Here’s what surprised these Thunderbird alumni the most

When people think of graduate school, they often picture lectures, case studies, and long nights of studying. But for alumni Gbmei Disu ('06) and Jeff Hillam ('13), the most surprising parts of their experiences at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University can’t be found in a textbook. It is the global connections, the unexpected career impact, and the lifelong community that came with being a Thunderbird.

At a recent alumni event, Disu and Hillam spoke of being pleasantly surprised by their experience at Thunderbird.

Gbmei Disu: ‘I can’t imagine a more transformative experience’

For Gbmei Disu, Thunderbird wasn’t just a school but a launchpad for a truly global career. Now working in international higher education, she’s taken her Thunderbird experience everywhere, from Rwanda to South Korea to her current role in the U.S.

“I learned absolutely everything from Thunderbird,” she said. “The alumni network has helped me at every step.”

What surprised her most? Just how tight-knit and supportive that global network would be, both during and after her time on campus.

“There was always someone to connect with, whether in the classroom or across the world,” Disu recalled. “We built deep bonds outside of school, too. The Pub at Thunderbird, for example, became this place of global interaction. Alumni would come back to visit, and we’d share ideas, stories, and opportunities.”

Looking back nearly 20 years later, Disu still feels the impact of the Thunderbird community. 

“The ideal Thunderbird student is someone with a real global mindset, someone who’s curious, culturally respectful, and genuinely loves people,” she said. “It’s not just about being smart. It’s about being responsible, open-minded, and ready to engage with the world.

“I can't imagine a much more transformative experience in my entire life. And I'm just so proud of where the school has come, how far we've come and where we are now, and all the amazing things they are doing,” Disu said.

Jeff Hillam: ‘You forget how global we are’

Jeff Hillam grew up around Thunderbird—his father was an alum—and always knew the name. But it wasn’t until he started his own company that he realized just how deep the Thunderbird influence would run.

“My first mentor was a Thunderbird, and she told me I had to go there,” he said. “When I launched my business, my first hires and clients were Thunderbirds, too. The referrals, advice, and global support never stopped.”

Today, Hillam is living in Germany and is involved with multiple businesses. But no matter where he is in the world, he finds Thunderbird connections waiting. From New Zealand to Uzbekistan, China to Germany, he’s met fellow alumni at First Tuesday events and informal gatherings alike.

“You forget how global we are until you sit us around a table,” Hillam said. “There are always incredible stories of people navigating international business, solving complex problems, and doing amazing work across industries.”

For Hillam, Thunderbird attracts a certain kind of person: “Someone who thrives in global complexity. Someone open to diversity, who understands cultural systems and ethics beyond their own borders. These are the people who shine at Thunderbird.”

The Thunderbird effect: Lifelong, global, and unexpected

What did these two alumni find most surprising about Thunderbird? Not just the rigorous academics or renowned faculty. What stood out most was the depth of community, the personal transformation, and the worldwide reach that only grows stronger with time.

For both Disu and Hillam, the Thunderbird effect has lasted far beyond graduation. It is something they carry with them wherever they go, with a mindset, a network, and a shared sense of purpose.

For Disu, this meant always having someone to call, no matter the country or the challenge. “Wherever I’ve gone, there was always a fellow Thunderbird ready to offer support or insight,” she said. “It’s a network, yes, but it feels more like a family.”

For Hillam, the Thunderbird effect showed up throughout his entrepreneurial journey. “The people I hired, the clients I gained, the advice I received all traced back to Thunderbird,” he recalled. “It’s a ripple effect that never really stops.”

That rare combination of connection, purpose, and global readiness defines the Thunderbird experience. And it continues to shape lives, careers, and communities long after students leave campus.

Ready to experience it for yourself at Thunderbird?

If you're someone who thrives in global complexity, who’s open to cultures, change, and collaboration, Thunderbird School of Global Management might be the community you didn’t know you were missing.

Explore Thunderbird programs or connect with us to learn more about how you can start your own global journey.