On November 3, YES alumni in Saudi Arabia celebrated the 20th anniversary of the YES program! The event was a great opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and foster stronger connections among YES alumni.

The event began with an address by Amideast/Saudi Arabia Country Director Don Schmidt. He expressed his gratitude to the alumni and highlighted the impact of YES alumni on their communities.

Then, Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy Riyadh, Alison Dilworth, shared remarks on the importance of the YES program. She emphasized the role of programs like YES in building bridges between the Saudi and American people. She underscored the role of cultural exchange in broadening horizons, nurturing understanding and empathy, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The heart of the celebration was the alumni’s stories. Four alumni, representing a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, took the stage to recount their personal journeys and the profound impact the program had on their lives.

After the speeches, alumni reconnected with one another. They reminisced about their shared experiences and discussed ways to build a stronger YES alumni community. The bonds formed during their YES journeys are still as vital as ever, and they discussed how these connections can lead to collaborations and opportunities that further enrich their communities.

The event not only celebrated the past but also paved the way for alumni to deepen their relationships with each other and make more meaningful contributions to their communities.