While pursuing his graduate degree at Stevens, Sumedh Habbu M.S. ’23 witnessed the value of alumni networks at the university. By launching the India Regional Network of the Stevens Alumni Association, he is creating pathways for alumni in India to connect with and support Stevens – and each other.
NAME: Sumedh V. Habbu
CLASS YEAR AND MAJOR: 2023, M.S., Management Information Systems
STEVENS VOLUNTEER ROLE: Leader, India Regional Network, SAA
STEVENS VOLUNTEER SINCE: 2025
How/why did you decide to contribute your time as a Stevens volunteer?
My journey with volunteering at Stevens actually began during my student days when I served as a mentor in the university’s Master’s Peer Mentor Program. That experience was incredibly enriching and opened my eyes to the profound impact of giving back to the Stevens community. As a result, the two transformative years I spent at Stevens shaped me both personally and professionally in ways I continue to discover.
I've always felt a deep desire to maintain my connection with the university, to stay updated on the remarkable achievements of current students and faculty, and to remain part of the Stevens story. When I realized that volunteering would not only fulfill this desire but also allow me to contribute a unique perspective, particularly from the international student community, the decision became clear. I wanted to be a bridge between my experience as an international student and the current community, helping to create pathways for others who might be walking a similar journey.
What drew you to your particular volunteer activity or activities?
When I returned home to India in February 2025, I was navigating the intense experience of readjusting to life in my home country after nearly four years in the United States. During this transition, I found myself wanting to connect with fellow Stevens alumni who had made similar moves before me – people who could understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this decision.
To my surprise, when I searched the Stevens website, I discovered there wasn't an India Regional Network of the Stevens Alumni Association (SAA). Having witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that alumni networks can have, I felt strongly that Stevens deserved a presence in India. This realization sparked something in me.
An India Regional Network would serve multiple crucial purposes: helping alumni connect with each other during major life transitions, providing support for those settling back home, and offering hope and confidence to those starting fresh by knowing that other Stevens alumni have successfully navigated similar paths. The professional networking opportunities alone (whether someone is hiring or job searching) are invaluable when built on the foundation of trust that comes from sharing the Stevens experience.
Beyond the personal benefits, I recognized the strategic importance of this initiative. India is a crucial partner and represents a vital pipeline of talent for the United States, particularly in higher education and technology sectors. Stevens, as one of America's premier educational institutions, deserves access to India's top talent. What better way to strengthen this connection than through a vibrant network that serves as an extension of the SAA?
What excites you most about what you do for Stevens?
The opportunity to meet and connect with fellow alumni across generations has been absolutely marvellous. During our inaugural meetup in August 2025, I got just a small taste of the richness of our alumni community. We had someone who graduated in the 1990s sharing stories with recent graduates from the post-COVID era, along with myself, having returned just months earlier. The wide range of experiences and perspectives was incredible.
This experience ignited my curiosity about the broader Stevens India alumni story. I'm particularly fascinated by the pioneers – those who graduated in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Their journeys were undoubtedly more challenging: there weren't Indian grocery stores readily available (especially important for vegetarians), the Indian community was much smaller, and unfortunately, racism was more prevalent. How did they navigate these challenges? What strategies did they develop? What wisdom can they share?
What fills me with hope and validates our Stevens experience is seeing the professional trajectories of these alumni. Whether they've reached senior positions at prestigious companies or built thriving businesses of their own, their success stories serve as powerful proof that choosing Stevens was transformative. It demonstrates that a Stevens education creates lasting value, and even when you return home, it becomes a foundation for success that transcends borders.
How has volunteering for Stevens impacted you personally?
While there's certainly pride in being the one to establish the SAA's presence in India, this venture goes far beyond personal satisfaction; it's deeply rooted in my belief in paying it forward. Throughout my journey to and through the United States, countless people helped me without hesitation. Their generosity and support made my success possible, and volunteering for Stevens allows me to channel that same spirit of giving.
What continually amazes me is the response I receive when I reach out to fellow alumni about the India Regional Network. The willingness to help is overwhelming and people readily offer to refer fellow alumni for job opportunities, provide mentorship or simply connect with someone who needs guidance. Knowing that I've helped create a platform where Stevens alumni are actively supporting one another has been incredibly motivating and fulfilling.
Beyond the personal satisfaction, volunteering has fundamentally changed how I view my relationship with my Stevens education. Initially, I saw my degree as a completed chapter, but through this work, I've discovered that my Stevens experience is an ongoing story that continues to enrich my life. The work has sharpened my leadership and organizational skills in unexpected ways. Starting the India Regional Network from scratch taught me about stakeholder management, event planning and building consensus among diverse groups, skills that have directly enhanced my professional capabilities.
Perhaps most surprisingly, this work has expanded my own professional network exponentially and given me a clearer sense of purpose. Being able to contribute to something larger than myself, while seeing tangible impact on individual alumni lives, has helped me define what success means beyond just personal achievement.
What do you feel is the impact of alumni involvement in the university?
Alumni involvement is absolutely crucial; it's not just beneficial, it's essential for the university's continued growth and relevance. While Stevens' administrators are undoubtedly knowledgeable, capable and talented, without alumni involvement they would have no benchmark of the impact of their work. Alumni provide something irreplaceable: real-world perspective and a vital feedback loop that prevents administrative decisions from becoming isolated or purely theoretical.
When policies are being drafted, events organized or strategic decisions made for students and the institution, alumni voices ensure these decisions are grounded in practical experience. We can offer guidance on effectively reaching students from a range of communities, suggest curriculum enhancements based on current industry demands, recommend strategic investments or identify key partnerships. Alumni help shape the institution from the outside, bringing market intelligence and industry connections that keep Stevens competitive and relevant.
But the impact extends far beyond administrative input. Alumni involvement creates a powerful ecosystem that benefits every stakeholder in the Stevens community. For current students, engaged alumni provide real-world context that classroom learning alone cannot offer. When alumni share career journeys and industry insights, students gain clearer understanding of how their education translates to professional success.
Alumni also serve as living ambassadors who enhance Stevens' reputation organically while creating a virtuous cycle of engagement. When alumni feel connected through meaningful volunteer opportunities, they're more likely to support the university financially and refer high-quality prospective students, ultimately strengthening the value of every Stevens degree. Most importantly, alumni involvement helps preserve and evolve Stevens culture – maintaining the values that make Stevens unique while helping the institution adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
What would you say to other alumni who were considering volunteering at Stevens?
Welcome! That would be my immediate response, and I mean it wholeheartedly.
As Stevens alumni, we possess invaluable insights that can make a real difference. Whether someone is considering their higher education journey at Stevens, seeking career guidance or trying to become more workforce-ready, we have lived experiences that can provide genuine, practical help. Our perspectives are shaped by having walked these paths ourselves.
In today's world, we often focus on our own individual success, but I firmly believe that to grow better, we must grow together. Individual success is more meaningful and sustainable when it's part of a larger community of mutual support.
Volunteering with our alma mater is a perfect place to start this journey of giving back. As the saying goes, charity begins at home, and Stevens is our academic home. When we strengthen our alma mater, we strengthen the value of our own degrees and create opportunities for future generations to benefit from the same transformative experience we had.
The time commitment is flexible, the impact is significant and the personal rewards (from the connections you'll make to the satisfaction of making a difference) are immeasurable. Come join us in building something meaningful together!
