The Class of 2018 – about 650 new Beaver business alumni – is entering the big, bright world, and we give a hearty shout of welcome and congratulations to these hard-working students and our newest alumni!

Among them we have 40 Double degree graduates, 37 Magna cum laude graduates, and represents from several countries and nearly half the U.S. states.

Fun fact – the Class of 2018 is the first cadre of business students to convocate and commence in Austin Hall. We thought we’d share some of their stories and memories through that lens, and tell the story of the Class of 2018 to our broader alumni community – who love OSU and the College – but never had a class, study group or advising session within this fabulous building.

(Pro tip: Come back and get involved in our incredibly successful Fridays in Austin program! Last year, we had about 800 alumni and friends support this professional development and networking platform.)

Joseph Bridges | Hometown: Tigard, Oregon | Finance and Marketing

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

I would like to visit Amanda Terhes. There were plenty of great teachers I remember; however, Amanda and I worked together at the C2C, and she taught during my last term at OSU.

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss!

I will miss seeing familiar faces. After four years, you end up spending a LOT of time in Austin. After a while, you realize that you know or at least recognize half the people there at all times. It's easy to find a friend, study with a group, or visit between classes when your college building feels more like a community than a facility. 

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

Very, very excited! I will be moving down to Los Angeles to work for Boeing in the Boeing Career Foundation Program. I can't wait to have challenging work, sunny weather, and great surf.

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

I don't think I could be more prepared than I currently am. I truly think I gained so much from internships, jobs and the college that I am confident heading into the start of my career. That being said, there are countless skills and experiences I need to become a truly great employee. The College of Business helped me start developing these skills; now it's my responsibility to push myself and grow as a young professional.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I would like to thank the Close to the Customer staff, the marketing program, and my fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. These three experiences helped me gain leadership, analytical, professional, and, most importantly, life skills that allowed to me have success while at Oregon State. 

Samantha Tucker   |   Hometown: Arvada, Colorado   |   Accountancy and Business Information Systems

What is the best resource in Austin Hall?

The study rooms reserved for College of Business students, the computer labs, and the constant events that take place (including having space for student clubs to conduct their own events).

 

What college experience was your most valued and what have you gained of value through this experience?

Being a part of multiple clubs, and especially being involved as an officer in Beta Alpha Psi was incredibly rewarding. My involvement with the Instutute of Management Accountants was also a great highlight of my time in college. All of the tours that are organized for students really stand out for me – having the opportunity to meet business men and woman one-on-one or in a small group or at their place of business will be something I remember for a long time. I learned a lot of skills in how to conduct myself as a business woman and how to potentially find a mentor once I leave Oregon State University.

 

Is there a faculty member that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who would you want to visit?

Two names stand out to me above all of the rest into – Rene Reitsma and Chris Akroyd. Both devote so much time to their students, and I think that the college should know how incredibly valuable we find this. Having interactions with professors like these doesn't happen at every university, and it is something to be treasured. I will never forget either of them and the amount of care they put into my education in growth. It's not an exaggeration to say that both have contributed greatly to the ideas I have for my future. Other faculty include Amy Bourne – the most dedicated and tenacious professor I think I’ve run into – Kara Obermire, Jared Moore, and Ania Rose. I’m happy to see what the accounting school is becoming, and I’m happy to have been a part of the program. VT Raja is also an amazing member of the BIS faculty, and I hope I get to see all of them again!

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss into – or not miss!

I will never forget walking into Austin on my first day of freshman year. It has been an incredible gift, and I have spent more hours here than I care to admit! I wish there was more interaction among students in terms of different majors, but that just happens wherever you go. I will miss the professors and the open space. I will miss the events going on every week because I don’t think a lot of colleges have that.

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

Very. It’s a turning point as everyone says. It feels like getting to the end of Candyland where there really isn’t any instruction on what to do next. That’s a good thing though because it’s kind of up to me at this point. I’m ready. I’m starting out at PwC in Portland, Oregon, this fall as an assurance associate, and plan to stay there for a few years until I figure out my next step! Hopefully at some point I’ll move abroad to Germany or Belgium, and become involved in social change.

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

I feel prepared enough. I think that a lot of people want certainty because throughout college you’re basically told exactly what you need to do: what classes are required, the rubric for a project, the layout of an exam and what to study. However, life isn’t like that, and I think it’s okay to be worried and not 100 percent sure where the path leads next. After all, it’s impossible to predict everything, so being prepared for the unexpected is what is important.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

A lot of people. To all the faculty who gave me amazing experiences into – Amy Bourne, Chris Akroyd, Rene Reitsma, VT Raja, Michele Swift into – from conferences, to job references, to scholarship references. To the College of Business and the university for the scholarships I received into – I really couldn’t have afforded school without them and would have definitely had to stay longer. To my parents for all of the support I’ve received over the four years I’ve been here. To the advising staff for helping me get abroad, study there, and remain sane while there.  To all of my peers into – ESPECIALLY those in the BIS program into – my senior year has provided me with so many great experiences with group projects (something I wasn’t sure I’d ever have, ha!). Finally to all the departments who have kept me employed during school into – UHDS as an underclassman and Third Party Billing/Business Affairs as an upperclassman into – Thank you!!!

I also wanted to thank the University for investing so much in the College of Business during my time here. It was a big reason why I came to OSU from Colorado, and I don’t regret my decision one bit – it made it worth it to be here and to have thousands of dollars invested in experiences that I was happy to take advantage of. I push everyone I know to take advantage of those resources!

Nicole Loescher   |   Hometown: Portland   |   Marketing and Management with a Certificate in Digital Brand Management

What is the best resource in Austin Hall?

The Career Success Center. As a CSC employee I have found the resources available in our office are very important to students and their future after college. Things such as mock interviews, cover letter and resume reviews, LinkedIn profiles, and Handshake profile help are great resources for every student to use!

 

You worked as a student ambassador, can you tell what you gained of value through this experience?

I have learned a lot about professional development though this job. I have had incredible opportunities to network with industry executives and gained valuable knowledge from those individuals. I have loved helping other students with their professional development as well. It has been very rewarding to hear from students that the resume I helped them perfect had gotten them a job or internship.

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who would you want to visit?

I would want to visit all of the staff in the CSC. They have become a large part of my life and I will miss them when I graduate. I will also want to meet with Anthony Klotz who teaches HR for the college of business. Anthony was my professor when I went to study abroad in London and he is by far one of my favorite professors at Oregon State.

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss?

My favorite memory of Austin Hall is the Friday in Austin events that I had the privilege of helping put together and run. My second favorite memory is studying in the study room with my friends. We had a lot of bonding time while studying for finals each term!

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am excited to graduate! After graduation I am spending a month traveling around Europe and then I will return back to Portland and start working!

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

I feel really ready for life after college. Working at the CSC has taught me a lot. I feel more prepared than most people because I have been given amazing opportunities while working for the College of Business.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

My parents have supported me throughout college. I am so thankful that they have helped me through everything. I also think my college experience would not have been the same without Kappa Delta Sorority. The sorority has taught me a lot, and I wouldn’t trade my time as a Kappa Delta for anything.

Courtney Smith   |   Hometown: Petaluma, California   |   Interior Design

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am very ready to graduate and excited for a new chapter in my life; I feel very prepared for what the future holds for me.

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

I would want to visit all of the interior design professors, but Erika Beyer was the interior design professor that most inspired me and pushed me to my fullest potential. I would also want to see Marcella Flores and Brigitte Cluver.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I would like to thank all of the interior design professors for contributing to my education and pushing me to succeed within the program. I will truly miss speaking with them about Interior Design and My Life. Thanks!

 

Brandon Kerr   |   Hometown: Stayton, Oregon   |   Finance and Accountancy

What is the best resource in Austin Hall?

The study rooms, computer labs, and quick access to food/drink. 

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who would you want to visit?

Dr. Bourne and Dr. Frischmann 

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss?

My best memories of Austin Hall are planning and overseeing Fridays in Austin when I worked in the Career Success Center because they are such amazing opportunities for students to learn for recent and mature alumni.

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

Yes, I feel prepared both in my academics and personal life. But I also acknowledge that there is still a lot to learn along the way and to accept the failures in order to learn from them. 

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I'd like to thank all the wonderful professors that cared so much about my education, the faculty that work behind the scenes to make Austin Hall run, and the individuals within the Career Success Center that made it so much fun to work in that office.

Shannon Bowles   |   Hometown: Salem, Oregon   |   Accountancy

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

Amy Bourne. I took BA 211 (Financial Accounting) with Amy my first term at OSU after transferring from Chemeketa Community College. I distinctly remember how passionate she was about teaching and accounting. Her passion made it enjoyable to come to class and helped me decide that accounting was the business route I wanted to take.

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am very excited to graduate! I will be taking the summer off and moving back home to my parents' house in Salem. I then plan on finding a job when summer is coming to a close. 

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

Yes, I feel prepared for the future because I've learned how to work with others and work hard. I believe I have the fundamental skills to succeed wherever I end up.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I am thankful for all my accounting professors. I really enjoyed all the classes I took, partially because of the subject, but mainly because they had a passion for the subjects they taught and made learning all the content fun and enjoyable. I also am thankful for MECOP and my opportunity to intern for six months at ATI in Albany. The internship was a great experience!

Aaron T. Hiddleson   |     Hometown: Albany, Oregon   |   Accountancy

 

What is the best resource in Austin Hall? (e.g., computer labs, cafe, fireplace, CSC?): 

The Accounting Tutor room was a savior!

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

Professor Chris Akroyd. I would want to visit all of the accounting faculty as well as V.T. Raja.

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss -- or not miss!

I will miss the interaction with students and faculty. It's great to walk through the common areas and see people you know. 

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am excited to be done with school. I have been going for five years without a term off. I am looking forward to starting a position and start studying for the CPA exam. 

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

Yes, although it is scary. However, I know that if I can be successful in academics and accounting at OSU, I can be successful in any business undertaking.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I'd like to thank my family, especially mom and dad for helping me get through this in one piece!

Mariah Gray   |   Hometown: North Bend, Oregon   |   Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, International Business

 

What is the best resource in Austin Hall? (e.g., computer labs, cafe, fireplace, CSC?)

My favorite resources in Austin Hall are the project rooms because I love having a private space to get my work done, or setting up a group project on the TVs so everyone can see the changes and work together to get the job done.

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

I would want to visit Ken Crangle because he has been especially influential in my last year here. I took his Ethics course and his New Product Development course, and I learned so much academically and about the world of business from him. He is by far my favorite professor in the College of Business.

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss!

My favorite memory of Austin Hall is Fridays at Austin, because it is a time to network and meet other people as well as a time to learn about companies and explore career opportunities.

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

Yes, I am very excited to graduate and to apply my academic knowledge to the world of business. I currently have interviews lined up and hope to land a job in the next couple of weeks.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I want to thank Carol Leder for being my academic advisor all four years here. I want to thank Connie Caddis for helping me with everything regarding my study abroad. Lastly, I would like to thank Ken Crangle for supporting me and giving me the confidence and knowledge I feel best prepares me for entering my career.

Steven Miller   |   Hometown: Albany, Oregon   |   Finance

What is the best resource in Austin Hall? (e.g., computer labs, cafe, fireplace, CSC?)

Access to Bloomberg in the computer lab. 

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit? 

Manuela Hoehn-Weiss and Jonathan Leong

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss?

I will miss attending the Dean's Academy events. It was great getting access to so many industry leaders. 

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next? 

Yes, and I’m going to be launching an AI startup called Agromo.AI.  

 

Do you feel prepared for the future? 

One can never be prepared enough for the future, but all else considered I would give this question a Yes on an 8/10 scale.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree? 

Prem Matthews, Jonathan Leong, Manuela Hoehn-Weiss, Jimmy Yang, Richard Martel, Sandy Neubaum, Mitzi Montoya

Erica Curry   |   Hometown: Bend, Oregon   |   MBA, Business Analytics

 

What is the best resource in Austin Hall? (e.g., computer labs, cafe, fireplace, CSC?)

While Trader Bings has the best sandwiches, the study rooms were by far the most useful part of Austin Hall.

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

Jeewon Cho! I’s also love to visit Keith Leavitt and Pauline Schilpzand, V.T. Raja, Shaokun Fan, Bin Zhu, Amol Joshi, John Becker-Blease, KC Lin, and the instructor I’m pretty certain inspired the most interesting man in the world ad campaign, Gary Micheau.

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss!

I will not miss the six- to seven-hour study sessions in a project room in Austin every week, but I will really miss the wonderful people I got to be there with. I will miss writing funny pre-exam inspirational notes on the dry erase surfaces of the walls.

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am thrilled to get my life back. This time around, I will use my free time wisely and take up hobbies, like gardening or cooking. For now, I will be continuing in my role as Academic Programs Manager at OSU’s Ecampus, while working to inform our data and assessment strategies.

 

Do you feel prepared for the future?

One of my favorite parts of this degree has been how the course work always seemed to align perfectly with what I was doing for work at the time. I was able to learn something in class one week, and then turn around and start applying it in my day-to-day job. This helped me truly learn the concepts. I feel as though I’ve already been using my MBA for three years.

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

Besides my fabulous professors, I’d love to thank Robin Silviera and Olivia Health for their wonderful support and guidance through this process. I’d also like to thank my “cohort” for being so great to work with and learn beside.

Kayla Surta   |   Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado   |   Accountancy

 

What college experience was your most valued (e.g., student club or particular activity, etc.?)  Can you share what you gained of value through this experience?

Beta Alpha Psi - the networking and comradery were fantastic tools to help bridge me to the professional world.

 

Is there a faculty that especially inspired you? When you come back to campus who do you want to visit?

Pete Frischmann was an incredible professor to learn from. I enjoyed his enthusiasm for the material, his gracious spirit, and his genuine interest in the well-being of his students. 

 

What is your best memory of Austin Hall?  What will you miss!

I enjoyed running into classmates and chatting in the commons areas, or grabbing food and coffee from the cafe. 

 

Are you excited to graduate? What are you doing next?

I am exceptionally excited to graduate. I will be moving to the United Kingdom, where I will be looking for work pertinent to my degree. I feel very prepared for the future. 

 

Do you have anyone to thank for your experience and your degree?

I am grateful for all the faculty and staff that spend their time helping students succeed. The accounting department has a phenomenal group of instructors, and it was an honor to learn from them.