A dozen YSU alumni from every decade over the past 60 years shared their expertise in the virtual 2020 Alumni Lecture Series this year, covering topics ranging from entrepreneurship and fashion to performing on the flute and hosting a talk show. And the lectures continue this year.
YSU Alumni Engagement and Events started the online interactive lectures early last spring when the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread shutdowns and prevented people from gathering to attend such events in person. The talks are streamed live and can be watched at any time on Alumni Engagement’s Facebook page.
“It’s been a wonderful experience getting to know these fascinating alumni,” said Heather Belgin, associate director of Alumni Engagement. “We encourage everyone to check out their inspiring success stories on our Facebook page.”
Participating alumni include the health commissioner for the city of Youngstown, the person in charge of ticketing for the Cleveland Browns, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, the former head of the American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley, and many more.
Karen Conklin, 1970 BSBA in Advertising, CEO of Conklin Consulting LLC; former CEO of Lake to River Girl Scout Council and former executive director of American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley. “Dos and Don’ts of Nonprofit Leadership.”
Jason Moncrief
Jason Moncrief, 2002 BM in Tuba and Flute Performance, an associate for both the New World Symphony and the Chicago Civic Orchestra on tuba, principal flute for the Center Stage Opera in Thousand Oaks, Cal., principal flute and associate conductor of NYC Renaissance Chamber Collaborative. “Carving a New Performance Path: The Modern-Day Performer.”
Phillip M. Randall, 1968 BS in Education, managing partner of the Thorndyke Group, a human capital consultancy, specializing in individual and organization effectiveness. “Whole Person Planning.”
Bob Sivik
Bob Sivik, 2002 BSBA in Marketing Management, vice president of Ticket Sales and Service for Haslam Sports Group, overseeing ticketing teams for the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew. “An Inside Look at Sports Management.”
Jessica Williams, 2015 bachelor’s of Social Work, 2019 master’s of Social Work, supervisor of Intake/Assessment Services at Trumbull County Children Services Board. “Resiliency and Child Welfare.”
Carmella Williams, 2005 BSBA in Marketing Management, director of Diversity & Inclusion at Youngstown Business Incubator. “Empowerment through Entrepreneurship.”
Joseph P. Alessi, 1990 BS in Education, 1999 master’s in History, retired Lieutenant Colonel and current faculty member of the Department of History at YSU and the Senior Army Instructor of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Youngstown East High School. “The First Rule of Leadership.”
