Building Bridges

Golden Gate University recently welcomed its Bridge Society, a distinguished group of sustaining supporters, to an intimate luncheon celebrating their impact on the university’s continued success. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, the luncheon, held at the St. Francis Yacht Club, offered attendees a chance to connect with university leadership, reconnect with fellow alumni, and envision GGU’s future together.

A Gathering of Remarkable Alumni 

The luncheon brought together distinguished guests and key university leaders for an intimate, conversation-driven event. Attendees included:

• Dave Alpert (MBA ’00): CEO and Co-Founder at Geopogo; former Alumni Board member

• Chris Frederiksen (BS ’65, Honorary Doctorate ’15): Founder of a firm featured in Forbes’ top 200 accounting firms in the U.S.

• Richard Erhardt (JD ’77): Retired United Airlines Captain; Boeing 777 pilot

• Doris G. Duncan (PhD ’78): Professor Emerita, Computer Information Systems, CSU East Bay

• Jim O’Neil (MBA ’86): Longtime supporter and former GGU Board member

• David Y. Wong (BA ’68, MBA ’78): Longtime supporter and retired CPA; Accounting Manager: US Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War

• Nancy Z. Tully (JD ’92): Chair of GGU’s Board of Trustees Advancement Committee

• Melinda A. Dunn (MBA ’81): GGU Board Chair

This distinguished group embodies the legacy of GGU and highlights its impact across generations and industries.

A New Format, A Deeper Connection 

This year’s luncheon introduced an engaging new format: smaller tables with leaders—including President Dr. David Fike, Provost Dr. Bruce Magid, and Nicole Blount, Sr. Director of University Advancement—rotating between courses. This setup encouraged relaxed, meaningful conversations and allowed attendees to connect personally with GGU leadership.

Guests discussed university goals, shared ideas, and reflected on their own journeys as GGU alumni. As one attendee remarked, “The smaller table format was fantastic—each of us felt heard, and it fostered genuine dialogue about what makes GGU so unique.”

Memorable Moments 

The luncheon stood out not for grand speeches but for its meaningful, heartfelt conversations. Guests praised the opportunity to connect directly with university leaders, with one attendee noting:

“The luncheon was outstanding—informal yet deeply engaging. The conversations at our table were heartfelt. We left inspired and eager to stay involved with GGU’s initiatives.”

One standout moment was the recognition of Swetha Chandraprakash, a GGU student and University Advancement assistant. Swetha’s story, highlighted in the 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign, exemplified the transformative power of education and left a lasting impression on attendees.

Captured Connections: Highlights from the Bridge Society Luncheon 

Browse the Bridge Society photo gallery to see the inspiring connections and conversations that made this luncheon unforgettable. Whether you attended or are simply curious about GGU’s Bridge Society, you’re invited to explore the highlights and memories captured from this special day.

Looking Ahead 

The Bridge Society luncheon not only celebrated the university’s achievements but also charted a course for future opportunities. As Golden Gate University continues to evolve, the sustaining support of the Bridge Society ensures that students will have access to life-changing educational experiences. Alumni inspired to join this community of changemakers are encouraged to connect and contribute. Together, we are building bridges to a stronger, brighter future for GGU and its students.