Babson Pride: How the Alumni Network Drives the College’s Successes
Over the past four decades, Jeffery Perry ’87, P’23 has had a unique perspective on the Babson College experience and its alumni.
Perry first visited Babson as a high school student from Cleveland, attending a weeklong summer program for talented Black and Latino students from around the country. The experience was so formative, opening his eyes to business and leadership opportunities, that he enrolled at Babson as an undergraduate student. During his time in Wellesley, he made the most of the entrepreneurial environment, including serving as president of both the Black Student Union and Cardinal Key Honor Society, and earning the prestigious Roger W. Babson Achievement Award.
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After graduating in 1987, Perry went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School followed by a 30-year management consulting career at notable firms such as EY, where he served as a partner. In 2020, he retired from EY to create his consulting firm, Lead Mandates LLC, and build his portfolio as a board director.
Along the way, he has continually given back to his alma mater, serving Babson in a number of roles, including as the chair of the Babson Board of Trustees since 2021. Perry also knows what it’s like to be a Babson parent, with his son, Donovan Perry ’23, graduating two years ago.
Those experiences have shaped his respect for Babson alumni and giving back to the College. “When I encounter fellow Babson alumni who give back to Babson,” Perry says, “I am struck by the pride they have in the College along with wanting to see Babson continue to amplify its impact and reputation for future generations.”
Perry recently was one of 16 people inducted into the Weissman Circle of Distinction, the highest honor for Babson’s most generous benefactors who have committed $1 million or more in lifetime giving. Alumni and friends from around the world comprise the prestigious circle, named in honor of Robert E. Weissman ’64, H’94, P’87 ’90, G’19.
Perry reflected on the importance of alumni and their support for the College.
Babson has thrived in the rankings the past few years, including the No. 2 Best College by The Wall Street Journal for two years in a row. How much has alumni support, financially and otherwise, helped drive the College’s success?
“Babson alumni’s financial support has been a key element in the College’s success, and it continues to grow every year. Just as important, Babson alumni drive the College’s success by supporting our current students and recent graduates by leveraging their networks, serving as role models, providing internships and career opportunities, all demonstrating their affinity for the continued growth and impact of the College.”
Among the recent recognitions were a bevy of No. 1 rankings from LinkedIn, including No. 1 for alumni network strength. What does that mean to you?
“As an alumnus, parent, and board chair, being ranked No. 1 for alumni network strength from LinkedIn demonstrates that Babson lasts well beyond our four years on campus—it lasts a lifetime. Babson’s strong alumni network is not transactional or short-lived; it is relational and enduring.”
You have served Babson in numerous ways—as an undergraduate student, as an alumnus, as the chair of the board, and as a parent. Why is it important for alumni and parents to give back to the College?
“Alumni and parents have a front-row seat regarding the Babson experience, both on campus and beyond. Based on how so many of our alumni and families achieve a positive return on investment on their Babson experience, giving back validates the value of a Babson education.”
Babson’s Centennial Campaign was a massive success and propelled the current ELevates campaign, impacting every aspect of the campus and student experience. How valuable have alumni donations, especially by small-dollar donors, been to driving that impact?
“Alumni donations, even small amounts, have a significant impact on the ELevates campaign. Seeing the participation and affinity of donors who directly experienced Babson can motivate other donors to financially support the College.”
The prestigious Weissman Circle of Distinction honors Babson’s most generous donors. What does it mean to you to be a part of the distinguished giving society?
“My first exposure to Babson was as a high school student from Cleveland participating in a summer program on campus. That summer led to me attending Babson and changed the trajectory of my life. Being part of the Weissman Circle of Distinction is the least I could do based on how I have been blessed, along with ensuring that the Babson experience will be available to deserving learners today and for many years.”
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