Kellogg World Alumni Magazine
 
  More than 30 classes were represented at the KACC’s Purple Tie Affair on Jan. 28

Chicago

Alumni Club of Chicago (KACC)

Mary Paskell '92
mpaskell1992@kellogg.northwestern.edu

Patrick Thompson '06
pthompson2006@kellogg.northwestern.edu

The Kellogg Alumni Club of Chicago (KACC) held the 2nd Annual Purple Tie Affair on Jan. 28 at the Peninsula Hotel in downtown Chicago. The club hosted a sell-out crowd of more than 300 Kellogg alumni and guests representing over 30 classes. "The vision of the Purple Tie Affair was to create a new annual tradition to bring alumni of all ages together to celebrate the strong and thriving Kellogg network in Chicago," said Mary Paskell '92, co-president of the KACC.

The room was filled with spirited attire as men donned purple ties and women, purple dresses or accessories, creating an enthusiastic showing of Kellogg pride. Guests enjoyed gourmet food and signature purple cocktails as they met or reconnected with alumni. One of the hottest bands in Chicago, Indigo, had alums of all ages rockin' the night away on the dance floor.

Many Kellogg professors also attended including Professors Alex Chernev, David Gal, Harry Kraemer, Blakely McShane, Keith Murnighan, Mohan Sawhney, Bill Sutter and Rakesh Vohra. Professor Harry Kraemer captured the sentiment of the evening saying, "My wife Julie and I had a superb time...I think we danced for more than four hours without stopping!"

KACC alums on the Purple Tie Committee were Brian Schafer '05, Tim Pomaville '05, Sydney Caine '11, Dana Dimitri '08, Barbara Meskin '09, Patrick Thompson '06 and Mary Paskell '92. "The committee demonstrated what Kellogg's known best for – teamwork and dedication – to ensure it was a first rate experience that all alumni would enjoy and look forward to each year," said Patrick Thompson, co-president of the KACC. "We also want to thank the Office of Advancement for their partnership in our planning."

"I believe The Purple Tie Affair epitomizes the endless possibilities that exist when engaged alumni club leaders invest so much of themselves to create innovative new forums, programming and events that further allow all members of our community to reap the full benefits of being part of such a distinctive alumni network," said Brian Harris '96, member of the Kellogg Alumni Council who serves as a senior partner to the KACC Board.

Next year's event has already been booked for Feb. 9, 2013 at The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Chicago, with a larger venue to accommodate an anticipated doubling in attendance based on the demand for tickets this year. Tickets will go on sale later this year so Chicago alums are encouraged to update their contact information in the alumni database to ensure they stay apprised of future Purple Tie and KACC event announcements.

Kellogg Alumni Club of Chicago co-presidents Mary Paskell '92 and Patrick Thompson '06 welcome guests to the annual Purple Tie Affair on Jan. 28
 
More than 300 alumni and guests attended the KACC’s Purple Tie Affair on Jan. 28 at the Peninsula Hotel in downtown Chicago