The power of alumni referrals

Team Fuqua: Paying It Forward

Erica Taylor MBA '20 and Tamara Huff MBA '22 share their experience with the Alumni Referrals program and what it means to them to be a part of Team Fuqua.

Tamara Huff MBA '22

“Erica has been my “orthopedic big sis” for years! In 2019, I was in transition. I left my practice in the fall, and I was ready to start a new chapter. I saw Erica transforming as she immersed herself in the WEMBA program, AND she was still a full time orthopedic surgeon! I always wanted to learn more about the business side of medicine, but I never had the time or found the program. With her urging, I applied to the Weekend Executive MBA Program at Fuqua. While I was in Durham for my interview, Erica and I grabbed dinner. We caught up about family and careers, but I saw a new spark in my friend. There was a new fire and confidence. We spoke of the connections that opened because of Fuqua. There was another world that we as surgeons never participated in. I was sold!”

Erica Taylor MBA '20

What made you identify Tamara as a great fit for Fuqua?

Tamara and I have been colleagues in orthopedics since we were medical students, and for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen her embody the qualities that define a strong leader—entrepreneurial thinking, strategic problem-solving, and a deep commitment to advancing our field. As I progressed through the Executive MBA program at Fuqua, I found myself constantly drawing connections between the lessons I was learning and the real-world challenges in healthcare. I knew that someone like Tamara, who has always been innovative, ambitious, and intentional about breaking barriers, would not only benefit tremendously from the program but also contribute in meaningful ways. In addition, she was often on the receiving end of phone calls where I was highlighting an intriguing assignment or a nuanced framework that reminded me of some of our aspirations for our field. As a dear friend, she was able to see my transformation happen firsthand, which opened up a natural pathway for her to pursue this pathway as well.

How did you see her embodying DQ and the #TeamFuqua spirit?

DQ (Decency Quotient) and the #TeamFuqua spirit are about more than individual success—they’re about elevating those around you and making an impact beyond yourself. Tamara has always led with purpose, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. She’s the kind of colleague who doesn’t just seek opportunities for personal growth but looks for ways to uplift others along the way. I knew that she would thrive in Fuqua’s collaborative environment and bring a valuable perspective to her classmates, just as I did. And she absolutely did—she fully immersed herself in the experience, engaged deeply with her peers, and leveraged her knowledge to drive change in her field.

Why should alumni consider referring those in their professional or personal circles?

As Fuqua alumni, we have a unique ability to identify those in our networks who would truly embrace and enhance the program. Referring someone isn’t just about recommending them for an incredible opportunity—it’s about ensuring that the Fuqua community continues to be enriched by diverse, driven, and high-impact individuals. The business of healthcare, and particularly orthopedic surgery, is evolving rapidly, and we need leaders who can navigate complexity, foster innovation, and build strong teams. Alumni referrals help strengthen that pipeline, ensuring that more professionals gain the knowledge and networks to transform their industries for the better. It’s about paying forward the experience and ensuring that #TeamFuqua continues to thrive, not just for us as individuals but for the broader impact we can all make together

Curious about the Alumni Referral Program? Learn more here.