars Program hosts Holiday Dinners in these three cities, continuing a long-held tradition of gathering the Scholar community during the festive season. In Los Angeles, co-founders Mike and Lori Milken joined the celebration, along with special guests from the Milken Family Foundation- Ralph Finerman and Richard Sandler, the Milken Institute- Michelle Stevenson and Mike Klowden, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation- Gina Carithers. With the room full of Scholars and guests across diverse disciplines, Mike Milken used the special occasion to invite Gina Carithers, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Michelle Stevenson, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for the Milken Institute, to share about the work being done at these organizations and how Milken Scholars were and will continue being involved in their initiatives.  

In Washington, D.C., Program Partner Simone Friedman, Head of Philanthropy from EJF Philanthropies invited guests to reflect on challenges faced in 2024 and encouraged everyone to look ahead for new opportunities to come in 2025. The evening was filled with heart-to-heart conversations and a resounding feeling of joy from the support present within the Scholar network. The merriment continued in New York City, where Director Emeritus Mariano Guzmán joined Scholars representing years 1989 to present. As Alumni reconnected over shared memories, they also offered support to current Scholars who are using their winter breaks to rest, apply for summer internships, and prepare for the upcoming semester.

To view photos from our recent Holiday Dinners, click here.