THE WALTER ISSUE NO.2 | SPRING 2020
Leaving a Legacy Learn more about the center’s inaugural Leadership Legacy Award recipient, OHIO alumnus Frank Zammattaro ALSO INSIDE
Andrew Bianco's Light Continues to Shine Read the incredible story of Andrew Bianco and his lasting impression on Athens SPRING 2020 | 1
Table of Contents A Letter from the Director Andrew Bianco's Light Continues to Shine Making a Difference The Importance of Giving Back Our Leadership Legacy Award Developing Global Leaders Alumni Spotlight How to Get Involved
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Purposefully developing strategic leadership potential and possibilities. - The Walter Center
THE WALTER MAGAZINE TEAM EXECUTIVE STAFF Tim Reynolds
Executive Director
Amy Toth
Executive Editor
STUDENT TEAM Davawnna Clark
Content Coordinator
Raymond Koch
Writing Specialist
Nick Capretta
Jared Robb
Spencer Haught
Tommy Laffey
Videographer
Creative Director
Communication Specialist
Communication Specialist
Jenna Hyman
Monica Becerra
Ross Ferarro
Photographer
Social Media Coordinator
Special Projects Coordinator
Sam Glaser
Kayley Walker
Marketing Strategist
Social Media Director
ON THE COVER Frank Zammattaro accepting the first Leadership Legacy Award from the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership.
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WEBSITE business.ohio.edu/leadership SPRING 2020 | 3
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
W
e are nearing the close of another academic year in Athens, but it is a year unlike any experienced in recent history. The campus has no students, iconic establishments are closed, streets are quiet, and buildings stand empty while faculty and staff work remotely. Normally working from Copeland Hall, suite 401, I am now writing this opening address from a makeshift bedroom office while four other family members work virtually in separate rooms. Amid this chaos, over the last week, the beautiful cherry trees that line the Hocking River opened in full bloom. They serve as a subtle reminder that seasons come and go, but essentials remain. Leadership is essential in good times, and more so in challenging times. In the spirit of leadership in action, we dedicate this special edition of The Walter to Frank Zammataro and Andrew Bianco. Their leadership stories and legacies, while remarkably different, demonstrate that leadership has no boundary. It can emerge independent of stature, age, personal situation, steadystate, or crisis. The Walter Center is
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honored to have been graced by the presence of these two individuals and hope The Walter shares the lasting impact of their legacies. Frank Zammataro, pictured on the cover, began his legacy founding Business Fellows and has changed the lives and careers of all current and future leaders. On behalf of the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership, it was an honor to present Frank with the first Leadership Legacy Award for his gracious donation of time, treasure and talent to the principle-centered development of fellow Bobcats. Frank is a faithful servant leader who paved the way for the future of today ’s Select Leadership Development Program that is developing and placing members in marque organizations around the world. Alumni like Frank actively contribute to classrooms, special programs, executive engagements on campus, on-site visits, employment opportunities, and active coaching and mentoring, making leadership development a differentiated experience in the College of Business. Andrew Bianco,
son of dear faculty members at Ohio University, at twelve years of age, faced and battled terminal cancer. We were fortunate to witness his ever-present optimism for the future, sincere caring for those around him, and wisdom well beyond his years. We found inspiration in what lays ahead, saw courage in the face of crisis and realized that when we lead ourselves, we chose how we will respond no matter the situation. The Walter article shares just a glimpse of Andrew ’s remarkable legacy story and his on-going impact. He has forever changed the Walter Center team for the better, and I am proud of our team for giving their efforts in honoring his legacy. As our global situation progresses, may we all purposefully lead in ways that leave a positive legacy in the lives of others during one of the most traumatic times in our history. Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy summer. Be Well, Bobcats!
TIM REYNOLDS
BOBCAT PRIDE
Ohio University College of Business Faculty supporting Andrew's Avengers.
Andrew Bianco's Light Continues to Shine BY RAYMOND KOCH
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ou did not have to meet Andrew Bianco to know him— the 12-year-old’s gentle spirit radiated through each person he touched. For those of us at the Walter Center, Andrew’s light shined through his mom, academic director Amy Taylor-Bianco. The mission of the Walter Center is to “develop leaders who earn leadership by creating value and inspiring others to follow, acting with integrity.” Just as one candle can light many, which can light many
more, true leadership is contagious. We saw this in action when Andrew was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2018. Taylor-Bianco brought Andrew’s attitude of relentless hope and courage into the Center, where it spread into the community and beyond. Any battle with cancer can be isolating, frightening, and traumatic. Rhabdomyosarcoma is often called “the loneliest cancer” because it is easily misdiagnosed and has limited treatment options, but when Andrew
was diagnosed with the disease, his candle burned even brighter. He was determined to share his story and educate the public about childhood cancer, and by inspiring passion and leadership in others, Andrew was able to do this. It started with Andrew’s Avengers, a team of supporters who projected Andrew’s strength and love into the world—and reflected it back to him—through social media and his website, https:// andrewrowanbianco7.wixsite. com/mysite. Andrew’s Avengers was conceived in the Walter Center, and soon there were Avengers throughout Ohio University, the city of Athens, and several other states and countries. “When we learned of Andrew’s diagnosis, our office immediately went into survival mode, with every student trying to help in any way SPRING 2020 | 5
BOBCAT PRIDE possible,” says Amy Toth, assistant director of program operations and planning. Through Andrew’s Avengers, we were able to walk with Andrew on his difficult journey, and he was able to feel our presence as well: “I can do this forever,” he said, “if I have my community around me.” Andrew’s impact continued to grow through two other organizations, one local and one national. Passion Works is a nonprofit art studio in Athens, and its core group of artists live with developmental differences. Passion Works is dedicated to building an inclusive community and providing
a communal healing experience characterized by creativity, connection, and belonging. Board member and former president Lynn Harter helped foster the partnership between Passion Works and Andrew’s Avengers. “Andrew had loved Passion Works long before he had cancer, and he encouraged people that wanted to help to donate to Passion Works,” Taylor-Bianco said. “It was an incredible feeling to him.” For several years, Passion Works has partnered with Turn it Gold to support families who are affected by cancer. Turn it Gold is a national
Andrew with his close friends tailgating after OU Homecoming Parade.
Walter Center Office students supporting Andrew on the campus-wide Andrew’s Avengers Day. 6 | THE WALTER
non-profit organization that strives to elevate childhood cancer awareness and inspire businesses and individuals to take bold action in pursuit of a cure. “As long as cancer continues, we will be called to be present for people in responsive ways,” Harter says. “We want to show each family that we are a community that makes sure nobody feels isolated or alone in their journey.” Turn it Gold’s connection to Ohio University is not new. Annual OU Turn it Gold football, volleyball, and soccer games have raised more than $100,000 toward childhood cancer research.
Ohio University President Duane Nellis representing Andrew's Avengers.
Passion Works now has a Turn It Gold product line of Forever Flowers, which are gold, Andrew’s favorite color and the color of childhood cancer awareness. Forever Flowers are already sold in a few hospitals. The Walter Center and Ohio University College of Business are working to develop a nationwide partnership to make them available in every pediatric oncology ward so that other children can feel that sense of community and support that Andrew experienced. “Andrew communicated through images and not words,” says TaylorBianco. “Images from Passion Works and Turn It Gold were so strong—they
Tim Reynolds and Rufus showing their support for Andrew's Avengers.
gave him such strength. He felt like he could do anything if he had the community’s support around him.” During his battle with appendiceal cancer, former ESPN analyst Stuart Scott said, “When you die, it does not
his spirit of resilience, strength, and hope lives on. His presence is still felt in his home, where his mom, his dad Joe, and his sister Emma have, at Andrew’s request, created a space for his friends to visit. His legacy also endures in the community, especially the Walter Center. “Our journey with Andrew will always be meaningful because the legacy he left is rich in leadership, selfless giving, and finding unconventional ways to make a difference,” Toth said. “The way we’ve grown together since then isn’t because of the impact we made on each other, it’s the impact Andrew made on all of us.”
"I can do this forever, if I have my community around me." -Andrew Bianco mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” Although Andrew passed away 11 days before his 13th birthday, he beat cancer. His body is gone, but
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BOBCAT PRIDE
Dr. Andrew Pueschel at the Robert L. Fohl Ethics Case Competition.
Making a Difference Dr. Andrew Pueschel, a key contributer and close collegue of the Robert D. Walter Center, shares how he has made a difference at Ohio University. BY DAVAWNNA CLARK
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he Walter Center for Strategic Leadership has developed an unmatched leadership resource for many students in the College of Business. That would not be possible, however, without the incredible faculty who are the foundation of the center's success. One of the many faculty members actively making a difference is Dr. Andrew Pueschel. Dr. Pueschel has been a part of the Walter Center for four years. He started his journey at Ohio University in the Fall of 2016, where he taught BA 1100 and Management in the Integrated
Business Cluster. He has worked on signature events for the Walter Center, which include the Robert Foehl Ethics Case Competition, the Strategic
is an organization supported by the Walter Center that focuses on leadership development for students in the College of Business. "There is nothing more rewarding to me than to see the growth in the leadership development of my students," Pueschel says. "Leadership doesn't manifest itself in cockiness or overconfidence, but it comes to life in ways that are making Ohio University a better place. Emerging Leaders is an opportunity for future leaders to explore the positive transformation that happens
“There is nothing more rewarding to me than to see the growth in the leadership development of my students.� - Andrew Pueschel
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Leadership Challenge, the Etiquette Dinner, and the ECO Challenge. He is also the Director of the Emerging Leaders Program, which
when creativity, passion, and selfdiscovery impact themselves, organizations, and communities in which they serve.� Pueschel says the way faculty and staff work together to create opportunities for students to reach a higher level in their leadership abilities is his favorite part about being a faculty member for the Walter Center. He also thinks that the Walter Center has a significant
impact for students within the College of Business, specifically by focusing on the individual needs of each student. "Through faculty, staff, and student collaborations, the center can create and launch content that immediately impacts the lives of our students, preparing them for continued future success as leaders and professionals," Pueschel added. Dr. Pueschel, as well as other
Walter Center faculty, have also collaborated to conduct and publish research that has enhanced the way the business college operates. The research has mainly focused on engagement within the classroom. "If we can create successful management students, then we hope that we can then create successful and impactful managers once they leave Ohio University," he states.
Robert Foehl, Tim Reynolds, and Andrew Pueschel discussing leadership ethics during the annual Walter Center Ethics Case Competition.
A shot of the 1st place 2019 Eco Challenge Competition Awards. SPRING 2020 | 9
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Seniors visiting the Seigfred Group outside Silicon Valley and learning about practices regarding leadership consulting.
The Importance of Giving Back Influential Ohio University Alumni share networking, mentorship, and life-changing advice to our Select Leader seniors on their recent trip to the west coast. BY DAVAWNNA CLARK
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he Select Leaders Development Program senior class took their final networking trip to San Francisco in late January. Tim and Tammy Reynolds, Select Leader Program Directors, are continually reminding the group to honestly think about the legacy each member would like to leave. Although this was a bittersweet moment for the graduating seniors, it was a chance for them to observe how alumni are leaving their legacy with the Walter Center of Strategic Leadership. The group had the opportunity to visit McKesson, The Siegfried Group, Google, R2 Dermatology, and participated in an alumni reception with previous Bobcats who now live in San Francisco. Although each visit was unique and 10 | THE WALTER
special, there seemed to be one common underlying theme, which was the importance of maintaining relationships and giving back. As Business Bobcats, students learn the importance of networking, to the point that it is like second nature to ask for someone's contact information. However, that is just the first step. Through talking to executives during the trip, it was evident that maintaining relationships is an essential part of networking, and this trip was a perfect example of that. Brian Moore, who is an SVP at McKesson, was a Business Bobcat and Tim and Tammy Reynolds maintained that relationship with him through his career. This connection allowed our group to visit the leading healthcare company
for wholesale medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceutical distribution, and healthcare technology solutions. Moore took multiple hours out of his busy day to have lunch with the group in his boardroom, discussing openly about his career journey and leadership strategies that got him there. Laura Reale, who is a VP at The Siegfried Group, spoke to Select Leaders at their annual Alumni Day event in 2018. Students and faculty have maintained a relationship with her, so she invited the group to her headquarters, where the seniors participated in a fantastic half-day session on self-leadership exploration, careering, and consulting. Laura also introduced the group to her contacts at Google, so that the group could visit them
as well and even took them to Neal Family Vineyards to provide our group with a unique experience of running a family-owned business in the global wine industry. Lastly, Tim Holt, the CEO of R2 Technologies, has had deep roots in the Select Leader Program for several years and continues to be an incredible example of an alumnus who has a genuine interest and compassion for the program. Tim is a major champion for all Select Leaders, and that was evident during the visit. He not only shows his support financially by sponsoring the senior trip for the past five years but has also hosted Select Leaders during every visit the program has had to California. In addition to onsite hosting, he has attended alumni gatherings, dinners, and individual sessions as well as conducted virtual and live on-campus executive engagements. Tim graciously engages with Select Leader alumni and current members for mentorship, advice, and networking, which has had an enormous impact on the group as a whole. This trip was exceptional. The seniors witnessed first-hand how vital maintaining relationships
are and the impact of giving back whether that is monetary, time, or resources. These nurtured relationships have led to internship placement, network connections, mentorship, and job opportunities for Select Leaders in the Bay Area. A final point that Tim Holt made during the visit was to make sure to maintain relationships with each other as well. Often, students get caught up with trying to network with people above them, that the people next to them are forgotten. The seniors vowed that this would not happen to their class. This senior trip was a chance for them to maintain their relationships with each other and vow to continuing these relationships to someday be in the shoes of Brian Moore, Laura Reale, and Tim Holt. Although they are all exceedingly successful, these alumni understand the importance of maintaining relationships and giving back any way they can. At the core, that is what the Walter Center for Strategic Leadership is all about, servant leadership, and it is incredible to see that being demonstrated by Bobcats even when 2,500 miles away.
onlinemasters.ohio.edu/WALT2020
Seniors visiting R2 Technologies in San Francisco to learn more about the healthcare startup industry. SPRING 2020 | 11
LEAVING A LEGACY
Frank Zammataro speaking to current students and alumni at the Select Leaders Alumni Day 2019.
Our Leadership Legacy Award BY GRACE DEARING
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rank Zammataro, BS ’63, spent more than seven years at Ohio University, eventually earning a degree in biological sciences. But it was a gig he landed on campus in 1962 as the University was welcoming its 15th president that steered Zammataro to a successful career in business and inspired him to dedicate the past 25 years to serving the Ohio University students of today. “When I look back at my life, every time it seemed like I was hitting a wall somewhere, somebody would step up and turn me around and turn me in a different direction,” Zammataro said. When Zammataro was at OHIO, those somebodies were President Emeritus Vernon R. Alden and one of Alden’s former Harvard University colleagues, J. Leslie Rollins.
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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY OHIO TODAY (DECEMBER 9TH, 2019)
“Both Dr. Alden and J. Leslie Rollins took me under their wings and mentored me,” Zammataro said. “The sky became the limit.” It all started in 1962 when Zammataro accepted a student job at and moved into the president’s residence. In the days leading up to Alden’s inauguration, Zammataro’s life began to change drastically. “I began to meet people that were visiting the Aldens and people that I would never have had the opportunity to meet and talk with,” he said. Among these guests was Rollins, who, at the time, was the assistant dean of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Rollins took notice of Zammataro, talked to him about his future and even helped him obtain a summer internship with the Ford
Motor Company, which became the first step in launching Zammataro’s career in business. Rollins was recruited by Alden to help select the first class in OHIO’s new Ohio Fellows Program, a non-traditional scholars program designed to nurture future leaders outside the boundaries of academics and in service to society at large. As an OHIO administrator, Zammataro was tapped by Rollins to participate in the Ohio Fellows Program, serving as a resource to these emerging leaders while also learning from the great thinkers and leaders who engaged in the program. Upon graduation, Alden opened yet another door for Zammataro, introducing him to the University’s director of admissions, Jerry Reese who hired Zammataro as his assistant director. Zammataro
spent the next two years recruiting Bobcats to his alma mater before embarking on a more than 30year career in the private sector. He served as director of human resources for a major division of Mead Corp. and a regional vice president for Kearney Executive Search before launching The Zammataro Company, a retainer-based executive recruiting firm in 1983. Zammataro never forgot about Alden or Rollins or the Ohio Fellows Program, and when he was invited to sit on the new steering committee of the College of Business’ Executive Advisory Board (EAB) in 1994, Zammataro channeled the opportunities those individuals and that program offered him. The EAB was looking for ways to get its members more involved with the college’s faculty and students.
Zammataro proposed the launch of the Ohio University Business Fellows, a mentoring and leadership development program that engaged industry professionals. The Ohio University Business Fellows launched in 1997. Zammataro led it for over 10 years, impacting the lives of more than 130 student
for the annual Select Leader Alumni Day, which this year was devoted to Zammataro who was presented the first-ever Select Leaders Robert D. Walter Leadership Legacy Award. “We just can’t imagine someone more deserving than Frank Zammataro,” Tim Reynolds, BBA’87, executive director of the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership, said of the inaugural award. “He exemplifies this idea of being a lifelong servant of the University and somebody who never took for granted the things that he was given or blessed with here.” During the Select Leader Alumni Day program, approximately a dozen former Business Fellows took to the stage to share how their lives were enriched by Zammataro, his mentorship and his steadfast devotion to their success. Among
"We just can’t imagine someone more deserving than Frank Zammataro." - Tim Reynolds participants and helping them to pave pathways to success like Alden and Rollins did for him. The Ohio University Business Fellows evolved into the Select Leadership Development Program, one of the College of Business’ most prestigious student organizations. This October, graduates from the Business Fellows, Corporate Leaders and Select Leaders joined together
Frank Zammataro posing with past students at Alumni Day 2019. SPRING 2020 | 13
LEAVING A LEGACY
Tim Reynolds, Sam Glaser, and Hugh Sherman take a picture with Frank Zammataro at Select Leaders Alumni Day 2019.
those former Business Fellows was Laura Buck, BBA ’08. Zammataro was Buck’s Business Fellows mentor for three years and led her 14-member Business Fellows group, providing the students a copy of Ken Blanchard’s “Leadership by the Book,” which, Buck said, drove home what Zammataro’s role would be in her life. The book focuses on being a servant leader, a value that was crucial to the mission of the Business Fellows, Zammataro said, noting, “We really need to develop leaders who have the right kind of base and background, not just in their technology and intelligence, but also
in the value system they have.” Zammataro helped Buck secure her first internship at Charles Schwab’s 401(k) headquarters where she landed a full-time job after graduation. While at Charles
Buck jokingly considers Zammataro her and Bryan’s “matchmaker.” The two got married in the same church Zammataro and Beverly founded, and, to this day, their families see each other frequently; he is even known as “Frankie” to the Buck children. “He saw us as much more than just a professional partnership,” Buck said of Zammataro. “He really was invested – and not just in Bryan and me but in all the students he had.” Reynolds, who now oversees the Select Leaders with his wife, Tammy, saw Zammataro’s impact long before he returned to OHIO. Over
"Unequivocally, without a doubt, the Ohio University Business Fellows is the most joyful and rewarding thing I ever did in my entire career" -Frank Zammataro
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Schwab, Buck met another OHIO Bobcat, Bryan, BBA ’06, who had known Zammataro growing up and who also was steered to the firm by Zammataro.
the more than 22 years Reynolds worked at Whirlpool Corporation, he said he hired multiple OHIO students who were personally impacted by Zammataro as a mentor and through the Business Fellows. Whether it was through one-on-one coaching, team development or special industry trips, Reynolds said Zammataro has always been dedicated to volunteering his time to help students realize their full potential. “All these special programs help our students break barriers of entry into the top-tier organizations in the
world,” Reynolds added. “Today, we are proud to say we have students from these programs at Microsoft, Apple, Google, McKinsey & Company, just to name a few. And it all goes back to a legacy of someone who had the forethought to say: How do we help students who come here be able to look inside, see how much potential they have at an early stage in their career, and then expose them to what’s possible if they were to use that potential? And Frank did that so well.” For Zammataro, the Leadership
Legacy Award and the stories of success from alumni of the Business Fellows and Select Leaders programs validate everything he and his fellow EAB members set out to do back in 1997. “Unequivocally, without a doubt, the Ohio University Business Fellows is the most joyful and rewarding thing I ever did in my entire career,” he said. “Nothing else that I did even remotely came close to the joy I got out of doing this and how much encouragement I got out of it.”
Are you interested in giving back to Ohio University like Frank Zammataro? Scan the QR code to learn more about how you can give back and stay involved.
S CAN ME!
Frank Zammataro catching up with past students at Alumni Day 2019.
Or visit us at engage.ohio.edu/business SPRING 2020 | 15
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Select Leaders alumna Jackie Andrascik chatting at Alumni Day 2019.
Catching Up With Alumni T BY DAVAWNNA CLARK
he Select Leaders Development Program (SLDP) had the opportunity to interact with four alumni from various years in the program to talk about career transitions. This topic resonated with many SLDP members, since a large portion will be graduating or moving away for their internships. The alumni in the skype session included: • • • •
Michael Buckles ‘19 Natalie Clark ‘18 Kelly Mayor ‘15 Victor Colella ‘13
The panelists were asked a series of questions and were each given the opportunity to answer, which was followed by the alumni giving the current SLDP members their biggest tip of advice.
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“Find ways to add value right away,” said Natalie Clark, who said that she identifies three ways to add value. The first way is to just be there physically, which Clark says shows dependability. The second is to always take notes, which shows your mentally focused. “The last way to add value is to have a positive attitude, even when things aren’t going well,” Clark said. Victor Colella also gave his biggest tip of advice: “Never eat lunch alone,” he said. “Network openly, get to know people and be genuine with them. You never know who you might meet and the relationships you will form by doing that.” Current second year SLDP member, Audrey Bull, said that listening to advice from people who have been in her position before was relieving to hear.
“My biggest takeaway was learning to accept change with open arms,” Bull said. “A lot of times I think we focus too much on starting with the end in mind, so it is nice to hear the advice of being open to different avenues in life.” The SLDP alumni give so much advice and wisdom to current students and are always welcomed back with open arms. SLDP is always looking for distinguished alumni to contribute and give advice to current members, and is already planning the panel for next year. If you are a Select Leaders alumnus and want to give back to the current members, reach out to Tim Reynolds (reynot1@ohio.edu) to learn more about how you can give back and help influence the next generation of business leaders!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
KYLE WEESE
Status: Senior Major: Management Information Systems Minor: Business Analytics
Involvement: President | Select Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Director | Alpha Epsilon Pi Social Fraternity
Experience: Legislative Aide | The City of Mansfield Summer 2017 - Mansfield, Ohio Global Information Systems Intern | Whirlpool Summer 2019 - Benton Harbor, Michigan What’s Next: Solutions Specialist | Microsoft Spring 2020 - New York, New York
After joining the Select Leaders Developmental Program, I discovered how powerful the Bobcat network really can be. Through this program, I've received employment opportunities, priceless insights into the real world, and some of my closest friends. This organization will prepare anyone for success at the highest level, while also offering a support system for any problems that may arise. SPRING 2020 | 17
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
NATE VASSALOTTI Status: Senior Majors: Business Analytics & Managent
What's Next: CADP Program Associate | JPMorgan Chase Dallas, Texas
Involvement: President | Emerging Leaders VP of Brotherhood | Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity Fixed Associate | Fixed Income Management Group Junior Representative | Dean's Student Advisory Council
Being President of Emerging Leaders has been a fantastic learning experience. Not only do I get to develop and learn different leadership classes directly through class, I get to lead our great Executive Team through the behind the scenes operations of this organization." 18 | THE WALTER
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
JARED ROBB
Status: Senior Majors: Marketing & Business Analytics Certificate: Social Media
Experience: Digital Marketing Intern | EXPRESS Summer 2019 - Columbus, Ohio Business Intelligence Intern | Vizion Solutions Summer 2018 - Independence, Ohio
Involvement: Director of Newsletter | College of Business Honors Program Active Member | Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity Page Design Team Member | THREAD Magazine Video Editor | Brick City Records
Working for the Robert D. Walter Center has been an exciting and transformative experience! Not only have I been able to work alongside all the brilliant and thoughtful leaders in the center, but I've also grown both my creative and professional skills as the creative director for The Walter Magazine. SPRING 2020 | 19
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
Leadership and Coaching Certificate Celebration.
Developing Global Leaders BY DAVAWNNA CLARK
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he Walter Center welcomed 60 Brazilians through a partnership with the Instituto Brasileiro De Coaching. This group participated in a weeklong leadership development program that offers the most modern and practical theories and practices of Leadership and Coaching in an intercultural view. They received a leadership and coaching certificate that aided in their training to be life ambassador coaches. The program provides students with lessons that will contribute to the development of management skills in a globalized market. Andrew Pueschel says the most important part about this partnership is how rewarding the experience can be. “The most rewarding result of coaching our Brazilian Bobcats is the passion they have for positively impacting their own areas of influence after they complete their educational experience at Ohio University. Our ability to give them the tools needed to effectively lead individuals, organizations, and 20 | THE WALTER
communities allows us to have a global impact on the betterment of society, and we are blessed and humbled to be able to have these opportunities in such a supportive and inspirational setting.” John Nobles states, “What I found most rewarding about teaching in the Brazil Coaching Seminar was their genuine interest and joy in learning. They were very attentive, engaged in the exercises, reflective of the content, appreciative of their new knowledge, and a lot of fun!” Two outstanding faculty that helped make this partnership possible was Amy Toth and John Nobles. Amy is the Assistant Director of Program and Operations and played a behind the scenes role of program design. The result led to an everlasting experience for the College of Business as well as our friends from Brazil. “It was surreal that I was meeting this group for the first time,” said Amy Toth. “I felt like I had known them my whole life. Even with the language barrier, interacting with this group of passionate and inspiring Life Coaches
gave me so much value. Even in the short time together, I could tell these relationships will last a lifetime.” John Nobles is also the program lead for this partnership and had a few words to express his excitement for this past week as well. “As the program lead, I want to thank all of my colleagues who presented, those who set up and ensured the technology worked properly, the students that helped in numerous ways, and Amy Toth, who always makes all of us look good.” This program was so successful that The Walter Center was featured in a Brazil Newspaper called, “Jornal Social Luiz Parreiras” and featured one of the participants in the program that received her certificate concluding the coaching program, Daniella Larangote. Not only did the group get exceptional leadership coaching, but they experienced their own unique college life for a week. They ate at dining halls, attended sports events, and became a part of the Athens community, making them Brazilian Bobcats for life.
IBC/OU Program Faculty & Staff (From right to left: Michael Deperro, John Nobles, Bruna Machado, Amy Toth, Janna Chimelli, David Boss, Victor Rosas, Carla Costa, Tim Reynolds.
Brazil students showing Athens their Brazilian Pride. SPRING 2020 | 21
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Ishan Patel Graduation: Spring 2017 Current Position: Management Consultant | The Hackett Group Academics at Ohio University: Major - MIS Minor - Finance My involvement with both Select Leaders and the Walter Center provided many unique opportunities that I did not fully realize the value of till I began my full-time role following graduation. As a Consultant, I've had the chance to work across various industries and manage different components of client engagements throughout our projects. I can't think of anything that has prepared me more for quickly understanding a new industry, interacting with Executives, and working collaboratively than the class trips and various competitions that are a part of Select.�
Gunnar Graham Graduation: Spring 2018 Current Position: Investment Banking Credit Analyst | J.P. Morgan Academics at Ohio University: Majors - Finance and Business Analytics Before joining Emerging Leaders, I had many aspirations to be an effective leader after graduation. The EL faculty and senior student leaders provided me with concepts and an opportunity for discussion to learn more about how I am an effective leader. Through learning so much about myself, I was able to better target companies like JP Morgan with a culture that fit my type of leadership abilities. Additionally, developing a peer group of fellow Bobcats driven to be the best leaders possible was and continues to be a refreshing and rewarding experience.
Rachel Seamen Graduation: Spring 2019 Current Position: International Tax Consultant | PwC Academics at Ohio University: Major - Accounting My time at OU was nothing short of amazing. Working for the Walter Center for those four years played a big part not only in my college career but also post-grad. I met mentors and friends that I will have forever. One of my bosses even helped me to get my internship that has led to my full time job at PwC. I am forever grateful for what I have learned from the people at the Walter Center and miss them all dearly.
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GET INVOLVED
GIVE BACK TO THE WALTER CENTER
The Walter Center is growing every day. We can not run many of these programs without the generosity of our alumni. No matter the reason for giving, we want you to be able to contribute the initiatives that mean the most to you.
Frank Zammataro posing with Sam Glaser and Tim Reynolds after receiving the first Robert D. Walter Leadership Legacy Award in 2019.
Visit Us Coming to Athens for Homecoming or dropping your kids off at school? Let us know when you are on campus, and we can identify opportunities for you to meet faculty members, speak to current leadership students, or otherwise engage with the Walter Center.
Bill Axline speaking at Select Leaders Alumni Day 2019.
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT Share a Job Opportunity Is there an opening on your team or within you department? Share a job opportunity with us so we can send more Bobcats your way! We actively promote business job opportunities from our alumni to our students and faculty. Share Your Leadership Story We want to hear about your leadership successes! Let us know how your engagement with the WWalter Center prepared you for your current leadership position.
Select Leaders seniors trip to Google in Sunnyvale, California.
Host Students in Your City Every year our Select and Emerging Leader groups visit cities across the country to network with alumni and businesses in the area. We are always looking for alumni to host us at their organization so students can learn about new industries and businesses. During these trips, we also plan a College of Business Alumni Happy Hour so you can engage with other alumni in your city.
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Stay Connected Hear about the Walter Center’s growth, networking trips, other alumni, and events by following our social media channels. Update Your Info Keep us informed on your current location and contact information so we can include you in the Walter Center news. Visit business.ohio.edu/leadership or email Tim Reynolds at reynolt1@ohio.edu to stay in touch.
FACEBOOK @ohiouwaltercenter
LINKEDIN /ohiouwaltercenter
WEBSITE business.ohio.edu/leadership SPRING 2020 | 23
Tim Reynolds, Executive Director 1 Ohio University Drive Athens, OH 45701 740.593.2026 centerforleadership@ohio.edu
Kaitly Pierce reading the Spring 2019 issue of The Walter at Alumni Day 2019.