Alumni & Friends News
March 17, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
IBM’s James Kavanaugh (EMBA ’92) talks leadership through reinvention
For over 30 years, James Kavanaugh (EMBA ’92) has been at the forefront of innovation. His passion and voracity for learning propelled him to lead IBM through periods of challenge and revitalization. Discover the insights he shared with students on communication, leadership and emerging technology, including AI, during Fisher’s LeadX: Unplugged speaker series.
March 16, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Dwight Smith is leading by word and example
Dwight Smith (BSBA ’78, MBA ’79) calls successful leaders who bring others along as they rise “world-changers.” See how this year’s Pace Setters Executive Award recipient walks the talk to make a difference and inspire others through his work and words.
March 13, 2026
Columbus Business First
Columbus Business First
He left prison 15 years ago. Now, the Honest Jobs founder sold his startup to help more inmates get hired
Fifteen years after the prison term that inspired Harley Blakeman's tech startup, the 2017 Fisher alum said its acquisition can achieve and maximize his vision for fair-chance employment.
March 4, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Lean thinking at 26 stories: MBOE alums powering Ohio State’s new hospital
Alumni of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program put their operational training to the test with the opening of the new University Hospital. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lean methods and systems thinking helped streamline workflows, eliminate waste and deliver a smooth, safe launch of the high-rise, 820-bed facility at Ohio State.
February 12, 2026
Columbus Business First
Columbus Business First
Creating a $100M startup magnet
Billionaire Ratmir Timashev is putting up his own money to make Columbus ‘the best place to scale your business in North America.’ He's partnering with Jeff Schumann (BSBA '07) to launch OH.io Ventures Inc. and make it happen.
February 12, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Thriving at full speed: Sophia Mullins (BSBA ’17) redefines wellness for high achievers
When Sophia Mullins (BSBA ’17) started an online wellness community for high achievers like herself, the response was overwhelming. The strong desire for well-being in demanding careers and Sophia’s own health journey led her to start Wall Street Wellness LLC. Now, she’s helping driven performers find their own balance.
February 9, 2026
WOSU
WOSU
Columbus-produced TV comedy pilot debuts at Sundance Film Festival
The Turner Brothers' pilot "FreeLance" follows a young filmmaker named Lance trying to make it in the industry in Columbus. The project is co-directed by Justen Turner (BSBA '24).
January 22, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Roll camera, roll Columbus: Buckeyes are putting Ohio on the filmmaking map
Justen Turner (BSBA ’24) and a group of Buckeyes stepped behind the cameras to film a TV pilot in Columbus. Now they’re headed to the 2026 Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of “FreeLance.” See how they’re making their mark and putting Ohio in the spotlight.
January 14, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Mentorship: Leading by example and learning from experience
Student and alumni mentors play a vital role in helping undergraduates navigate campus life, academics, internships and career decisions. Meet some Fisher mentors whose shared experiences and dedicated support are making a meaningful impact on students.
January 9, 2026
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
Ohio State students hone academic, business skills through study abroad programs
From Germany to Thailand, Taiwan and beyond, Ohio State students are honing academic and business skills through immersive study abroad experiences. At Fisher's Global Experience Luncheon, students shared the insights, cultural growth and career readiness that's made possible by generous donor support of transformative international learning.
January 5, 2026
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Buckeye to Buckeye: How an EMBA connection sparked a nationwide brand experience
A chance meeting in a Fisher classroom between guest speaker Rachel Friedman (EMBA ’02) and then-student Rhonda Hoffman (EMBA ’13) paved the way for a remarkable alumni connection. See how their collaboration and strategic planning turned a national brand into a unique consumer experience.
December 8, 2025
The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine
The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine
How Jerry Lucas perfected his unstoppable hook shot
Jerry Lucas (BSBA '62) spent thousands of hours alone on a court, crafting a move that baffled defenders. It’s now immortalized in bronze.
December 8, 2025
The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine
The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine
Where grace meets grit
Coach Melissa McGhee (BSBA ’11) knows creating national champs takes vision, resilience and smart recruiting. See it all in action as she takes us along for a football-season Saturday.
December 4, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
The Dean’s Leadership Academy Alumni Network bridges generations of leaders
Alumni of Fisher’s Dean’s Leadership Academy were looking for a way to reconnect when the idea for an alumni network dedicated to continued learning and student support emerged. Their vision became reality this fall with their inaugural event, Charting Your Path, featuring panel discussions and special presentations about leadership.
November 26, 2025
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
Ohio State students, alumni showcase business success at campus event
The Ohio State University’s recent Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit brought together students, alumni and industry leaders — showcasing campus‑born startups, businesses and collaborations built with creativity, mentorship and Buckeye ambition.
November 25, 2025
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
Sharpening generations of legal and business minds
From business to law, the Reese family's support of The Ohio State University is boundless. Learn more about their impact and how Fisher faculty member René Stulz is upholding this strong tradition through his work as a world-renowned finance scholar.
November 19, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Forging a path toward justice and peace: Sera Koulabdara (BSBA ’07)
From working to remove unexploded bombs in war-torn countries such as her native Laos to advocating before U.S. Congress, it is Sera Koulabdara’s (BSBA ’07) business to talk about war — and peace. Learn how family, culture and an interest in international business charted the career path for the CEO of Legacies of War.
November 12, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
2025 Alumni Awards honorees share stories, appreciation
Fisher celebrated its 2025 Alumni Awards honorees during an evening of emotion-filled speeches of gratitude, hard work and success. Six alumni and one organization were recognized for outstanding leadership in their industries, service to their communities and dedication to Business Buckeyes.
October 23, 2025
Investing.com
Investing.com
Andy Noll (BSBA '04) appointed as Bank of America Columbus president
Andy Noll (BSBA '04) has been named president of Bank of America Columbus. Noll has spent the past two decades in Central Ohio with the nation's second-largest bank and has been a member of its market leadership team.
October 20, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
LeadX series kicks off with curiosity and authenticity from alumna Becky Griffin
From navigating uncertainty to reflecting on work-life balance, authenticity and her biggest failures, Becky Griffin kicked off Fisher’s LeadX: Unplugged speaker series with candid perspectives appreciated by Business Buckeyes. Learn more about what lessons, shared by JPMorganChase’s top Columbus executive, resonated with a ballroom filled with Fisher students.
October 15, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
2025 Fisher Alumni Awards: Honoring vision, commitment and achievement in business
Meet the 2025 Fisher Alumni Award recipients. Learn what inspires these exemplary leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their professions and communities and continuing the college’s legacy of alumni excellence.
October 9, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
2025 Corporate Partner Alumni Award: JPMorganChase
JPMorganChase has invested in Fisher countless ways, from hiring interns and graduates to supporting projects and programs. Learn how this vital and longstanding partnership has benefitted both the college and the company.
October 7, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
2025 Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award: James J. Kavanaugh (MBA ’92)
James J. Kavanaugh (MBA ’92) has never stopped being curious — or successful. Learn how IBM’s CFO turned his passion and appetite for learning into a highly prestigious career.
October 7, 2025
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
Ohio State alumni return to campus to recruit students as employees
Fisher alums are coming back — not as guests, but as recruiters, tapping into Buckeye connections to bring students into their firms. Discover how returning alumni are shaping futures and careers on campus.
October 2, 2025
Max M. Fisher College of Business
Max M. Fisher College of Business
2025 Professional Achievement Alumni Award: Nicole Balkenbusch (BSBA '07)
Climbing the corporate ladder has never been a solitary exercise for Nicole Balkenbusch (BSBA ’07). Find out what motivates her to lift others as she’s advanced in her career at Amazon.