Alumnus Ian Tyndall on why Thunderbird still shapes the future

When Ian Tyndall graduated from Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2005 with an MBA in Global Management, he walked away with a deep belief in the power of global leadership, cultural fluency, and values-driven education. Today, nearly two decades later, that belief is stronger than ever. Now a proud parent of two future T-birds, Ian’s Thunderbird journey has come full circle.

“Aiden is a junior in the Global Management program, and Ryan will be joining him soon. They both chose Thunderbird—not just because of my connection to the school—but because they love understanding how the world works, meeting new people, and making an impact.”

For Ian, the decision his sons made speaks volumes about the enduring value of a Thunderbird education.

“It surprised me that the only schools they seriously applied to were programs at ASU and Thunderbird specifically,” he said. “The two things that drew them in were ASU’s Charter—a university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes—and the success they can have after graduation through the impact they can make in their communities.”

Ian knows firsthand how Thunderbird shapes thinkers who go beyond borders—literally and figuratively. “When I look back on my time at Thunderbird, what really mattered most were the people—misfits like me, from all over the world, each with their own unique background. That diversity of thought and experience is what makes Thunderbird special,” he said.

He fondly recalls classmates with legacy ties to the school, including “one student whose father was a Chinese pilot who learned to fly for the Chinese Republic Air Force during World War II at Thunderbird. That’s amazing continuity and a powerful connection to the spirit of General Yount’s mission—‘Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers.’”

That legacy is now being carried forward by his sons. “I’m incredibly proud of them for becoming Thunderbirds themselves. They’re taking on the challenge of a world that’s becoming more isolated. And we need people who can bridge divides—between cultures, nations, and communities. That’s what Thunderbird prepares you to do.”

What Ian appreciates most about the school is how its impact reaches beyond theory into real life. “I want my sons to walk away from Thunderbird understanding how the world works, and how to operate in an ethical, sustainable, systematic way. That’s something you can’t learn from AI or a textbook alone. it’s lived experience.”

He was especially touched when one of his favorite professors, Dr. Roy Nelson, welcomed his son with open arms. “The reception he gave my son made a personal impact—it made him feel like, I belong here. That’s what Thunderbird is all about—being your authentic self, exploring ideas, learning from your peers, and growing into the kind of leader the world needs.”

For Ian, this isn’t just about education. it’s about building a meaningful, lifelong connection to something greater. “Thunderbird is a pathway to lifelong learning. It attracts people with deep curiosity and a global mindset. My boys talk about everything from Sentinel Island to the origins of the stock market in England. That kind of curiosity is the Thunderbird way.”

And to his fellow alumni, Ian offers this reflection: “Thunderbird gave me a worldview, a set of values, and a community that still shapes my life today. Seeing my sons walk the same path affirms just how powerful this institution continues to be.”