WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Eight former Otterbein University athletic alumni returned to campus on April 8 to participate in the second Alumni Networking Panel.

The event, hosted collaboratively by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), University Advancement and Alumni Relations, and the Center for Career and Professional Development, brought back successful alumni in the education field to assist current student-athletes within a similar major.

“The panel was small yet very worthwhile,” SAAC officer and volleyball captain Liz Palmer said. “Getting to meet the alumni and see how big of an impact being a student-athlete can be in getting a job was very beneficial.”

Students were able to ask questions seeking advice regarding the transition into the teaching profession, interviewing tips, and balancing a teaching load with coaching responsibilities.

Returning athletic alumni included: Jacob Bruner (football), Brittany Rings (women’s tennis), Steve Stewart (baseball), Dan Morris (men’s tennis), Lori Povisil (women’s basketball), Patience Denz (women’s soccer), K.K. Roggenkamp (cross country/track and field), and Matt Suttle (cross country/track and field).

“We were thrilled to welcome back accomplished athletics alumni to share professional advice,” Director of Athletics Dawn Stewart said. “Our student athletes benefit from hearing about experiences that these individuals have had and gained insight as to how to better prepare for their teaching careers.”

“We made some great connections with the alumni and it was a fantastic event overall,” Palmer added. “I know everyone is grateful that the athletic department gives us these opportunities.”