Muskingum News

Muskingum University students have unique opportunities to learn from Muskingum alumni, as they share their expertise, advice, and career development experiences.

On Sept. 1, the Muskingum Leadership Academy presented the second of four weekend intensive workshops in the two-year program, “Empowering the Follower.”

Jonathan Graham ’89, a partner with Heidrick & Struggles who focuses on placing chief executive officers, was the keynote speaker.  Students practiced leadership, followership, and effective communication through an interactive tango dance lesson instructed by attorney and Zanesville-area arts champion Jillian Von Gunten ’09, a 2023 recipient of Muskingum’s Emerging Alumni Award.

Over the course of the semester, program participants will read Lead and Follow: The Dance of Inspired Teamwork by Sharna Fabiano and will meet periodically with faculty and staff of Muskingum’s Master of Applied Leadership program to reflect on progress in implementing their new skills.

The first Muskingum Leadership Academy workshop, “Developing the Leader,” took place at the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester. The third workshop, “Understanding the Context,” will be offered in Spring 2025 and the fourth workshop, “Achieving the Goal,” in Fall 2025. The four-semester rotation will begin again in Spring 2026. Undergraduate students can join the Muskingum Leadership Academy at the beginning of any semester during their years on campus.

On Sept. 28, the Impact Center presented the second annual Khanna Career Connections Conference, sponsored by the Anuj Khanna ’86 family. The flagship career development event for all Muskingum undergraduates, the conference links students with alumni and employers as they delve into their career interests, gain insights into career paths, and expand their professional networks. More than 50 alumni, faculty, and staff volunteered their time.

Larry Triplett ’80, life-long entrepreneur and co-founder of Resource Systems, TriadLabs LLC, and Yodel Community Connections delivered the keynote address. Students engaged with alumni and employers through multiple interactive breakout sessions, an internship and job opportunity recruiting fair, and a networking lunch.

Alumni from five states in class years ranging from 1980 to 2024 presented during the conference sessions:

• Bill Kreienberg ’80, CEO, Old Gate Advisory LLC (Rochester, NY)
• Gene Folden ’81, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Human Sciences, and Director of Academic Affairs, The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
• John Soenksen ’84, Senior Vice President of Internal Audit, Estee Lauder Companies (New York, NY)
• Mary Hetrick Kaufmann ’87, Business Strategist, Augustwenty (Dresden, OH)
• Tim Neiman ’88, General Counsel, AFH Products (Mt. Gretna, PA)
• Jonathan Graham ’89, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles (Hudson, OH)
• Samantha Bluck Williams ’94, Vice President for Strategic Communication, GOJO Industries (Akron, OH)
• Kelli Coleman DelGuzzo ’96, Senior Director of Student Services, KIPP Columbus (Columbus, OH)
• José Feliciano ’02, External Affairs Manager, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (Aurora, OH)
• Chris Hiner ’05, Regional President, Park National Bank (Ontario, OH)
• Amy Hiner ’06, Associate Faculty Member in Education, The Ohio State University Mansfield (Ontario, OH)
• Libby Cullins ’07, Executive Director, Business Manager & PMO, JP Morgan Chase (Westerville, OH)
• Myra Enos Scheurer ’07, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Economic Crimes Division, Franklin County Prosecutors Office (Cambridge, OH)
• Rick Fulkerson ’08, Chief Administrative Officer, Muskingum Valley Health Center (Zanesville, OH)
• Brian Rippel ’08, Vice President, Business Processing Management/Operations Supervisor, North Trust Corporation (Chicago, IL)
• David Snider ’11, Associate Director, Marketing, Sales & Communication Career Community, Denison University (Nashport, OH)
• Dave Brown ’14, Teacher and Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Maysville High School (Zanesville, OH)
• Kayla Wilkerson ’19, Director of Budget and Finance, Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus (Columbus, OH)
• John Soppanish ’20, ’23G Assistant Director of Athletics for Facilities, Recreation, and Internal Operations, Muskingum University (New Concord, OH)
• Nehemiah Bowie ’21, Football Defensive Coordinator, Muskingum University (New Concord, OH)
• Camryn Woodley ’22, Project Engineer, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company (Lakewood, OH)
• Alex Burton ’24, Admission Counselor, Muskingum University (New Concord, OH)
• Quinten Collins ’24, Graduate Assistant for Cultural Engagement & Inclusion, Muskingum University (New Concord, OH)
• Kaitlynne Peters ’24, Marketing Specialist, Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce (Zanesville, OH)