Staying in touch with the School’s network of 65,000 graduates just got a lot easier. Directory search, the most popular feature on the Alumni Web site, now uses the same cutting-edge technology that powers searches on Barnes & Noble.com, IBM.com, and other major retailing sites. Along with its new turbocharged features, directory search sports a new name: Alumni Navigator.

The power of Alumni Navigator lies in its ability to make connections among alumni based on shared characteristics. For example, search for an individual and get basic personal and professional contact information. To find others with similar backgrounds, look to the left side of the screen and pick from eleven search criteria, including industry, company, location, college, degree, state, and home country. Of course, you don’t have to start your search with a name. There are seven other ways to begin, including by degree earned, college, industry, and company.

“The alumni network is one of the most highly valued aspects of the HBS experience,” says Donella Rapier (MBA ’92), associate dean for External Relations. “It is an unparalleled professional network in addition to being a source of lifelong friendships. Now our alumni can tap into this network much more easily and effectively.”

The Alumni Navigator is the latest in a series of enhancements to the on-line services available to the alumni community. Plans are set for additional enhancements to the alumni directory, incorporating much of the functionality and information contained in the current MBA student online class cards.

Gifts from Chantal and Michael Jennings (MBA ’68) and from the Class of 2003 made the new service possible. The Alumni Navigator is powered by new guided navigation with advanced search technology developed by Endeca, a Cambridge, Massachusetts, software company founded by Steven Papa (MBA ’99). The firm has roots and is growing branches at HBS.

Only HBS grads with a current lifelong e-mail forwarding address (LEFA) can access the alumni directory. To activate your LEFA, visit the HBS Alumni homepage. While you are at it, check to make sure that your personal and professional information is correct in the alumni directory. Look for the Update My Profile link at www.alumni.hbs.edu.

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