Kimberly Santiago Is Building URochester’s Global Alumni Community

Whether welcoming alumni to a gathering abroad, helping students build international networks, or listening to graduates share their URochester experiences, Kimberly Santiago sees every interaction as an opportunity to strengthen community across borders.

As the University of Rochester’s new director of international networks, volunteers & programs, Santiago brings an energetic, collaborative approach to building relationships with alumni around the world. Her focus is not only on creating programs and events, but on helping alumni feel connected—to one another and to the University—no matter where they live.

In this Q&A, she shares what excites her most about joining URochester, how alumni can get involved locally, and why she believes students are “alumni-in-training.”

 

What’s the best way for alumni to introduce themselves to you?

While nothing replaces meeting face to face, I know that isn’t always possible—especially across time zones. Email is always a great place to start, and I’d love to hear from alumni about their URochester experiences. I’m especially interested in what excites our international alumni about staying involved—mentoring students, hosting or attending events, welcoming students to their cities, or simply keeping in touch through our communications. Every connection matters, and I’m very much looking forward to getting to know alumni wherever they are.

 

What kinds of connections are you most eager to make in your first year?

In my first year, I’m especially eager to connect with alumni who are passionate about strengthening URochester’s global community—longtime volunteer leaders, alumni who are newly interested in getting involved, and those who see opportunities to connect alumni with students, faculty, and admissions efforts. I’m also excited to build strong partnerships across campus so that our international alumni engagement reflects the full breadth of Rochester’s remarkable work and global impact.

I’m equally looking forward to connecting with international students on campus, particularly through student organizations. I think of students as “alumni in training,” and I see this as a true win win: it allows me to support students’ growth and activities while introducing them to the value of lifelong alumni engagement—and it also helps identify and cultivate the next generation of alumni volunteer leaders.

 

How can alumni help you build stronger networks in their region?

Alumni play an essential role in building strong regional networks, and the most powerful support they can offer is their insight. I hope alumni feel comfortable sharing honest feedback about what resonates locally—whether that’s identifying emerging leaders, suggesting meaningful programming, or helping introduce URochester to new communities and partners. Even small actions, like welcoming fellow alumni to a gathering or helping coordinate a student send off, can spark lasting connections. I’m excited to work alongside alumni to create engagement that is culturally relevant, authentic, inclusive, and genuinely valuable in every region.

 

Where are you hoping to travel in your first year?

Being new to URochester, part of my first year will involve “traveling” across campus—learning as much as I can about the institution physically, historically, socially, and academically. That foundation is essential to meaningful alumni engagement.

Beyond campus, I’m hoping to spend time with alumni in regions both domestically and internationally. My goal is to balance listening and learning—visiting places where URochester already has strong, active alumni communities, while also exploring regions with growing or emerging networks.

 

Are there regions or cities where you’re especially eager to build connections?

I’m especially eager to build connections in regions where alumni are already active and interested in expanding engagement, as well as cities that align with URochester’s broader priorities in admissions, research, and global partnerships. That includes major global hubs and regions with strong concentrations of URochester alumni. Ultimately, I’m interested in going where alumni energy is strongest and where there are opportunities to grow meaningful, sustainable connections.

 

Can you share any upcoming travel plans so alumni know when you might be in their area?

I’m excited to be going to Shanghai June 12-13 to attend the URochester Global Summit. The summit is designed to highlight Rochester’s leadership, academic excellence, and global impact, while also strengthening the University’s reputation and partnerships across China. It will be a wonderful opportunity for alumni, parents, and students to connect with one another and with the institution.

Later in the year, I hope to begin meeting with alumni volunteer leaders in regions that have been actively engaged with our office, with the goal of listening, learning, and understanding how we can best support local priorities. Travel plans are still taking shape, and I look forward to sharing updates as details are confirmed.

 

What’s your favorite way to experience a new place when you visit?

I enjoy traveling like a local—exploring neighborhoods, visiting markets, discovering cultural sites, and experiencing local food, music, and arts. I also appreciate a sense of adventure, whether that’s wandering a new area on foot, trying something unfamiliar. It’s these moments—both planned and spontaneous—that offer real insight into how people live and connect, and they often spark the best ideas for engagement that feels authentic, locally meaningful, and welcoming.

—Mary Burke, June 2026