Workshops & Events

Please join us for an information session about Summer on the Cuyahoga!

Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) is Northeast Ohio’s premier summer internship program for a select group of regional colleges and universities from Ohio, the East Coast, and the greater Midwest. Home to the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland is the focal point and gathering place each summer for 70-80 students from our nine partner schools. 

Since 2003, SOTC has been providing students with professional opportunities enriched by all the best that Northeast Ohio has to offer, from civic and social events to alumni networking and community engagement. Students are offered group housing in Cleveland for the duration of the program, making local internships seamless and summer programming impactful. We hope to see you there! 

Facilitator | Eric McGarvey, Executive Director at Summer on the Cuyahoga

When | Thursday, December 11th 4:30PM - 5:30PM (pizza provided!)

Where | Higley Auditorium 

Please Note

 Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events with alumni, employers, and coaches that you are truly interested in and that do not conflict with class, work, student organizations or other commitments. Late cancellations and no-shows reflect poorly on you as well as the university and may jeopardize the school’s relationship with employers and/or alumni. Your registration represents your commitment to arrive on time, prepared and professional.

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Start your Friday with coffee, breakfast, and an honest behind-the-scenes conversation with Tom Key ’90, a Denison alum who built a career around helping top executives land meaningful roles and build powerful professional networks.

Tom has spent decades working with some of the world’s most influential consulting firms, including Egon Zehnder, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he not only advised leaders but helped design the very systems consulting firms now use to recruit and support talent.

As an executive advisor and coach, Tom has guided ~1,000 executives through major career decisions, negotiations, transitions, and strategy. He understands how careers actually unfold, not in perfect straight lines, but through clarity, relationships, timing, and intentional networking.

Tom also teaches on topics like networking, career strategy, and consulting pathways at Emory University and has spoken at schools like Harvard Business School, Kellogg, and Wharton.

This breakfast isn’t a lecture, it’s a rare chance to sit with someone who has seen thousands of career journeys unfold and ask the real questions.

When | Friday, December 12 at 8:30 AM
Breakfast included
Where | 220 Burton Morgan

1:1 Career Coaching with Tom

After the breakfast, Tom will be available for 15-minute individual conversations from 9:45 AM–11:00 AM in 220 Burton Morgan. 
Use this time for personalized questions, consulting recruiting, networking, negotiation, career exploration, or anything on your mind.

👉 Sign up for a 1:1 slot here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Scv2ukNyTGkuz7OUJmQlDrQk1UuFO2JPSmuak3wYXTc/edit?gid=0#gid=0 

Please Note

Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events with alumni, employers, and coaches that you are truly interested in and that do not conflict with class, work, student organizations or other commitments. Late cancellations and no-shows reflect poorly on you as well as the university and may jeopardize the school’s relationship with employers and/or alumni. Your registration represents your commitment to arrive on time, prepared and professional.

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This program is exclusive to the students of GC201. If you are not a student of GC201, please register for our later offering in January. 

Microsoft Excel allows you to communicate and handle information with much more impact than raw numbers alone. You will get more from your data by learning how to build graphs in Microsoft Excel, from straight-forward to complex. This workshop outlines the visualization features and functions in Microsoft Excel including: Graphs: Line graphs, bar graphs, scatter plots, bubble plots, box and whisker plots, pie charts, heat maps, waterfall charts, and more, Formatting graphs to include scale adjustments, axes labels, value labels, layout, primary and secondary axes, and the use of summary tables and conditional formatting.

Instructor: Charles Richmond

Charles works at Book+Street as the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. He supports clients with numerous projects including cash flow forecasts, cap tables, financial models, systems integrations, commission trackers and deal pipelines. His job is two-fold as he also supports the internal team with operational systems and KPI reporting. In his role, Charles has also taken on the responsibility of mentoring and managing our analysts and interns. He finds immense satisfaction in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Prior to joining Book+Street, he was a Financial Planning and Analysis Intern at Libbey Glass where he was responsible for reporting on financial actuals each month, identifying low-margin SKUs in order to make the projection process more efficient and streamlined, and maintaining and rolling over projections month-to-month. Charles earned a BS in Finance from the Ohio State University. When he’s not working, Charles loves going to the movie’s with his fiancee, playing video games, and hanging out with his two cats. 

Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm (2x a week). (1/5, 1/7, 1/12, 1/14)

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Learn how balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows facilitate decision making in business. Financial statements provide information to help people make decisions and set priorities based on an organization’s financial condition and performance. In this program, you will:

Develop a basic understanding of the interrelationships of the three main financial statements used in making business decisions: 

- Balance Sheets

- Income Statements

- Statements of Cash Flows

- Understand how organizations are presented to the public through annual financial reports

- Learn how banks use organizations’ financial statements to make financing decisions

- Understand how individual shareholders use financial statements to make investing decisions

- Acquire the skills and tools necessary to understand and analyze the three main types of financial statements

- Make decisions based on financial statement analysis

At the conclusion of this program, you will be able to read, interpret, and analyze real-world balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows to facilitate valued decision making.

Instructor: Louann Cummings

This program is led by Louann Cummings, Emeritus Professor at the University of Findlay ​and former Fulbright Scholar and Specialist. She received her BA in economics from Denison University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed CPA. She also worked for Root Learning, Inc. developing learning map technologies for companies such as Harley-Davidson, ATT Wireless, Motorola, UPS, and Whirlpool. Her passion is helping students and colleagues, regardless of their course of study, become exceptional global leaders who truly make a difference.

Schedule: Tuesdays, January 6 - 27, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

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Head back from winter break a few days early to join for the Class of 2026 Senior Career Ready Boot Camp - January 14-16, 2026.. Don’t worry; there won’t be any push-ups or sprints, but you will spend 3 days working hard to kick your future into shape.

During Boot Camp you’ll participate in workshops to set you up for success AND spend structured time finding opportunities and preparing and sending out MANY applications……with a team of coaches right there to support and guide you along the way!

Attend the Senior Boot Camp if….

• You are in the process of planning for what is next
• You need guidance finding relevant opportunities
• You need additional support and coaching as you apply
• You just need a kick in the pants to get moving and on your way to achieving your post-graduation goals

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline: Friday, December 5th

Return to campus: January 13th

Full-Day Sessions and some evening sessions: January 14, 15, 16

Senior Boot Camp: Commitment Policy
Your commitment to the Senior Boot Camp is essential. Because this program requires significant planning and financial resources, your student account will be charged a fee of $250 if you do not show or if you cancel after December 8th. If you need to cancel your registration, contact the event organizer directly via email or phone. Please note that unregistering from Handshake will not cancel your registration, you must contact the organizer directly. 

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Join the Red Frame Lab for a Winter Consulting Design Sprint

Three days. One real problem. Your interview story.

January 15th–17th • Move back early • Limited seats

Step into a fast-paced, hands-on consulting sprint where you’ll use design thinking and AI tools to improve a real user experience at The Works in Newark.

You’ll be a customer and the consultant, observe real users in action, and build solutions that matter. We'll have fun and feed you well in Downtown Newark, too.

You’ll gain:

• A standout project story for internships and jobs
• Practical skills in design thinking, AI, and presentations
• Experience working in small teams on a real situation
• Confidence in presenting recommendations in a polished, case-style format
• Early move-in and a fun start to the semester

No experience required. All majors welcome.

Make something real. Have a great story.

Sign Up by December 4th at 11:59pm to guarantee your spot, and to be on the housing list to return early to campus.

Logistics details:  Return to campus on January 14th, and we’ll start later morning on Jan 15 with a fun primer over food. On Friday, we’ll spend most of the day at The Works in Newark, where we’ll hear from our client about the business decisions they're trying to make.  We'll then BE the customer experiencing the fun and OBSERVE other users, looking for opportunities to leverage our new UX design and AI tools. On Saturday, we’ll return to The Works for more designing and presenting our final recommendations.  We’ll cap it all off with a nice meal together and get you back Saturday evening. You’ll still have all day Sunday to chill before the Spring semester starts!   

Contact Steve Krak (kraks@) in the Red Frame Lab with questions!

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Are you unclear about what career path(s) might interest you? Not sure how to even start figuring it out? Do you know exactly what you want to do but need to create a plan to get there? Then “The Journey Program” is for you!  

Classes of 2027 and 2028 are invited to beat your peers back to campus and avoid the chaos of the Winter Break return by attending the Journey Program. Early arrival for this program will be on January 14, 2026. We will then travel off campus to Salt Fork Lodge to take in nature while you participate in the Journey Program. 

Register NOW! Space is limited and we will not be able to take late requests due to the planning involved. Capacity is 48 students.  If you register after this limit, you will be added to the waitlist. 

The Journey Program will help you become intentional about your life and utilize your time at Denison in the most powerful way possible. Spend time reflecting on what fulfills you, determine how to be successful, and craft a detailed plan for the rest of your time at Denison. Progress from being uncertain about potential career options to developing a career exploration plan and creating key materials to support your journey.

You will:

• Engage in an immersive career exploration experience
• Learn how to obtain the information you need in order to make decisions
• Develop a career planning roadmap for your remaining Denison experience and know how to implement your roadmap
• Complete/update your resume, a draft cover letter, and LinkedIn profile

During registration, you will be directed to a form to fill out. If you are not automatically redirected, please click the link in your confirmation email. You are NOT registered until you complete the form. 

The Journey Program: Commitment Policy
Your commitment to the Journey Program is essential. Because this program requires significant planning and financial resources, your student account will be charged a fee of $250 if you do not show or if you cancel after December 12, 2025. If you need to cancel your registration, contact Ashley Strausser directly via email or phone.  Please note that unregistering from Handshake will not cancel your registration. 

Please Note:  Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events with alumni, employers, and coaches that you are truly interested in and that do not conflict with class, work, student organizations or other commitments. 

Registration closes December 8th. 

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This Denison Edge program is being offered exclusively through the registrar as a one credit pass/fail "special topics" course (Look for "SES 191 - Sustainability Consulting"). Denison Edge programs are offered to complement your liberal arts education with career-forward skills. All other Denison Edge programs can be found on Handshake, and are not typically for credit. 

Sign up here: https://banner.denison.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/classSearch/classSearch

This Denison Edge course provides students with a foundational understanding of the principles, practices, and professional landscape of sustainability consulting. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, students will learn how to identify sustainability challenges and opportunities within an organization, apply basic analytical frameworks to sustainability auditing and reporting, and effectively communicate a business case for sustainable change. Students will identify a specific company or organization as their case study to analyze throughout the course. 

This course is designed for students interested in a career in consulting, corporate sustainability, or environmental organization management.

Instructor: Jeremy King

Jeremy King is the Director of Sustainability Campus Improvement at Denison University. His role at Denison focuses on key sustainability-issues such as: renewable energy, energy-efficiency, local food sourcing, recycling, sustainable landscaping and transportation. He has consulted with a number of organizations on sustainability and energy related issues. He serves on the boards of both the Licking Land Trust and the Licking Park District. In addition, he serves on the Granville Planning Commission and is actively involved in numerous other community organizations. Jeremy is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer having worked on sustainable development and sustainable agriculture projects in the Ecuadorian Amazon from 2007 to 2009.  Jeremy taught high school science at Circleville High School in Circleville, Ohio for ten years and during that time earned a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University.

Schedule: Tuesdays, January 20 - May 5 11:30am - 12:20pm

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Want to make a better world—and have fun doing it?

Join the Red Frame Lab Design Thinking Series to learn the same creative problem-solving tools used at leading organizations like Apple, Airbnb, P&G, Capital One, and Deloitte—right here on campus.

Over five sessions (Tuesdays, 6–7pm, Jan 20–Feb 17), you’ll learn how to:

• Solve “wicked” real-world problems
• Uncover deep human insights
• Turn big ideas into testable solutions
• Prototype like a pro
• Collaborate and create in a fun, hands-on environment

Whether you’re into business, design, engineering, social change—or just want to add a powerful innovation skill to your resume—this is your chance to think differently, build confidently, and change the game.

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This program will introduce you to the current landscape of generative AI: What these tools are, what they aren’t, and how to use them with intention. We'll break down common myths, explain what AI is good at, and what it is bad at.

This session will help students build foundational literacy in AI while considering the broader social and professional context in which these tools exist. Participants will gain an overview of today’s most widely used AI tools for text, image, and video generation, illustrated with real examples from Nha’s work in marketing and research. We’ll also explore key trends shaping how people are building and using AI technologies.

Equally important, the session will examine the cultural narratives and ethical implications surrounding AI, including global access gaps, environmental impacts, and the often-invisible labor behind training datasets. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a curated list of newsletters, podcasts, experts, and YouTube channels to help them stay informed about the evolving AI landscape.

Instructor: Nha Le

Nha is a Denison alum (class of 2022) and an analyst at FedEx with a background in marketing and digital strategy. Since 2023, she has been using generative AI tools at work and out of work for many things - even switching careers. Based in Vietnam, she brings a global perspective to understanding AI and its role in the workplace. Nha is passionate about helping students develop practical, career-ready AI skills with a human approach.

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This Denison Edge program is being offered exclusively through the registrar as a one credit pass/fail "special topics" course (Look for "GC 181 - Financial Management"). Denison Edge programs are offered to complement your liberal arts education with career-forward skills. All other Denison Edge programs can be found on Handshake, and are not typically for credit. 

Sign up here: https://banner.denison.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/classSearch/classSearch

In this one-credit pass/fail course you will learn key financial concepts such as balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, working capital, budgeting, forecasting, and more. You will also gain applicable skills used in a variety of finance professions. This course will teach you how to speak the language of finance by focusing on applying knowledge, financial up-skilling, and mimicking on-the-job training. By the end of this course, you will have built and practiced the skills to create financial statements, understand financial decision-making processes, and raise capital through financial restructuring. You will also be asked to reflect upon the way in which the course fits into your Denison education and plans for life after Denison.

Instructor: Daniel Schuerman

Daniel Schuerman is a financially disciplined, process driven, analytical problem-solving leader with experience in various industries including Manufacturing, Distribution, and Professional Services. Daniel has diverse experience as an executive leader who is energized by long term business strategy, M&A diligence, and integration, and impacting short term financial objectives including cash flow, budgets, and data analysis. Additional experience with IT strategy and projects including risk management, compliance, facility, and infrastructure improvements.

Schedule: Mondays, January 26 - April 6 6:00 - 7:50 pm

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Master the essential skills of Microsoft Excel with Denison Edge’s Intro to Excel Accelerator Program. Designed for students and professionals looking to build proficiency in data management, formulas, pivot tables, AI tools, and more, this interactive course covers both foundational and advanced Excel functions. Through hands-on exercises and guided instruction, you’ll gain practical experience to enhance your academic and career success. Whether you’re new to Excel or looking to sharpen your skills, this program will equip you with valuable tools to analyze and visualize data effectively.

Instructor: Charles Richmond

Bio: Charles works at Book+Street as the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. He supports clients with numerous projects including cash flow forecasts, cap tables, financial models, systems integrations, commission trackers and deal pipelines. His job is two-fold as he also supports the internal team with operational systems and KPI reporting. In his role, Charles has also taken on the responsibility of mentoring and managing our analysts and interns. He finds immense satisfaction in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Prior to joining Book+Street, he was a Financial Planning and Analysis Intern at Libbey Glass where he was responsible for reporting on financial actuals each month, identifying low-margin SKUs in order to make the projection process more efficient and streamlined, and maintaining and rolling over projections month-to-month. Charles earned a BS in Finance from the Ohio State University. When he’s not working, Charles loves going to the movies with his fiancee, playing video games, and hanging out with his two cats. 

Schedule: Mondays beginning January 26th through February 16th from 6:30-8:30pm

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This Denison Edge program is being offered exclusively through the registrar as a one credit pass/fail "special topics" course (Look for "GC 182 - Logistics & Supply Chain Management"). Denison Edge programs are offered to complement your liberal arts education with career-forward skills. All other Denison Edge programs can be found on Handshake, and are not typically for credit. 

Sign up here: https://banner.denison.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/classSearch/classSearch

This one-credit, pass/fail course is intended to complement your liberal arts education with the addition of some technical skills. The course will help you learn to navigate the evolving landscapes of logistics with strategic finesse by unlocking the secrets of seamless coordination, strategic planning, and dynamic execution that drive the heartbeat of industries around the world. The course’s primary intent is to show the critical strategic and financial significance the supply chain has on a company’s ability to add customer value. Specific attention is paid to critical industry frameworks (which includes, but is not limited to, distribution, procurement, inventory, transportation, and information technology) and their impact on individual businesses, industry sectors, and the local, national, regional, and global economies. You will also be asked to reflect upon the way in which the course fits into your Denison education and plans for life after Denison. 

Instructor: Jeremy Banta

Jeremy Banta is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 30 years of experience in civilian and military logistics. He is a Professor of Supply Chain Management at Columbus State and co-founder of the Ohio Supply Chain Academic Network. He serves on multiple school and organizational boards, as well as being a member of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His 20-year military career includes 15 years of full-time service in the Ohio National Guard and deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.

Schedule: Thursdays Jan. 29 - April 9 3:00 - 4:50pm

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Leveraging AI is a dynamic accelerator that prepares you for the future of AI and your career. As AI transforms industries, this program will give you the tools to stay ahead. You’ll learn the foundations, ethics, and advanced techniques like prompt engineering, while also connecting with industry professionals who use AI in their work. In addition to learning and engaging with AI tools, you’ll discover how to integrate AI into your career preparation—whether it’s crafting AI-optimized resumes, writing cover letters, or acing AI-driven interviews. By the end, you'll be equipped to navigate the evolving job market and lead in an AI-powered world.

Instructors: Melanie Murphy & Lori Robbins

Melanie Murphy earned a B.A. in Communication from The Ohio State University in 2004. Prior to working at Denison, Melanie spent time in the non-profit sector. She served as the Volunteer Engagement Manager for United Way of Central Ohio where she developed and executed corporate, individual and affinity group community engagement strategies. In addition she served as a Program Coordinator for The Childhood League Center. Currently as a member of the Knowlton Center Leadership Team, Melanie oversees the Knowlton Center Operations. In addition, she serves as a Career Coach to students, helping them gain knowledge, expertise, experience and the necessary skills to ensure their success and competitiveness for post-college life.

Lori Robbins is Head of AI Strategy at Denison University. She was recognized by AI for Education for her leadership in the AI + Women in Higher Ed community and contributes to the University of Oxford’s AI in Education research hub, exploring AI’s role in teaching and learning. She developed the AI Staff Certificate and was a driving force behind the Trailblazing Careers program first offered through Denison Edge in February of 2025. 

Schedule: Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:30pm January 29 - February 18

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This program equips participants with the tools and confidence to write with clarity, purpose, and influence in professional settings.

Through guided instruction, discussion, and hands-on writing practice, students will build their ability to communicate effectively across a variety of business contexts. 

Throughout the sessions, participants will learn and apply the fundamentals of effective business writing, including how to:

- Define the purpose and desired outcomes of a communication

- Analyze audiences and select the most appropriate tone, voice, and medium

- Organize ideas logically to achieve specific goals

Participants will leave the program with a strong writing toolkit and practical experience producing high-impact communications that drive results, such as gaining project approval, securing stakeholder buy-in, or influencing key decisions.

Instructor: Ian Bailey

Ian Bailey brings thirty years of business writing experience to his role as instructor from global communications and public relations leadership roles. Compelling business writing to engage a broad range of disparate audiences has been a critical element of his professional success.  

Ian leads external affairs for Northwest Bank, a Nasdaq-listed full-service financial institution headquartered in Columbus. He also serves as adjunct faculty at University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. He was previously Chief Communications Officer for nonprofit American Cancer Society, and prior to that served as Senior Vice President, Communications and Community at QVC Group, Inc. a Fortune 500, multi-brand retailer and Vice President, Head of Communications and Public Relations with global lifestyle brand company, Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

His communications agency experience includes leadership roles in the US and UK with global PR and communications consultancies Weber Shandwick, Hill & Knowlton, and FTI Consulting, and as co-founder and managing partner of an independent strategic communications consulting firm, Capital C Partners.

Ian holds a master’s degree in communications with a graduate certificate in crisis communications from Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, and a bachelor’s degree in German with management studies from King’s College, University of London.

Schedule: Mondays, February 2 - 23, 6:00 - 8:00pm

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Join your Peer Career Group for a guided, small-group session focused on helping you move forward in your career journey with clarity and confidence. These meetings bring together students within the Tech, Data, and Science career community to share advice, get encouragement, and make progress on meaningful next steps, all with the support of a Knowlton Center career coach.

Peer Career Groups meet once a week for four weeks, each session builds on the last, covering topics like:

• Goal-setting and where you are in your career journey
• Elevator pitch development and practice
• Creating your Mnookin Two-Pager (strengths, values, must-haves, career goals, etc.)
• Mentorship outreach and reflection
  building an action plan and preparing your final presentation

Students will receive brief action items to complete between meetings, and attendance is essential to the group’s impact and flow.

Facilitated by

• Joshua Gory, Assistant Director of Career Exploration & International Student Support, The Knowlton Center
• Blake Gooch, Assistant Director of the Technology, Data & Science Career Community, The Knowlton Center
• Jillian Yoder, Associate Director of the Financial Services, Consulting & Business Career Communities, The Knowlton Center

First Meeting: Tuesday, February 3rd
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Location: TBD / Check back soon for details!

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Gain in-depth knowledge of fundraising’s essential role in nonprofit success. This program will allow you to explore the fundamentals of fundraising, debunk common myths, and will teach you how to use data to inform strategies and strengthen donor relationships.

Instructor: Kerri Mollard

Kerri is the CEO of Mollard Consulting. She is a respected authority on nonprofit board governance, planning, and fundraising, and has served more than 170 clients since 2003 and thousands more through workshops. She has a BA from Ohio State, an MA from Indiana University, and a Nonprofit Board Consulting Certificate from BoardSource. In 2023, Kerri was recognized as an Outstanding Professional Fundraiser at the National Philanthropy Day, honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Columbus Chapter.

Schedule: Tuesdays, February 3 - 17 6:00 - 8:30pm

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In this program, we will explore how to market to your target audience through a variety of channels in the larger digital marketing landscape. From identifying your ideal customer profile, segmentation, and creative execution, this course will help you understand how to communicate effectively from your website to social media properties with a strategic content marketing plan in mind.

Learn more about:

Identifying your target audience

Brand positioning and customer segmentation

Creative campaigns

Key messaging and content strategy

Design and visual identity

Print vs. digital marketing

Marketing and communications career opportunities

Instructors: Allison Ditmer & Molly Queen

Allison Ditmer has her BSBA in Marketing and MBA from Bowling Green State University. She spent 15 years at Abbott before deciding to utilize her digital marketing background and pursue building her content and freelance writing business. When she's not helping organizations build their brands online with strategic content, she's with her family traveling to national parks and spending time with her two kids.

Molly Queen is President and Founder of Monarch Consulting as a boutique consulting firm in the digital marketing space. Clients range from startups to multinational companies. Prior to that, Molly was in an executive role at Abbott where she led the in-house agency. In that role she led creative services, digital strategy, UX, social media, e-commerce and marketing systems. During her tenure, she and her team built the in-house agency from a small production shop to a 145 person, full-service agency that scaled to support strategic planning, brand campaigns and product launches.

Schedule: Wednesdays, Feb. 4 - 25 5:30 - 7:00pm

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How to use AI to turn questions into insights

This session helps students learn how to use AI as a research assistant to explore new topics, gather insights, identify trends, and turn large amounts of information into clear and actionable insights.

This program will walk through real examples in marketing and data analysis, showing how AI tools conduct market research, find sources, prepare for job interviews, learn new industries, and more. Students will gain hands-on experience in effectively prompting and knowing when to use AI versus a traditional search engine.

Instructor: Nha Le

Nha is a Denison alum (class of 2022) and an analyst at FedEx with a background in marketing and digital strategy. Since 2023, she has been using generative AI tools at work and out of work for many things - even switching careers. Based in Vietnam, she brings a global perspective to understanding AI and its role in the workplace. Nha is passionate about helping students develop practical, career-ready AI skills with a human approach.

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Join your Peer Career Group for a guided, small-group session focused on helping you move forward in your career journey with clarity and confidence. These meetings bring together students within the Tech, Data, and Science career community to share advice, get encouragement, and make progress on meaningful next steps, all with the support of a Knowlton Center career coach.

Peer Career Groups meet once a week for four weeks, each session builds on the last, covering topics like:

• Goal-setting and where you are in your career journey
• Elevator pitch development and practice
• Creating your Mnookin Two-Pager (strengths, values, must-haves, career goals, etc.)
• Mentorship outreach and reflection
  building an action plan and preparing your final presentation

Students will receive brief action items to complete between meetings, and attendance is essential to the group’s impact and flow.

Facilitated by

• Joshua Gory, Assistant Director of Career Exploration & International Student Support, The Knowlton Center
• Blake Gooch, Assistant Director of the Technology, Data & Science Career Community, The Knowlton Center
• Jillian Yoder, Associate Director of the Financial Services, Consulting & Business Career Communities, The Knowlton Center

When: Tuesday, February 10th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Location: TBD / Check back soon for details!

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This workshop will cover the key steps and necessary elements for creating and executing impactful engagements. Through interactive activities and open discussion, participants will learn about the essential aspects of a comprehensive event planning process. The workshop will provide valuable insights into creating strategic engagements that lead to successful outcomes.

Participants will leave the workshop with

- an understanding of the difference between events for purpose and events for activity

- skills around strong event strategy and event planning

- ways to design events with strategic vision and measurable goals

- experience with concept to creation - how to plan key elements such as audience/targets, budget, marketing, communication, design, and logistics

- know how to execute and analyze post event feedback (the power of the debrief)

Instructor: Jill Grube '04

Bio: A proud Denison graduate with over 20 years of experience, Jill Taylor Grube combines strategic vision with a keen eye for detail to create exceptional experiences. Through professional roles in education, consulting, non-profit, and healthcare, Jill has gained valuable experience in event/project management, marketing, communications, operations, fundraising, and external affairs. As a Senior Consultant for the OhioHealth Foundation, Jill manages a diverse portfolio of special events and projects, including the organization’s largest signature fundraisers, which raise significant funds to support community healthcare services. Jill earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Denison University, is a graduate of the Columbus Young Professionals Impact Academy, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business psychology.

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This Workshop is Session 1 of a 3-part Financial Wellness Series in partnership with the Wellness Center. Each workshop is stand-alone and dinner will be provided.

Session 2: Budgeting Bootcamp: February 26

Session 3: Investments & Retirement: March 26

Financial Wellness Series

Oh, the places you will go...whether you are a rising sophomore, a curious (aka baffled) by-stander in the world of accounting and finance, or about to launch your life post-Denison...you have a LOT of decisions to make regarding your short- and long-term life choices, personal financial literacy, and hitting the ground running as an independent, super capable, and strategic player in your financial health destiny.  These highly value added and relevant workshops will provide you with pragmatic, relevant, and enlightening information as you tackle achieving your career and financial health dreams.

Workshop: Financial Planning for Beginners

If you’re looking to take control and get comfortable with your finances, this workshop is a great first step. Learn how to make financial decisions by reflecting on your personal values and how they can influence your financial outcomes. At the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

Analyze the foundations of personal finance

Evaluate the factors that impact your financial success

Recognize the keys to obtain financial success

What you’ll take away:

Summary of goals worksheet

Personal values assessment

Foundational introduction to time value of money

“Bank On It” financial literacy game

This program is led by Louann Cummings, Emeritus Professor at the University of Findlay ​and former Fulbright Scholar and Specialist. She received her BA in economics from Denison University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed CPA. She also worked for Root Learning, Inc. developing learning map technologies for companies such as Harley-Davidson, ATT Wireless, Motorola, UPS, and Whirlpool. Her passion is helping students and colleagues, regardless of their course of study, become exceptional global leaders who truly make a difference.

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Launch an idea. Change the world. Compete for $1M in seed funding.

Have you heard of the Hult Prize?
The Hult Prize is a global entrepreneurship challenge that invites students to build for-profit startups that address at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Each year, one winning team receives $1M USD to bring their innovation to life.

Denison will host its own pitch competition (Round 1), and the winning team will earn a guaranteed spot in Round 2 of the global Hult Prize Challenge—placing your startup directly on an international stage.

When?

Sunday, February 15th
Hosted by Susannah Snell, Hult Challenge Campus Organizer, in partnership with the Red Frame Lab

Ready to bring your idea forward?

Step 1: Sign Up to Compete

Teams will pitch their venture idea to a panel of judges for the chance to advance in the Hult Prize.

Step 2: If you missed the info session on Dec 4th, contact the Red Frame Lab and staff will get you up to speed on what you missed from that session including how the Hult Prize works, what makes a competitive team, how Denison supports participants, and what to expect during the pitch competition.  Attended the info session?  Skip this step! 

Who Can Compete?

Eligible teams must include:

• 2–4 students
• All team members at least 18 years old
• Currently enrolled in any degree-granting program (undergraduate or graduate) at the time of registration
• Whether you’re developing a brand-new idea or growing an early-stage venture, you’re welcome to compete.

Workshops & Support

To help teams prepare, Susannah Snell and the Red Frame Lab will offer development workshops throughout January and early February. These sessions will guide teams through idea development, business model design, pitch crafting, and more.

Get Inspired

Curious what a winning pitch looks like?
👉 View last year’s pitches HERE

Learn More »

Join your Peer Career Group for a guided, small-group session focused on helping you move forward in your career journey with clarity and confidence. These meetings bring together students within the Tech, Data, and Science career community to share advice, get encouragement, and make progress on meaningful next steps, all with the support of a Knowlton Center career coach.

Peer Career Groups meet once a week for four weeks, each session builds on the last, covering topics like:

• Goal-setting and where you are in your career journey
• Elevator pitch development and practice
• Creating your Mnookin Two-Pager (strengths, values, must-haves, career goals, etc.)
• Mentorship outreach and reflection
  building an action plan and preparing your final presentation

Students will receive brief action items to complete between meetings, and attendance is essential to the group’s impact and flow.

Facilitated by

• Joshua Gory, Assistant Director of Career Exploration & International Student Support, The Knowlton Center
• Blake Gooch, Assistant Director of the Technology, Data & Science Career Community, The Knowlton Center
• Jillian Yoder, Associate Director of the Financial Services, Consulting & Business Career Communities, The Knowlton Center

When: Tuesday, February 17th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Location: TBD / Check back soon for details!

Learn More »

Learn how to structure and build effective financial models using Excel, an essential skill for careers in finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship. This hands-on workshop covers revenue, expenses, staffing, and capital planning, along with expert tips to streamline your modeling process. Ideal for students preparing for finance roles or business ventures.

Instructor: Charles Richmond

Charles works at Book+Street as the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. He supports clients with numerous projects including cash flow forecasts, cap tables, financial models, systems integrations, commission trackers and deal pipelines. His job is two-fold as he also supports the internal team with operational systems and KPI reporting. In his role, Charles has also taken on the responsibility of mentoring and managing our analysts and interns. He finds immense satisfaction in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Prior to joining Book+Street, he was a Financial Planning and Analysis Intern at Libbey Glass where he was responsible for reporting on financial actuals each month, identifying low-margin SKUs in order to make the projection process more efficient and streamlined, and maintaining and rolling over projections month-to-month. Charles earned a BS in Finance from the Ohio State University. When he’s not working, Charles loves going to the movies with his fiancee, playing video games, and hanging out with his two cats. 

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Unlock the power of AI to supercharge your spreadsheet skills. This hands-on workshop blends guided instruction with real-time practice as you learn to use tools like ChatGPT to write formulas, analyze data, and streamline your work in Excel and Google Sheets. You’ll start with ready-made spreadsheets and build your skills step-by-step—with plenty of support and prompts along the way. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools, boosted confidence, and brag-worthy skills that will elevate your academic, personal, and professional projects.

Instructor: Steve Krak

Steve brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, global education experience, and a passion for creative problem-solving. After 25 years at Battelle, where he worked in photonics, managed international programs, and led STEM initiatives, he turned his focus to education. At Denison University, Steve leads the Red Frame Lab, guiding students, faculty, and staff through design thinking as they tackle real-world challenges. He’s energized by collaboration and always ready to help others turn ideas into action. When he's not at work, you’ll likely find him playing his saxophone or experimenting with his MIDI wind synth.

Learn More »

Join your Peer Career Group for a guided, small-group session focused on helping you move forward in your career journey with clarity and confidence. These meetings bring together students within the Tech, Data, and Science career community to share advice, get encouragement, and make progress on meaningful next steps, all with the support of a Knowlton Center career coach.

Peer Career Groups meet once a week for four weeks, each session builds on the last, covering topics like:

• Goal-setting and where you are in your career journey
• Elevator pitch development and practice
• Creating your Mnookin Two-Pager (strengths, values, must-haves, career goals, etc.)
• Mentorship outreach and reflection
  building an action plan and preparing your final presentation

Students will receive brief action items to complete between meetings, and attendance is essential to the group’s impact and flow.

Facilitated by

• Joshua Gory, Assistant Director of Career Exploration & International Student Support, The Knowlton Center
• Blake Gooch, Assistant Director of the Technology, Data & Science Career Community, The Knowlton Center
• Jillian Yoder, Associate Director of the Financial Services, Consulting & Business Career Communities, The Knowlton Center

When: Tuesday, February 24th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Location: TBD / Check back soon for details!

Learn More »

Excelling in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Learn the importance of promoting and protecting an organization's reputation, influencing public opinion, and effectively communicating to multi-generational audiences with Megan Hill. Through a combination of case studies, mock scenarios and hands-on exercises, you will walk away with new skills and approaches to engage with journalists, craft compelling messages and build strong relationships with key stakeholders

This program will enhance your knowledge of proactive media engagement, global communication, crisis management and executive profiling skills. Additionally, you will learn about AI trends in PR such as integration with brand monitoring and consumer sentiment in the press, prompts for creative headlines/titles and more. 

Instructor: Megan Hill

Megan Hill is a highly motivated leader with nearly 20 years of experience in brand marketing, corporate communications, public relations, crisis management, executive communications and employee engagement. Megan has a proven history in driving accelerated global growth for multibillion dollar organizations, with expertise in international expansion and new market entry.Currently, Megan is the Director, U.S. Communications for The Wendy’s Company, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. She was recently promoted to oversee external and internal communications strategies for the brand, with a focus on Marketing, Operations and Development. She is the Communications business partner to Wendy’s U.S. President and Chief Marketing Officer, and is a member of the U.S. Marketing Leadership Team.

Schedule: Tuesdays, February 3 - 24, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

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Have you ever considered what happens behind the pharmacy counter.  Take a behind-the-scenes look at careers in pharmacy and learn what it takes to enter the world of improving patient care through the safe and effective use of medications.

During this virtual workshop you will:

1.  Discover career options that focus on helping patients get the best use of their medications in careers as a pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, or pharmacy technician.
2. Learn how to prepare yourself to achieve your dream career in the health sciences through preparation, experiences, and a glimpse in the application process.

Facilitator 

• Gena Grant '15, Associate Director of the Healthcare, Clinical Research & Wellness Career Community, The Knowlton Center

When | Thursday, February 26th 12:30PM - 1:30PM

Where | Join us through Zoom!

Please Note

Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events with alumni, employers, and coaches that you are truly interested in and that do not conflict with class, work, student organizations or other commitments. Late cancellations and no-shows reflect poorly on you as well as the university and may jeopardize the school’s relationship with employers and/or alumni. Your registration represents your commitment to arrive on time, prepared and professional.

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This workshop is Session 2 in a 3-part Financial Wellness Series in partnership with the Wellness Center. Each workshop is stand-alone and dinner will be provided.

Session 1: Financial Planning for Beginners: February 12

Session 3: Investments & Retirement: March 26

Financial Wellness Series

Oh, the places you will go...whether you are a rising sophomore, a curious (aka baffled) by-stander in the world of accounting and finance, or about to launch your life post-Denison...you have a LOT of decisions to make regarding your short- and long-term life choices, personal financial literacy, and hitting the ground running as an independent, super capable, and strategic player in your financial health destiny.  These highly value added and relevant workshops will provide you with pragmatic, relevant, and enlightening information as you tackle achieving your career and financial health dreams.

Workshop: Budgeting Bootcamp

Practice crafting your personal financial statements and a budget to set you on the path to personal financial success. At the end of this session you will be able to:

Create a balance sheet and income statement to measure your financial health and progress

Construct a budget

Appraise time value of money calculations in personal financial decision making

What you’ll take away:

Personal balance sheet template that can be used throughout your budgeting journey

Personal income statement template

Personal budget template

Time value of money calculator

This program is led by Louann Cummings, Emeritus Professor at the University of Findlay ​and former Fulbright Scholar and Specialist. She received her BA in economics from Denison University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed CPA. She also worked for Root Learning, Inc. developing learning map technologies for companies such as Harley-Davidson, ATT Wireless, Motorola, UPS, and Whirlpool. Her passion is helping students and colleagues, regardless of their course of study, become exceptional global leaders who truly make a difference.

Learn More »

Microsoft Excel allows you to communicate and handle information with much more impact than raw numbers alone. You will get more from your data by learning how to build graphs in Microsoft Excel, from straight-forward to complex. This workshop outlines the visualization features and functions in Microsoft Excel including: Graphs: Line graphs, bar graphs, scatter plots, bubble plots, box and whisker plots, pie charts, heat maps, waterfall charts, and more, Formatting graphs to include scale adjustments, axes labels, value labels, layout, primary and secondary axes, and the use of summary tables and conditional formatting.

Instructor: Charles Richmond

Charles works at Book+Street as the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. He supports clients with numerous projects including cash flow forecasts, cap tables, financial models, systems integrations, commission trackers and deal pipelines. His job is two-fold as he also supports the internal team with operational systems and KPI reporting. In his role, Charles has also taken on the responsibility of mentoring and managing our analysts and interns. He finds immense satisfaction in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Prior to joining Book+Street, he was a Financial Planning and Analysis Intern at Libbey Glass where he was responsible for reporting on financial actuals each month, identifying low-margin SKUs in order to make the projection process more efficient and streamlined, and maintaining and rolling over projections month-to-month. Charles earned a BS in Finance from the Ohio State University. When he’s not working, Charles loves going to the movie’s with his fiancee, playing video games, and hanging out with his two cats. 

Learn More »

A comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence.

This four week program will focus on real-world applications and impact artificial intelligence is having across industry. It will deliver a foundation of AI literacy for business leaders, industry professionals, emerging AI power users, and prospective practitioners. Explore fundamental AI concepts, key technologies, and emerging trends while gaining insights into how AI transforms decision-making and drives differentiating value. You will leave this program with an understanding of practical use cases, ethical considerations, and strategic implementation of AI and Generative AI tools.

Instructor: Lauren Burke-McCarthy

Lauren Burke-McCarthy is a Senior Data Science Lead, Strategy at Further. Previously a Data Scientist at CoverMyMeds, Lauren built models and systems to improve understanding of user needs, enhance products, and discover opportunities. She began her data science career in the retail space, developing solutions across several areas including supply chain, inventory management, and enterprise business. Lauren is the Director of Operations of Women in Analytics, where her primary focus lies in strategy and community growth. She also hosts the WIA After Hours podcast. Lauren serves as a Core Advisor on the Midwest Big Data Hub's Community Advisory Panel, a member of TECH CORPS' Regional Steering Committee, Chair of COSI's KINETIC Board, and a founding member of scikit-learn's Communication Team. She is the recipient of the inaugural Ohio Trailblazers Award, celebrating women transforming Ohio tech.

Schedule: Tuesdays, March 24 - April 14 6:00 - 8:00pm

Learn More »

This Workshop is Session 3 of a 3-part Financial Wellness Series in partnership with the Wellness Center. Each workshop is stand-alone.

Workshop 1: Financial Planning for Beginners: February 12

Workshop 2: Budgeting Bootcamp: February 26

Financial Wellness Series

Oh, the places you will go...whether you are a rising sophomore, a curious (aka baffled) by-stander in the world of accounting and finance, or about to launch your life post-Denison...you have a LOT of decisions to make regarding your short- and long-term life choices, personal financial literacy, and hitting the ground running as an independent, super capable, and strategic player in your financial health destiny.  These highly value added and relevant workshops will provide you with pragmatic, relevant, and enlightening information as you tackle achieving your career and financial health dreams.

Workshop: Investments & Retirement

It might seem like a long way off, but acting upon a solid investment strategy now will make a world of difference when retirement comes. Get practice evaluating various investment opportunities, risk/return tradeoffs, life-cycle investment decisions, and time value of money considerations to build the future nest egg of your dreams.

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

Create your own investment plan

Explain how to get started as an investor

Differentiate between savings and investing

Describe the major risk factors that affect the rate of return on investments

What you’ll take away:

Personal investment questionnaire

Review of retirement account alternatives

An understanding of different investment options (ie. debt, equity, funds, crypto, etc.)

This program is led by Louann Cummings, Emeritus Professor at the University of Findlay ​and former Fulbright Scholar and Specialist. She received her BA in economics from Denison University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed CPA. She also worked for Root Learning, Inc. developing learning map technologies for companies such as Harley-Davidson, ATT Wireless, Motorola, UPS, and Whirlpool. Her passion is helping students and colleagues, regardless of their course of study, become exceptional global leaders who truly make a difference.

Learn More »

Open to the Class of 2029 

Are you unsure about what career path(s) might interest you? Not sure how to even start figuring it out? Or maybe you know exactly what you want to do but need a plan to get there? Then Journey is for you!

Participants will return to Denison Friday, August 21st and head off-campus for a weekend designed for reflection, career exploration, and planning for the future.

Program Overview:

Spend two nights at Salt Fork Lodge, a peaceful setting perfect for reflection and meaningful conversations.

Schedule:

Early Arrival Move-In: Friday, August 21st

Buses depart for Salt Fork: Late afternoon, Saturday, August 22nd

Return to campus: Late afternoon, Monday, August 24th 
(Exact times TBD. Campus transportation is required to participate.)

During the Journey Program, you will:

• Engage in an immersive career exploration experience by reflecting on who you are and what fulfills you.
• Learn how to obtain the information you need to make confident career decisions.
• Build a customized career roadmap for the rest of your time at Denison — and learn how to adjust it when needed.
• Complete or update your resume, draft a cover letter, and polish your LinkedIn profile.

By the end, you’ll walk away with a stronger sense of self, a career action plan(s) and concrete tools to make the most of your time at Denison and beyond.

Early Arrival information 

• Register Early! We are not able to take late registrations due to Residential Communities needs the names of early returners on July 8th.
• Unlike breaks during the year, there is not an early arrival application for students to complete.
• Students will receive an email after July 8, 2026 to confirm their approved early arrival date and time. All students are required to schedule a time slot to confirm their arrival, regardless of participation in an early arrival program.

The Journey Program: Commitment Policy
Your commitment to the Journey Program is essential. Because this program requires significant planning and financial resources, your student account will be charged a fee of $250 if you do not show or if you cancel after July 8, 2026. If you need to cancel your registration, contact the event organizer directly via email or phone. Unregistering from Handshake will not cancel your registration. 

Please Note:  Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events that you are truly interested in. Late cancellations and no-shows reflect poorly on you. 

Learn More »

Open to the Class of 2029 

Are you unsure about what career path(s) might interest you? Not sure how to even start figuring it out? Or maybe you know exactly what you want to do but need a plan to get there? Then Journey is for you! This program is designed for reflection, career exploration, and planning for the future.

Program Overview:

Spend two nights at Salt Fork Lodge, a peaceful setting perfect for reflection and meaningful conversations.

Schedule:

Buses depart for Salt Fork: Wednesday, October 14th in the late afternoon

Return to campus: Late afternoon, Friday, October 16th
(Exact times TBD. Campus transportation is required to participate.)

During the Journey Program, you will:

• Engage in an immersive career exploration experience by reflecting on who you are and what fulfills you.
• Learn how to obtain the information you need to make confident career decisions.
• Build a customized career roadmap for the rest of your time at Denison — and learn how to adjust it when needed.
• Complete or update your resume, draft a cover letter, and polish your LinkedIn profile.

By the end, you’ll walk away with a stronger sense of self, a career action plan(s) and concrete tools to make the most of your time at Denison and beyond.

The Journey Program: Commitment Policy
Your commitment to the Journey Program is essential. Because this program requires significant planning and financial resources, your student account will be charged a fee of $250 if you do not show or if you cancel after October 2rd, 2026. If you need to cancel your registration, contact the event organizer directly via email or phone. Unregistering from Handshake will not cancel your registration. 

Please Note:  Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events that you are truly interested in. Late cancellations and no-shows reflect poorly on you. 

Learn More »

Open to the Class of 2029 

Are you unclear about what career path(s) might interest you? Not sure how to even start figuring it out? Do you know exactly what you want to do but need to create a plan to get there? Then “The Journey Program” is for you!  

Classes of 2028 and 2029 are invited to beat your peers back to campus and avoid the chaos of the Winter Break return by attending the Journey Program. Early arrival for this program will be on January 13, 2027. We will then travel off campus to Salt Fork Lodge to take in nature while you participate in the Journey Program. 

Register NOW! Space is limited and we will not be able to take late requests due to the planning involved. Capacity is 48 students.  If you register after this limit, you will be added to the waitlist. 

The Journey Program will help you become intentional about your life and utilize your time at Denison in the most powerful way possible. Spend time reflecting on what fulfills you, determine how to be successful, and craft a detailed plan for the rest of your time at Denison. Progress from being uncertain about potential career options to developing a career exploration plan and creating key materials to support your journey.

You will:

• Engage in an immersive career exploration experience
• Learn how to obtain the information you need in order to make decisions
• Develop a career planning roadmap for your remaining Denison experience and know how to implement your roadmap
• Complete/update your resume, a draft cover letter, and LinkedIn profile

The Journey Program: Commitment Policy
Your commitment to the Journey Program is essential. Because this program requires significant planning and financial resources, your student account will be charged a fee of $250 if you do not show or if you cancel after December 11, 2026. If you need to cancel your registration, contact Ashley Strausser directly via email or phone.  Please note that unregistering from Handshake will not cancel your registration. 

Please Note:  Before registering, you should make informed choices and only register for events with alumni, employers, and coaches that you are truly interested in and that do not conflict with class, work, student organizations or other commitments. 

Registration closes December 7th, 2026. 

Learn More »