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Second Decade Society

Second Decade Society (SDS) Mission & History

The Second Decade Society (SDS) has a four-point mission:

  • Develop and cultivate an informed and committed alumni leadership for the Johns Hopkins University Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
  • Improve the undergraduate experience at Homewood.
  • Promote meaningful interaction between alumni and students.
  • Advance and support the priorities of the school in conjunction with the dean.

The Second Decade Society of the Johns Hopkins Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1989 as the school's leadership development organization. SDS members, who are in their second decade since graduation, serve as role models and resources for students and act as leaders in advancing the school.

SDS membership is limited and selective. Alumni who are leaders and catalysts in their career fields and communities are identified by the SDS Membership Committee and invited into the group by the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Once members, alumni learn more about their alma mater, its challenges, priorities, and opportunities, and they are encouraged to become active leaders in the Hopkins community. Members interact regularly with the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, as well as other key administrators, including the deans for undergraduate education, admissions, and academic advising, and the director of career services.

Members challenge themselves to identify new ways to support the school’s mission while building their own legacies on the Homewood campus.

Over the years, SDS and its members have been responsible for creating innovative programming and opportunities for undergraduates and faculty, including:

  • The Financial Literacy Intersession Course
  • The Globalization Intersession Course
  • Career Networking Events
  • The Florence “Meg” Long Walsh Leadership Award
  • SDS Summer Internships
  • The SDS Faculty Development Chair
  • The SDS Music Room in the Mattin Arts Center
  • The SDS Room in Charles Commons (current campaign)

As it approaches its 20th year of service, SDS remains a robust and vibrant group, bringing together the collective talents and generosity of its members to make a lasting impact on the Homewood campus every day.