Winter College

Showcasing Fisher's pioneering business education and lifelong learning innovations

Held annually in January, Winter College is a daylong event highlighting the latest efforts at Fisher to differentiate and distinguish Ohio State as a leader in business education and as a provider of continuous education for its alumni and friends. Featuring presentations from talented students, world-class faculty researchers and dedicated program leaders, the program provides a snapshot of the many exciting programs, cutting-edge research and student stories that continue to differentiate our college community.

2025 Program Details

Registration and Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Welcome

9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.

Rich Brown

Chief Development and Alumni Relations Officer

An Update from Fisher

9:05 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Trevor Brown

Interim Dean, Max M. Fisher College of Business

Dean, John Glenn College of Public Health

Trevor Brown provides an update on the latest news from the college and university, including areas of growth at Fisher, the recent announcement of Ohio State’s new provost and its impact on the search for the college’s next dean, and the strategic strengths that continue to advance Fisher as a premier destination for business education, research and outreach. 

From Class Project to an Impact-Driven Business 

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Nate DeMars (MBA ’11)

Founder and CEO, Pursuit

As a graduate student at Fisher, Nate DeMars had an idea for an entrepreneurship class project: a shop that helps fashion novices navigate the daunting task of buying a business suit. The project became a business plan, and the plan became Pursuit, a brick-and-mortar staple of the Short North. Nate talks about Pursuit’s steady growth, the connections he’s created outfitting a variety of teams, leagues and organizations across the country, and the unique way Pursuit is giving back to others in need. 

Coffee and Networking Break 

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Old-School Principles Partnered with AI to Serve Students and Employers

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Kevin J. Hardy

Executive Director, Office of Career Management

Today's students are preparing to become the future leaders of business. At Fisher, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to excel in an ever-evolving global marketplace. Through personalized career coaching, hands-on learning opportunities and a deep network of alumni and industry partners, we are fostering a dynamic community of students who are not only ready to contribute, but to innovate. Kevin Hardy highlights how Fisher’s Office of Career Management is supporting the next generation of business professionals and strengthening Fisher’s legacy as a destination to top career talent.

Lunch 

11:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
 

Embracing the Fisher Undergraduate Journey

1:00 p.m. - 1:45p.m.

Lorraine Pennyman 

Director of Leadership and Engagement

Each student’s journey at Fisher is unique. Hear from undergraduates about how they’re embracing opportunities to grow their leadership and professional development skills, and how the college supports these experiences.

Kids These Days: Building High-Performance Teams in an Intergenerational Workforce

1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Stephanie Wapner

Senior Lecturer, Management and Human Resources

From baby boomers to millennials to Generation Alpha, today’s workforce requires senior leaders to manage multi-generational teams on an unprecedented scale. Stephanie Wapner introduces key practices in managing high-performing teams, explains some of the common challenges associated with intergenerational teams, and share strategies for maximizing their effectiveness.

Closing remarks  

2:30 p.m. -2:40 p.m.

Reception

2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.