Celebrating the Legacy of Luminites at the SDSB Alumni Reunion
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The Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB) Alumni Association hosted its annual reunion on January 4, 2025, at LUMS, bringing to life the theme, ‘Legacy of Luminites’. Over 500 alumni, their families, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate decades of connection and impact and shared achievements, highlighting the impactful influence of the SDSB alumni community.
Honouring Excellence: Pride of LUMS Award and Key Achievements
The reunion was attended by luminaries, including Founding Pro Chancellor Syed Babar Ali, Pro Chancellor Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema, and Dean SDSB Dr. Fazal Jawad Seyyed.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the ‘Pride of LUMS’ Award to Mr. Kazim Mujtaba (MBA '98), President, Consumer Division, Jazz, in recognition of his remarkable professional accomplishments and contributions to society. This prestigious accolade celebrates the spirit of Luminites who continue to make their alma mater proud on a global stage.
Keynote speaker Mr. Aezaz Hussain, Chairman of Systems Limited, further inspired the gathering with reflections on education, innovation, and leadership, highlighting the critical role of alumni in empowering the next generation.
Additionally, the event celebrated the School’s major milestones of the year, which included hosting Shark Tank Pakistan at LUMS, cultivating a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2024, SDSB also launched impactful mentorship programmes to connect students with experienced alumni, fostering a tradition of guidance and empowerment. It strengthened industry-academia partnerships, unlocking new opportunities for career growth and collaboration, and inspired audiences through curated speaker sessions featuring notable alumni and industry leaders.
The Legacy of Giving Back: A Call to Action
In his moving keynote address, Syed Babar Ali reflected on the unbreakable bond shared among alumni and their responsibility toward their alma mater.
“You will never become poorer by giving”, he said. “Respect and honour your alma mater, just as you would honour your mother. Together, we can elevate LUMS to stand alongside the world’s top institutions. Even a small contribution—just 1–2% of your income—can transform the future of generations to come.”
His words resonated with the audience deeply, encouraging alumni to pledge to initiatives such as class endowment funds under the banner of 'Small Today, Transformative Tomorrow'.
Mr. Ahsan Sheikh, President of the SDSB Alumni Association, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared responsibility of alumni to give back and build a stronger, more connected LUMS community. In addition to alumni focus on class funds, he emphasised strengthening alumni-student bonds through mentorship, career support, and guidance. He called for expanding initiatives such as planned giving programmes and entrepreneurship platforms to inspire and empower the next generation. He also highlighted the significance of nurturing a culture of giving, leadership, and connection to ensure LUMS remains a beacon of excellence for years to come.
Impact of the LUMS Alumni Network
The SDSB alumni network, 20,000 strong, continues to leave its mark worldwide, with 4,000 alumni in leadership roles, driving strategic decisions; 400 entrepreneurs innovating and creating opportunities globally; and 300 alumni making impactful contributions to social sectors.
Participation milestones at the reunion also reflected the community’s growing commitment, with 63.9% participation from MBA alumni (1988–2022), and 50% participation from BSc alumni (1988–2022).
A Testament to the Legacy of Luminites
As the afternoon drew to a close, Syed Babar Ali’s heartfelt parting words captured the spirit of the reunion, “I don’t know if I will see you all again, but I wish you well. I pray for you and for LUMS to continue to prosper and be a source of pride for all of you and for Pakistan.”
The 2025 SDSB Alumni Reunion was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the power of legacy, leadership, and connection. It reinforced the collective resolve to shape the future of LUMS and inspire generations to come. Together, the ‘Legacy of Luminites’ continues to shine brighter than ever.
