Students inspired by successful alumni and community members during Career Day

Over 30 McNicholas alumni and community members visited campus on April 3 to share their expertise and encouragement with students during Career Day.

Keynote speaker Shawn Curran, McNicholas Class of 1981, set the tone for the day as he engaged students with his journey from McNicholas student to executive at a multibillion-dollar company. He used his story to encourage the students to persevere through obstacles that push them outside their comfort zone and to not be afraid to lean into their support system and ask for help when they need it.  

Mr. Steve Rice, McNicholas Alumni Relations Manager, was excited to welcome Shawn and his fellow alumni back for this event. “McNicholas has alumni leading successful careers in everything from science, technology, health, and safety to business, marketing, arts, and media. They love coming back on campus to help mold our future and we are so grateful to have them,” Mr. Rice said. 

After the keynote, students attended small group breakout sessions led by professionals from a wide range of fields and careers, including an executive chef from The Precinct by Jeff Ruby, a news anchor from 700 WLW, a vice president from Fifth Third Bank, and a cardiology nurse practitioner.

“Career Day is just one of the college and career activities we provide to our students as part of our Comprehensive School Counseling Program. It allows students to learn more about the career clusters that interest them and to learn about other careers they may not yet be familiar with,” School Counselor and Department Chair Mrs. Erica Stablum said.

Mr. Rice added, “Thank you to all of the speakers who shared their time and talents with our students as they explore future careers. We are especially grateful for our alumni who came back to McNicholas to support our next generation of Rocket professionals.”
 

Thank You to our Presenters

Holly Moore ’02, Katie Crowley, Brian Combs, Dianne Krutzkamp ’64, Gannon McHugh ’14, Justin Bayer, Maggie Daly ’10, Mike Larkin ’69, Mike Ramey ’85, Rachael Rice ’08, Annie Bogenschutz ’97, Hannah Zeisler, Mark Connaughton ’76, Melissa Frantz, Jeff Foltz ’06, Amy Armstrong-Smith, Joe McCauley ’07, Sebastian Schmeusser, Ashley Johnson ’07, Elizabeth McClure ’81, Beth Muntzel, Meghan Sweeney ’14, Darlene Tierney, Rebecca Weisshaar ’11, Jacob Lind ’13, Megan McNamara, Nicole Ruprich-O’Brian ’04, Amy Thomas ’87, Anne Keener ’08, Richard Schuler ’62, Mike Gundrum ’92, Mike Machenheimer ’81, Amy Stoffer, Kerry Trombley ’02, Patti Dold ‘71