20 Best Stanford University Notable Alumni

Founded in 1885, Stanford University got its first Stanford Alumni Association established by its first graduates in 1892. Since then, the university has graduated over 2 lakhs+ students with degrees in its prestigious courses. This article covers Stanford University's notable alumni list. 

Ranked 6th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Stanford University is known for its excellent academic reputation, research work and campus culture. With its Engineering and Technology, Computer Science and Information Systems, and Chemical Engineering courses placed second, Medicine courses at third and Psychology courses at the 4th position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 list, Stanford University has given highly driven scholars to the society. This article covers the list of top Stanford University Notable Alumni along with their contributions to the society. 

Also Read: How to Get into Stanford from India?

Top 20 Stanford University Notable Alumni

Check out the list of top 20 Stanford University alumni below. 

Details of the Top Stanford University Alumni 

Stanford University boasts an impressive roster of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions across a range of fields. Check out the details of the top Stanford University notable alumni and what are they famous for below. 

1. Rishi Sunak: The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak is also the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. A British politician and financier, Rishi Sunak has played a pivotal role in shaping British economic policy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rishi Sunak, a Fullbright Scholar, received an MBA from Stanford University in 2006.
2. Derek Bok: Earlier an educator of law, Derek Bok served as the president of Harvard University from 1971 to 1991. Bok's presidency at Harvard was marked by his commitment to academic excellence and social justice. He oversaw significant reforms in the university's curriculum and financial aid policies. Derek Bok graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Stanford University in 1951.  
3. Eileen Collins: A retired NASA astronaut, Eileen Collins was the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and also the first woman to command the Space Shuttle Mission. Also, a retired United States Air Force officer, Eileen Collins exemplified the courage and determination required to push the boundaries of human achievement. Eileen Collins got a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from Stanford University in 1986. 
4. Tom Watson: The former golfer from the USA, Tom Watson was among the leading golfers in the world in the 1970s and 1980s. Formerly on the PGA Tour, Tom Watson has won eight major championships and headed the PGA Tour money list five times. Tom Watson got a degree in Psychology from Stanford University in 1971. 
5. Brian Acton: A co-founder of WhatsApp, Brian Acton's role in the creation of WhatsApp revolutionized mobile communication. Brian Acton graduated from Stanford University with a degree in computer science in 1994. 

Also Check: Stanford University Scholarships for Indian Students

Top 5 Stanford University Notable Alumni from India

Several iconic Indian personalities have gotten their degrees from the prestigious Stanford University.  Some of them are listed below. 

1. Azim Premji
2. Mukesh Ambani
3. Sundar Pichai
4. Parag Agarwal
5. Parth Saxena

This was all about the Stanford University Notable alumni spread across the world. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.