APPLY NOW
On October 11, 2025, SOM Alumni from all over gathered to celebrate and connect back with their friends and faculty at the SOM Building in the AIT Campus. As an outside event, white pagoda tents were set up for an elegant and festive atmosphere. The Day Program included live music from a trio band, food trucks and drink stations, and an assortment of merchandise and raffle tickets to be purchased from several booths such as Alumni Homecoming polo shirts and SOM tote bags. Drone Entry, AIT Alumni Association, Timeout, and Tan Ninety also had booths at the event.
As Alumni slowly trickled into the venue, they were encouraged to mingle with each other under the tents with refreshing drinks, take pictures with their family and friends at the photo backdrop or just take in the experience being back after so many years.
The Day Show started with a reminder of SOM Alumni Privileges by Mr. Dennes Bergado Jr followed by a singing number by the SOM Student Ambassadors (SSA) along with a few nostalgic remarks from Dr. Sundar Venkatesh.
As is the case with being in a tropical country, a thunderstorm broke out during the event. The participants were able to stay dry under the tents by enclosing them with rain curtains. As they waited for the storm to pass, the participants made the most of the weather by playing an impromptu game of “Never have I ever” and announcing more raffle ticket winners.
As the clouds started to clear up, Dr. Yuosre Badir, Dean of the AIT School of Management presented a special recognition award to 2 retiring staff, Khun Wilaiporn Cherngchawano (Khun Mas) and Khun Jiraporn Posiri (Khun Tae) for the dedication and service to the School of Management. Former members of the SSA were also recognized for their efforts in the previous year with the exchange of signed certificates.
Unfortunately, due to the wet weather, the event could not go through with the commemorative tree planting to mark the auspicious occasion. Instead, the participants gathered under the event banner to recreate a “graduation picture” similar to a group photo of their graduating batch.
Former faculty members also came in to join the celebration. Dr. Fredric W. Swierczek could be seen talking to SOM staff, Dr. Singha Chiamsiri came to take a look around the campus, while Dr. Venkatesh chatted with his former students. Dr. Nicholas Dimmitt and Dr. Winai Wongsurawat came a little later closer to dinner and were able to catch up with their colleagues and former students.
Dinner started with an opening remark by Prof. Badir followed by a short speech by Dr. Fred and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dash, AITAA Business Officer & Senior Program Specialist at Yunus Center. Since he could not make it, a short greeting video of Dr. John Tang was shown to the audience followed by 2 songs prepared by the AITIS Student Choir.
One memorable moment during the dinner was when Dr. Navin Surana gave a speech about a recommendation letter written by Dr. Fred while he was a student at SOM. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Fred as the letter opened opportunities for him and supported his successful career. After all these years, Dr. Surana still kept the letter, and it was here at the Alumni Homecoming that he was able to present it to his former mentor.
The dinner wrapped up with an award recognition ceremony for former and long-serving faculty members Dr. Winai, Dr. Nick and lastly Dr. Fred.
As the event winded down, friends and colleagues exchanged contact information, took more pictures with each other and gave their last hugs. It was an event to remember. For some, this was an event that came full circle in their lives and was a celebration of the past and their accomplishments. For others, it was the beginning of a wonderful tradition at SOM for many years to come. Some even wondered, “When can we have another Homecoming?”