Central State University celebrates student career achievements in annual Send-Off Dinner with corporate partners

More than 20 Central State University students joined representatives of 10 corporate partners and alums for the annual Send-Off Dinner during the first week of May as they prepare to begin summer internships and careers.  

Kim Jones, ’89, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement and director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs, said the purpose of the event was twofold: to celebrate students who shared their summer plans with the University and to collect better data on where students are making an impact in the workplace.  

“We were looking for data saying how many students were getting internships — where our students were going after they graduated — and we didn’t have that data,” Jones said. “We had to figure out how we were going to capture this data. So, this event was (born) out of a situation that we had to figure out. This event’s purpose is to ensure that we keep accurate data and that we’re sending you guys into the world prepared to do your best. 

“One of the things you will have to do is be ready for whatever is coming your way," she added. "You all make us so proud."

Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, vice president of Research and Economic Development, director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs, and the incoming 10th President of CSU, said students are “our most precious products.”  

“As you go to your employers, know that you represent the University,” he said. “If we have a good reputation, more employers will come back to look for other CSU students. You have a responsibility to yourself, the University, and future students to do your best.”  

Office of Career Services Career Specialist Lisa Dunn shared a brief story with attendees before inviting them to the table talk discussions.  

“Years ago, I was managing a grant, and I had an opportunity to pivot and manage another grant,” she said. “During the interview, they asked me, ‘Tell me how you would manage this million-dollar grant.’ And I froze because the grant I was managing was $600,000.  

“After that, I talked to my grandmother. She said, ‘It’s quarters and pennies. It’s no different from the other grant; it’s just your perspective changed.’ Sometimes you will face challenges. It’s quarters and pennies. Just make sure that when you face a challenge, you don’t make it bigger than (it is). You all have the skills. You’re well-prepared to do what you need to do.”  

The first question Dunn posed was, “How do you manage a challenging culture? You’re coming from this very safe, nurturing space, and you’re going to have to face some challenges. So, talk about what challenges you’re afraid of or what challenges you must navigate and ask the employers at the table what advice they would give you.” 

Students shared some of the lessons imparted, including the importance of networking, knowing your audience, and staying true to yourself.  

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Daquan Neal, a graduating senior double-majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, said he found it “refreshing to know in this job market, there are still people who value you as a person before a worker. You’re not just Employee 587. Your well-being matters.” 

The second question, posed by Career Specialist Shannon Bell, was, “How do I select the right mentor?” Robust conversations followed before attendees shared a meal.  

Students celebrated during the event included the following:  

• Stacy Powell Griffith, a rising junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, is interning with the Ohio Bankers League at Park National Bank (Columbus). 

• Lois Ofori, a graduating senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, is working as an Amazon area manager and pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati. 

• Jaila Davis, a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science, is interning in the Intel Summer Internship for Women and Underrepresented Minorities, a Central State University-led opportunity in partnership with Wright State University (Dayton). 

• Gabriel Narh, a rising senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management, is interning at Union Savings Bank and pursuing a Master of Business Administration after an expected graduation date in 2025. 

• Trey Dunn, a junior majoring in Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Media, is interning in the Communications and Talent Acquisition team with Idaho National Laboratory. 

• Melissa Barbee, a graduating senior majoring in Communications with a concentration in Digital Media, is working as a marketing and sales intern with Champ City MarkIt (Dayton). 

• Neal is now working as a Senate page for Sen. Michelle Reynolds and, after graduating, is eligible to become a senior legislative aide (Columbus). 

• Faith Bondurant, a graduating senior majoring in English with a minor in Pre-Law, is interning in Community Relations and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Grange Insurance (Columbus). 

• Xavier Wilson, a graduating senior majoring in Vocal Music Performance, is pursuing a master’s degree in teaching with a concentration in Choral Music from the College of Charleston (Charleston, South Carolina). 

• Ravera Roberts, a sophomore majoring in Social Work with a minor in Forensic Science, is interning at the Achievement Centers for Children (Strongsville), a camp for children with disabilities.  

• Asher Akens, a rising sophomore majoring in Manufacturing Engineering, is interning in Civil Engineering at CT Concrete (Westerville). 

• Amonie Akens, a graduating senior double-majoring in Computer Science and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, is working in the Technology Development Program at Allstate (Hudson). 

• Javonte Neal, a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice, is working as a communications intern with Columbus City Council.  

• Astria Williams, a rising junior studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, is interning at Union Savings Bank. 

• Aisayah Aikens, a rising senior and the 2024-25 Mister Central State University-elect, is interning with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  

• Aleah Otabor, a sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Spanish, is interning with Vertafore (Columbus). 

• Skye Livingston, a junior majoring in Biology, is interning with the Undergraduate Summer Research Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (Columbus). 

• Marvin Trotter, a rising senior majoring in Business Administration, is interning in sales with Champ City Markit. 

• Haven Ober, a graduating senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies and a member of the Greater Accelerated Program in Cincinnati, is working as a science teacher at IDEA Greater Cincinnati Public Junior High School.  

• James Delaney, a rising senior majoring in Business Administration, is working on the Talent Acquisition team at Idaho National Laboratory.  

• Brandon Peterson, a graduating senior majoring in Communications with a concentration in Journalism, is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Central State University and a Master of Divinity at Payne Theological Seminary. 

Corporate partners in attendance included Eficionado, Erie Insurance, Grange Insurance, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Ohio Bankers League, PNC Financial Services, Proctor & Gamble (P&G), Union & Guardian Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank, and Wright-Patt Credit Union. 

For more information about partnering with Central State University, contact Jones at 937-376-6054 or kjones@centralstate.edu.