Three CFAES grads are enrolled this year in the Young Alumni Academy, a professional and personal development program for young Ohio State University alumni in the central Ohio area.
The academy is designed to empower young Buckeyes and provide them with the skills they need to be successful, in the workplace and in life. Throughout the 10–month program, participants have the opportunity to hear from experts and community leaders about a variety of topics, including things like salary negotiation, work–life balance and personal branding. It is a cohort–based program and fosters relationships between young professionals within the Ohio State community. In addition, participants will be matched with an alumnus mentor based on similar experiences or goals. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be invited to join an emeriti group to stay connected with The Ohio State University Alumni Association.
This year's class has 42 young Ohio State Alumni. Meet the three alumni from CFAES:
Erica Lewis graduated in 2015 with a BS in Agriculture in Animal Science with a concentration in Equine Studies and a minor in Disability Studies. She is an Assistant Director at PBJ Connections.
What do you hope to get out of being a member of the Young Alumni Academy?
EL: I am excited to be a part of the Young Alumni Academy to connect with professionals my age outside of my job at a small nonprofit. Through the mentorship program and monthly presentations, I hope to further develop skills like public speaking and professional communication. I am also hoping to learn more about creative solutions to improving my work / life balance by networking with peers.
What is your favorite winter tradition/activity?
EL: My favorite winter activity is baking christmas cookies to share with my friends and family.
Brandon Reese graduated in 2016 with a BS in Construction Systems Management. He is a Project Manager at Danis Building Construction Company.
What do you hope to get out of being a member of the Young Alumni Academy?
BR: The Ohio State University has a wonderful network of very active alumni and my goal is to create relationships with those individuals who are looking to build that same type of network. I have a passion for community service and philanthropy, which I developed while an undergrad at Ohio State. The YAA looks to be a great resource to get re-connected with both the University, faculty, and staff on a whole different level and I'm excited about the opportunities through community building and the educational seminars the YAA hosts.
What is your favorite winter tradition/activity?
BR: One of my favorite activities is running outdoors. Whether a quick 1-mile run or full marathon, I've enjoyed this ever since graduating from high school. Although I didn't participate this year and it's at the tail end of fall, an awesome run I've done the past couple of years was the Hot Chocolate 15k through downtown Columbus. I just signed up for the race on 11/22/2020. For those not interested in a 15k, they also have a 5k portion so if you like hot chocolate and chocolate fondue make sure to sign up!
Chloe Welch graduated in 2014 with a BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish. She is an Environmental Specialist in the Division of Surface Water for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and a part-time graduate student in the Masters in Environment and Natural Resources at Ohio State.
What do you hope to get out of being a member of the Young Alumni Academy?
CW: I hope to foster positive relationships with like-minded young OSU alumni, as well as learn from my paired mentor and the great speakers that come to our monthly meetings. I look forward to striving toward both personal and professional growth while in YAA.
What is your favorite winter tradition/activity?
I absolutely love taking a stroll in a nearby metropark with my dog, Bean, just after a blanket of fresh snow has fallen.