Boston, Massachusetts, USA skyline with Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market at dusk.

November 7, 2026: Boston

We’re bringing Stanford’s president, leading faculty, and the latest insights. Together, we’ll explore how to navigate the future with open minds.

November 7, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 p.m. ET:Program overview

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find at Stanford Open Minds Boston.

4:00–4:45 p.m. Arrive + connect:Check in and refreshments

We’re excited to see alumni and friends beyond the Farm! Come early to connect, reconnect, and join the Stanford Open Minds community.

4:00–4:45 p.m. Arrive + connect:Check in and refreshments
We’re excited to see alumni and friends beyond the Farm! Come early to connect, reconnect, and join the Stanford Open Minds community.
4:45–5:35 p.m. President’s welcome & fireside chat:Engaging in the Future of Stanford
President Jonathan Levin shares his thoughts on Stanford in a fireside chat with Lily Sarafan, ’03, MS ’03, chair of the Stanford Board of Trustees. Their conversation will be followed by a live audience Q&A with President Levin.
Filming or recording is prohibited without express permission from the Stanford Alumni Association.
Learn about President LevinLearn about Lily Sarafan
5:35–6:20 p.m. Faculty microlectures
5:35–6:20 p.m. Faculty microlectures:Open to Possibilities
Three Stanford professors highlight the latest research and discoveries. Experience the best of Stanford in your own backyard!
Speakers
Daniel E. Ho | How AI Can Fix the Systems We Love to Hate
William Benjamin Scott and Luna M. Scott Professor, Stanford Law School; Professor of Political Science and, by courtesy, of Computer Science
Caroline Winterer | Beneath Plymouth Rock: Deep Time and American Identity
William Robertson Coe Professor in History and American Studies, Professor of History and, by courtesy, of Classics and of Education, School of Humanities and Sciences
Allison Betof | Homegrown Heroes: Turning Immune Cells into Cancer Fighters
Associate Professor of Medicine–Oncology and Mark and Mary Stevens Endowed Faculty Scholar, School of Medicine
Filming or recording is prohibited without express permission from the Stanford Alumni Association.
6:20–6:40 p.m. Break:Refresh Your Mind
Stretch your legs, grab a beverage, and share your thoughts with a friend during this 20-minute break.
6:40–7:25 p.m. Campus conversation:Open to Dialogue
How to disagree: Skills from ePluribus Stanford
Learn how Stanford is helping students balance diverse viewpoints and engage thoughtfully with societal challenges. In a moderated discussion, two recent grads share their experiences with and contributions to constructive dialogue on campus.
Norman Spaulding, JD ’97 (moderator)
Nelson Bowman Sweitzer and Marie B. Sweitzer Professor, Stanford Law School; Co-director, ePluribus Stanford
YuQing Jiang, ’25, JD ’29
Shreya Mehta, ’26
7:25–7:30 p.m. What’s next:Continuing the Conversation
Michelle Landrey Cline, ’93, MBA ’98, vice president for alumni affairs and president of the Stanford Alumni Association, concludes the formal program and encourages you to continue the conversation at the community reception.
7:30–9:00 p.m. Reception:Open to Connections
Mix, mingle, and deepen your connections with fellow attendees while enjoying a variety of food and beverage stations.

Pink lights and chandeliers in large white room

Travel:Plan your trip

Event Details

November 7, 2026 4:00–9:00 p.m. ET

Location
SoWa Power Station
550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Registration

Early-bird pricing through October 23, 2026
General Admission: $55
Young Alumni: $25

Pricing after early-bird deadline
General Admission: $75
Young Alumni: $35

RegisterLook Who’s Coming

Extend the Stanford Open Minds experience

Deepen your connections and make new, like-minded friends through grad school and affinity alumni gatherings. Please note that you must register for each event separately.

Friday, November 6, 7:00–9:00 p.m. ET

GSE Alumni Open Minds Reception

Bostonia Public House, 131 State St, Boston, MA 02109
You are cordially invited to the GSE’s “Open Minds” Reception, a night of spirited conversation and networking in historic Boston!

We invite you to mingle with alumni and friends on the East Coast for an evening filled with New England-inspired appetizers and drinks, and education-centered conversations. We will gather at Bostonia Public House—a venue that celebrates the history, tradition, and people of Boston—in the heart of the city.

We are thrilled to share that GSE’s newest dean, Tomiko Brown-Nagin, will be joining us for the evening. A distinguished scholar and leader in education law, policy, and civil rights history, Dean Brown-Nagin brings an inspiring commitment to expanding educational opportunity and equity for all students. This will be her first alumni event as dean—a wonderful opportunity to meet her and welcome her into our community.

Whether you’re part of Stanford's Open Minds Tour stop in Boston or simply looking to reconnect with your vibrant GSE community, we would love to have you!

Don't miss this chance to connect and mingle in one of America's most historic cities—and to be among the first to welcome Dean Brown-Nagin as she embarks on this exciting new chapter for the GSE. We hope to see you there!

Saturday November 7, 1:30–3:00 p.m. ET

Stanford Medicine Alumni Reception

Capri Restaurant, 500 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
The Stanford Medicine Alumni Association invites you to an alumni reception in Boston, ahead of the main Open Minds programming.

Join us for an afternoon of light refreshments and meaningful conversation as you connect with fellow alums and friends in the medical community. The event will feature a fireside chat with the School of Medicine's Dan Jarosz, Senior Associate Dean of Basic Science.

Complimentary registration is now open, but space is limited and expected to fill quickly. We encourage you to register early.

Saturday November 7, 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET

Stanford Engineering Alumni Gathering

Barclay Room, AC Hotel Boston Downtown, 225 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118
Kick off Stanford Open Minds in Boston with your engineering alumni community!

Join Stanford Engineering and your fellow alums for light refreshments and conversation before the main event. Plus, catch up with members from the Alumni Relations and Giving teams.

Saturday, November 7, 3:30–4:00 p.m. ET

Open Minds Boston Young Alumni Meetup

SoWA Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118. Find your decade diamond.
Heading to Open Minds Boston and looking to expand your local Stanford network?

We know that attending events is infinitely better when you already know a few friendly faces in the room. Whether you’re new to the Boston area, looking to expand your circle, or wanting to catch up with classmates, this low-key pre-event gathering is designed to help you build your local crew to then walk into and experience the Open Minds event together.

Saturday November 7, Noon–1:00 p.m. ET

Law Alumni Lunch with Professor Norm Spaulding

W Boston Hotel, 100 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116
Join Professor Norm Spaulding for an intimate lunch with law school alumni in Boston preceding the Open Minds Boston event.