On October 24, 2025, the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program at Georgetown University welcomed alumni from the 50th, 40th, and 25th reunion classes back to the Hilltop for a day of reflection, connection and celebration. The event brought together generations of MSFSers to engage with current students, tour the evolving Georgetown campus and honor the program’s enduring legacy.
Lessons in leadership and legacy
The day began with the MSFS Skills Clinic. Alumni joined current students for the weekly course that helps first-year students explore career paths in international affairs. This special session featured a panel of four program leaders — Ambassador Chet Crocker, professors Allan Goodman and Cas Yost, and current MSFS director George Shambaugh — who reflected on the program’s growth and its continued commitment to shaping leaders in global affairs.
Their discussion underscored three pillars of the MSFS experience:
- Interdisciplinary leadership: MSFS trains students to bridge academic theory and real-world policy, preparing them to analyze complex global issues and craft thoughtful, effective solutions.
- Empathy and communication: Through exposure to diverse perspectives across nationalities, political views and professional backgrounds, students develop the ability to collaborate across differences — a skill essential for impactful leadership.
- Community and connection: From friendships formed in the classroom to professional collaborations across continents, the MSFS network remains a source of lifelong support and inspiration.
Reflecting on the event, Jean-Luc Euzen (MSFS ’27) said, “I am reminded how lucky I am to be part of such a stellar and driven community of students, faculty, and alumni. I look forward to continuing my academic journey, forging strong connections and building my critical thinking skills to become a true MSFSer.”
Building bridges across generations
In the afternoon, alumni and students participated in small group breakout sessions, connecting based on shared academic and professional interests. These conversations provided an opportunity for mentorship, career advice and dialogue across generations of MSFS graduates.
The day concluded with a campus tour led by current students and a reception in the MSFS lounge, featuring remarks from SFS Dean Joel Hellman, MSFS Director George Shambaugh and MSFS Deputy Director Ashley Lenihan. Speakers reflected on the program’s proud history and the vital role alumni continue to play in shaping its future.
The 2025 reunion was a celebration not only of MSFS’s legacy, but of the community that continues to carry its mission forward — to educate compassionate, innovative leaders who make a difference in the world.
Written by: Miriam Friedman
