August 2024
“WCGA 100”: Welcome to a New Era for the WCGA
Dear Wharton Alumni,
I’m honored to introduce myself as the new president of the Wharton Alumni Club of Germany and Austria e.V. (WCGA). My name is Martin Bell, I am originally from Frankfurt am Main, grew up on the East Coast (Miami, New York City, and Boston), and am living in Berlin with my wonderful wife and two children. I’m an entrepreneur-turned-investor, passionate about creating scalable systems that stand the test of time.
My Vision for the Future: Introducing “WCGA 100”
A builder at heart, it is my vision to create an alumni club that will not only thrive but improve with age - a club that will flourish for the next 100+ years. This enduring legacy is what I call “WCGA 100.”
We stand at a pivotal moment for the WCGA, a moment filled with possibility and purpose. My goal is to extend the unparalleled Wharton experience far beyond our time on campus, crafting “WCGA 100” - a network that unites Wharton alumni from Berlin to Munich, Frankfurt to Vienna, and beyond. Together, we will build connections that lead to professional opportunities, business collaborations, and lifelong friendships.
Building a Platform for Success
Imagine our club as a powerful platform, supported by three strong pillars. These are the foundations you need to build any organization scalably and durably. As a builder, I’m deeply committed to getting these right, so we can serve and engage our alumni community with impactful activities, events, and resources.
Three Pillars: The Support Structure
1. Legal: Incorporating WCGA as a nonprofit organization - gemeinnuetziger Verein (e.V.) - to ensure structure, governance, and stability.
2. Finance: Securing resources to sustain our operations - soon, through donations and membership fees, as is common in thriving alumni networks.
3. HR: Investing in our people, including our esteemed Alumni Club Director, Isabel Matz, who brings incredible energy and professionalism and expanding our talented leadership team, which I’ve inherited from my predecessor, to better serve you. This team currently includes Matthias Gerg, Franz Hoerhager, Frank Mattern, Dirk Scholl (my predecessor), Sebastian Seehusen, and Bernard Jan Wendeln.
The Platform: Networking and Lifelong Learning
Our vision for the WCGA is about more than just building an organization - it’s about creating a vibrant, interconnected community that inspires, supports, and empowers alumni at every stage of their journey. This platform will be the bedrock upon which we build a future of endless possibilities for our members.
- Networking: We will bring together alumni across Germany and Austria through flagship national events and intimate local gatherings in cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Beyond our borders, we will forge collaborations with European Wharton alumni clubs, engage with those who participated in exchange programs (e.g., INSEAD, LBS), and strengthen bonds with other like-minded alumni organizations.
- Lifelong Learning: By co-organizing the annual Global Modular Course (GMC) and offering continuous learning opportunities through member-for-member sessions and speaker events, we will ensure that your growth continues long after your time at Wharton, fueling both personal and professional success.
To elevate our community to new heights, we will harness the power of:
- Alumni Database: Developing a robust database that will serve as a critical resource for all alumni.
- Branding & PR: Amplifying our visibility and enhancing the club’s reputation through strategic branding and public relations efforts.
- Communication: Delivering clear, engaging, and consistent communication through newsletters, social media (LinkedIn, WhatsApp), and other channels.
Contribute to Thrive: What You’ll Gain
In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out opportunities for you to become a paid member and to contribute to the club’s future through donations. These financial contributions will help us build a platform that offers immense value in return - value that will far exceed your investment. From exclusive events to a thriving network of professionals, the WCGA will be your go-to resource for career growth, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections.
Think about what this means for you personally: joining the multi-day flagship event in Berlin that sparks a business partnership, or connecting with fellow alumni at Oktoberfest celebration to deepen your network. Picture yourself dining with Wharton professors and students as part of the GMC, participating in an intimate gathering at a private art collection in your city, or engaging in a virtual members-for-members speaker series that offers insights from other club members - these moments are invaluable and enrich both your professional and personal life. This is the power of the WCGA community.
As someone who has spent years building scalable systems, I’m deeply committed to creating a platform that not only serves you today but continues to grow and evolve, supporting generations of alumni to come. I see this alumni club as a system - one that, with your help, can be scaled and sustained for the long term. “WCGA 100” is about creating a legacy that lasts.
A Call to Action
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger, something lasting. Engage with our community, participate in our events, and take advantage of the wealth of resources our network offers. Together, we can build a dynamic and enduring alumni club that reflects the unparalleled Wharton experience.
We are on the cusp of something truly special. Let’s make history together.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm.
Yours truly,
Martin Bell (WG’ 11)
President, Wharton Alumni Club of Germany and Austria e.V.