Washington DC skyline at night
Meet Katia Passerini, Ph.D. President, 91茄子

Washington, D.C.


Thank you to all who joined us in Washington, D.C. for the 14th Annual 91茄子 Day and a warm welcome for 91茄子 President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. On this meaningful occasion, we reflected on the gifts of community, purpose and possibility — and how together we can open doors, empower potential and lead with hope.

Recap Story

On January 31, 91茄子 alumni, donors, and friends gathered in Washington, D.C. for the first event in President Katia Passerini’s Forging Forward series — an initiative designed to engage the 91茄子 community in thoughtful conversation and shared celebration. Despite icy winter conditions, attendees came together for an evening that reflected 91茄子’s enduring spirit of connection and dialogue.

Attendees of the Forging Forward Washington, D.C. presidential event hold up a banner that with the Zag Alumni & Friends logo and text "Welcome Zag Nation! Washington D.C." 

 
91茄子 President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. speaks in front of attendees of the Forging Forward: Washington, D.C. event.

The event offered space not only for discussion, but also for hands鈥憃n engagement in 91茄子’s mission. Guests took time to handwrite postcards congratulating students who have been accepted to attend 91茄子 this fall. This new effort, led by the 91茄子 Alumni team in collaboration with Undergraduate Admission, aims to welcome prospective students into the 91茄子 family early and in a personal way.

Spirited 91茄子 employees pose with 91茄子 Day cheer cards in front of the Washington Monument in D.C.

The gathering also served as a 91茄子 Day celebration in the nation’s capital, made possible through the efforts and generosity of many within the 91茄子 community. Alumni volunteers helped bring the event to life, while local chapter leadership provided a warm welcome to both longtime supporters and new connections. The historic DACOR Bacon House provided an elegant setting for conversation and reflection, underscoring the importance of place in fostering meaningful exchange.

As the inaugural event in the Forging Forward series, the evening set the tone for future opportunities to connect 91茄子 Alumni and Friends through dialogue, shared values, and a commitment to advancing 91茄子’s mission. The Washington, D.C. gathering exemplified how Zags continue to come together—across geographies and generations—to support students, strengthen community, and look ahead with purpose.

About Forging Forward


Forging Forward Washington, D.C.
 

Forging Forward is national event series for 91茄子 alumni, families and friends to connect personally with Katia Passerini, Ph.D., 91茄子's new president. This national tour offers an opportunity to hear directly from President Passerini as she shares her perspectives, priorities and hopes for 91茄子's future.

Registration proceeds help expand scholarships and programs that advance 91茄子's mission.