Landmark Experience Day
November 16, 2026
The Landmark Experience is a key part of learning at Marietta College. It’s how students gain the skills and the real-world experience that prepares them for a successful future and meaningful life. Learning opportunities are available that give all students the chance to try new things, practice leadership, explore their interests, and serve others.
Landmark Experience Day is an entire day when we share how students lead, explore, create and connect in ways that define their college experience—and shape futures. And a chance to learn about even more opportunities!
The event is open to campus and the greater community, with activities all day beginning at 8:15 a.m.
No registration is required.
PROGRAM
TIME | ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION | LOCATION | |
| 8-8:35 a.m. | Opening Remarks: President Kathleen Dougherty | MCDONOUGH AUDITORIUM | |
| VIEW | 8:35-9:30 a.m. | Power of Experience: Alumni Panel | MCDONOUGH AUDITORIUM |
| VIEW | 9:40-10:30 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions 1 | THOMAS / BROWN |
| VIEW | 10:40-11:30 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions 2 | THOMAS / BARTLETT / BROWN |
| VIEW | 11:40a.m. -12:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions 3 | THOMAS / BROWN |
| VIEW | 1-3 p.m. | Poster Presentations/Creative Displays/ Digital Presentations | DBRC |
| VIEW | 1-3 p.m. | Opportunity Connect: career, internship, grad school, study abroad. Reserve a table | DBRC |
| VIEW | 4 p.m. | PioBiz Competition | THOMAS 124 |
OPENING SESSION
Power of Experience: Alumni Panel
8:35-9:30 a.m., McDonough Auditorium
Moderated by Professor Tom Perry
Shallyn Bradford '25
Environmental Analyst Associate, General Dynamics Information Technology
- B.S. in Chemistry, with a minor in leadership studies
Shallyn is passionate about using her chemistry background to protect the environment and make a meaningful impact in her community. She is involved with Washington County Harvest of Hope, a local nonprofit focused on reducing and redistributing food waste, and Washington County for Safe Drinking Water, a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting local water resources.
At Marietta College, Shallyn conducted undergraduate chemistry research, participated in Women in STEM, served as a resident assistant, and contributed as a nonprofit board member. These experiences helped her build professional skills, explore career interests, and expand her network. She also presented her research at the national American Chemical Society conference in 2025 and completed an internship aligned with her career goals.
George Fazah ’25
Petroleum Engineer/Research Assistant, Advanced Resources International
- B.S. in petroleum engineering
George is originally from Lebanon and was actively involved in campus life through academic, athletic, and leadership roles. He was a resident assistant in Harrison Hall for 3 years, competed as a member of the Marietta College Men's Tennis team, and was a recipient of the Charles Sumner Harrison Scholarship. His experiences at MC helped develop his leadership, teamwork, and consistent mindset while preparing him for a career in the energy industry.
Ava Huebner '25
Marketing Director, Grand Central Mall
- B.A. strategic communications/advertising and public eelations, with minors in leadership studies and professional writing
After graduating in December 2025, Ava began working as the marketing director for Grand Central Mall, where she focuses on event planning, content creation, and community outreach. As an alumna, Ava's experience in numerous clubs, organizations, and internship opportunities has served her well in her current position.
Zack Riffle '25
Office Manager, Rich Investments Group, LLC
- B.A. in finance
Zack is the office manager for Rich Investments Group LLC, a real estate company specializing in rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, and wholesale acquisitions within the Ohio Valley region. His professional expertise includes the management of financial operations, corporate documentation, and human resources. Throughout his tenure at Marietta College, Zack held various leadership positions, including roles with Alpha Tau Omega, the Interfraternity Council, and Fifth Street Consulting.
Jacob Stern '25
J.D. Candidate, West Virginia University College of Law
- B.A. in entrepreneurship and B.A in management
Before graduating from Marietta College, Jacob was a three-year letterman on the men's lacrosse team, a member of Tau Pi Phi Business and Economics Honor Society, a recipient of the Jules Bourmorck and Julia Bourmorck Staats Memorial Scholarship, and a member of the Entrepreneurship and Career Development Advisory Board. Currently, he is in his second year of law school at West Virginia University School of Law and is an active member of the Lugar Trial Association. Between his first and second year of law school, he worked at the United States Attorney's Office in the Northern District of West Virginia. His experience at Marietta College helped develop his entrepreneurial mindset, ability to collaborate with peers, and gave him the confidence to interact with others in a professional setting.
Concurrent Sessions Descriptions
Sessions 1: 9:40-10:30 a.m.
Sessions 2: 10:40-11:30 a.m.
Sessions 3: 11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The program includes the session numbers, titles, descriptions, facilitator(s), and locations.
Concurrent Sessions 1: 9:40-10:30 a.m.
THMS --Thomas Hall | BRWN -- Brown
Real Work, Real Impact: Fifth Street Consulting and the Big Blue Thrift Store Practicum
| SESS | TITLE | DESCRIPTION | FACILITATOR | PRESENTER / PANELISTS / MODERATOR | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | Lead Where It Matters: The NextGen Board Experience | What is it really like to serve on the board of a nonprofit organization while you are still in college? Hear from NextGen alumni who served on the boards of local nonprofits through LEAD 290, a one-credit, two-semester experiential learning course. Panelists will share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned while contributing to nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and how the experience helped them develop leadership skills beyond the classroom. | Prof. Shannan Tschopp | Prof. Shannan Tschopp | THMS 312 |
| 1B | Connecting the Dots: Applied Learning in Psychology | This panel highlights the applied learning experiences of students enrolled in PSYC 286 (Research Methods) and PSYC 403 (Applied Psychology), both required courses for the Psychology major. Students from PSYC 286 will discuss their collaborative experiences designing research studies to systematically investigate their research questions. PSYC 403 students will share how the scientific reasoning and critical-thinking skills developed in PSYC 286 provided a foundation for connecting their practicum experiences to relevant research. | Dr. Kristi Barnes and Dr. Alicia Doerflinger | Panelists: McKenzie Heil, Madison Heskett, Avery Kurman, Lyndsie Pinkston, Ava Slaby, and Brennan Stobbs | THMS 124 |
| 1C | Why You Should NEVER Study Abroad | JUST KIDDING! We want you to experience the world! Hear directly from Marietta College students who have studied abroad as they share their experiences, lessons learned, and advice for making the most of an international experience. Come get inspired, ask questions, and discover what studying abroad could look like for you. | Prof. Marilee Morrow | Moderator: Rachel Neu Panelists: Ian Alspaugh, Annalise Bennett, Robert Brenner, Brady Bond, Colin Campagne, Ashley Etzel, Lee Hankinson, and Quayle McKay | THMS 320 |
| 1D | From Classroom to Career: Sport Management & Coaching Internships | Hear from Sport Management and Coaching students about their internship experiences. Panelists will share how they found and secured their internships, what they learned on the job, what surprised them, and how their Marietta College experiences prepared them for the workplace. Come hear their advice and learn what to expect when it’s time to pursue your own internship. | Prof. Rick Smith | Panelists: Nico Ciminero, Emma DeWeese, Violet Ellerbrock, Joe Tenta, and Candace Walters | THMS 113 |
| 1E | Real Work, Real Impact: Fifth Street Consulting and the Big Blue Thrift Store Practicum | Get an inside look at two flagship, hands-on programs where students tackle live client challenges and run a campus venture end-to-end. After a quick intro, a panel of 3–5 students will share wins, stumbles, and outcomes, plus practical tips for getting involved this semester. | Prof. Ann Nicely & Dr. Jacqueline Khorassani | Panelists: Ava Huebner, Elise Hums, Teagan Klaner, Brandice Kunze, Ella Lambert, Amanda McGrew, Summerann Roth, and Alyssa Tomlinson | THMS 328 |
| 1F | From Ideas to Experiments: Chemistry Research in Action: Part One | See how chemistry research develops from an idea into laboratory investigation. Students in CHEM 472 will present original research proposals developed through an extensive review of scientific literature and close collaboration with faculty advisors. Their proposals build on published chemistry research and identify new questions for laboratory investigation. Students in CHEM 495 will take the conversation into the lab, sharing their research progress—including both successes and challenges—and their plans for the final semester of their research. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback and suggestions as students consider their next steps.
| Dr. Suzanne George | Presenters: Charlee Breece, Luke Czarnomski, Andrew Franchini, Lee McKitrick, Kyle Rucker, and Preston Taitt | THMS 209 |
| 1G | Hands-On Learning in Petroleum Engineering- Part One | See experiential learning in action as Petroleum Engineering students showcase the projects and hands-on experiences that connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. | Dr. Susan Peterson | Presenters: Diego DeCello and Lukas Ratliff | BRWN 103 |
Concurrent Sessions 2: 10:40-11:30 a.m.
THMS --Thomas Hall | BART --Bartlett | BRWN -- Brown
| SESS | TITLE | DESCRIPTION | FACILITATOR | PRESENTER / PANELISTS / MODERATOR | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A | Beyond the Classroom: Biology & Health Science Internships | Hear from Marietta College students who spent Summer 2026 gaining hands-on experience through internships in dentistry, veterinary science, wellness, and environmental education. Students will share what they did, what they learned, and how their internship experiences helped them develop professionally and personally. | Prof. Tanya Jarrell | Presenters: Jayden Austermiller, Kendyl Cannon, Kaliyah Hairston, and Eve Smith | BART 166 |
| 2B | A Moot Court Match: FBI Snares Suspected Terrorist Using ENHANCED Surveillance | The FBI found evidence that Bobby Bronner is a terrorist after setting up an extensive surveillance apparatus with cameras on his house 24/7. President DeNolf has shipped Bronner to Guantanamo Bay where he plans to keep him without trial. Bronner’s lawyers say that his 4th Amendment rights have been violated and that President DeNolf has overstepped his authority in imprisoning Bronner off-shore without trial. Come view a legal battle over the powers of the President and the meaning of the 4th Amendment. | Dr. Mitchell Krumm | THMS 124 | |
| 2C | More Than a Résumé Builder: MC Student Media | From the moment they arrive on campus, students from any major can get involved with WCMO TV, WMRT FM, WCMO LP FM, and The Marcolian, Marietta College’s student newspaper. Hear from student leaders about how their experiences with MC Student Media have strengthened their communication skills, expanded their professional flexibility, and provided valuable hands-on experience. And, by the way, it’s also fun! | Prof. Marilee Morrow | Panelists: Jackson Bandy, Lee Hankinson, Zach Simpkins, Christopher Stoffel, Becca Straits, CJ Wilt, Sidney Wiles, and Denise Woofter | THMS 320 |
| 2D | From Classroom to Career: Business & Economics Internships | Hear from students in Accounting, Marketing, Management, Economics, Finance, and Land & Energy Management as they share their internship experiences. Panelists will discuss how they searched for and secured internships, what they learned through hands-on professional experience, and how their coursework and experiences at Marietta College helped prepare them for the workplace. | Prof. Rick Smith | Panelists: Gunner Fertig, Calli Henderson, Cooper Hughes, Sam Leininger, and Emma Rasmussen | THMS 113 |
| 2E | Physics in Practice: More Than Just a Summer Job | See how physics moves from the classroom into real-world research. Four students will share their summer internship experiences at Marietta College, the University of Granada in Spain, Ohio University, and The Ohio State University. Their work included measuring planetary boundary layer height, synthesizing new materials for semiconductor research, and exploring MBE growth processes for spintronics technology. Hear what they worked on, what they learned, and how these hands-on research experiences helped them apply physics beyond the classroom. | Dr. Dennis Kuhl | Presenters: Joshua Booth, Marina Dunham, Ashley Etzel, and Mahlet Getahun | THMS 328 |
| 2F | From Ideas to Experiments: Chemistry Research in Action: Part Two | See how chemistry research develops from an idea into laboratory investigation. Students in CHEM 472 will present original research proposals developed through an extensive review of scientific literature and close collaboration with faculty advisors. Their proposals build on published chemistry research and identify new questions for laboratory investigation. Students in CHEM 495 will take the conversation into the lab, sharing their research progress—including both successes and challenges—and their plans for the final semester of their research. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback and suggestions as students consider their next steps. | Dr. Suzanne George | Presenters: Charlee Breece, Luke Czarnomski, Andrew Franchini, Lee McKitrick, Kyle Rucker, and Preston Taitt | THMS 209 |
| 2G | Hands-On Learning in Petroleum Engineering-Part Two | See experiential learning in action as Petroleum Engineering students showcase the projects and hands-on experiences that connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. | Dr. Susan Peterson | Presenters:
Elijah Dimmerling and Joseph Inzinga | BRWN 103 |
Concurrent Sessions 3: 11:40-12:30 a.m.
THMS --Thomas Hall | BART --Bartlett | BRWN -- Brown
| SESS | TITLE | DESCRIPTION | FACILITATOR | PRESENTER / PANELISTS / MODERATOR | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3A | Summer of Discovery: Investigative Studies Research Fellowss | What can you discover when you have six weeks to focus on a research question that interests you? Hear from three Investigative Studies Summer Research Fellows as they present the results of their Summer 2026 research. These students received competitive, paid fellowships that allowed them to spend six weeks conducting intensive research and gaining firsthand experience with the research process. | Dr. Suzanne George | Presenters: Andrew Franchini, Flavia Pimenta, and Kyle Rucker | THMS 312 |
| 3B | AI on the Job: What Employers Want You to Know | AI is changing the workplace, but what does that mean for you? Hear from employers about how they expect interns and new employees to use AI responsibly and effectively, where AI can add value, and where human judgment still matters. Learn how to demonstrate that you can use AI as a tool without letting it do the thinking for you. | Dr. Greg Delemeester | Panelists: Brett Burns ‘15, Danielle Bruni, Alex Hogan ‘18, and Aaron Tice ‘17 | THMS 124 |
| 3C | Theatre Capstones and Internships: How an MC Theatre student gets a job | Join the MC Theatre students as they explain how they used their MC training to create experiential opportunities. Hear and see exciting presentations on performance, scenic carpentry, and lighting design. | Profs. Cas Felt, Andy Felt, and Nathan Bradley | Presenters: Dallas Lacey, Riley Matchinga, and Clay Seig | THMS 320 |
| 3D | Helping Appalachia Through Landmark Experiences: Research with Real-World Impact. | Discover how Marietta College students are using research to address real-world challenges and opportunities in Appalachia. Students who have conducted research for the Center for Appalachian Innovation will share their projects, what they learned through the experience, and how their work can contribute to the region and its communities. | Prof. Michelle Jeitler | Moderator: Shelby Metzger Presenters: Carly Keller, Lily Sands, Storm Stimmel, Matthew Thomas, and Liz White | THMS 113 |
| 3E | Accelerating Experiential Leadership with EXCEL Leaders | Join five EXCEL leaders as they discuss the applicable skills and experiences they have gained in their time as EXCEL leaders. Bring any questions you have about leading EXCEL and see what the buzz is about for leading this one-of-a-kind workshop! | AnnaBelle Hacker | Panelists: Lily Bond, Sarah Irwin, Madison Lynn, Jeff McKnight, and Amelia Uhrig | THMS 328 |
| 3F | Learning by Helping Others Learn: The Experiential Value of Tutoring | Academic, writing, and speech tutors do more than help their peers succeed. They learn and grow through the experience themselves. In this student-centered panel, tutors from across the Milone Center will share how tutoring has helped them develop communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, and confidence. Through their experiences working with fellow students, panelists will explore how tutoring puts classroom knowledge into practice and prepares them for future careers, graduate school, and leadership roles. | Prof. Holly Menzel, Dr. Heather Sowards, and Dr. Cheongmi Shim | Panelists: Joshua Booth, Jillian Couts, Mahlet Getahun, Audrey Helmick, Ainsley Kocanjer, Ben Petrie, and Ava Slaby | <THMS 209 |
| 3G | Hands-On Learning in Petroleum Engineering-Part Three (Ends at12:05 P.M.) | See experiential learning in action as Petroleum Engineering students showcase the projects and hands-on experiences that connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. | Dr. Susan Peterson | Presenter: Robert Brennan | BRWN 103 |
| 3H | Game Jams: Building Games, Teams, and Real-World Skills | What can students learn by creating a game under a deadline? In this interactive session, students will share their experiences participating in game jams—short, intensive challenges where participants work together to create a game. Learn how these experiences build valuable skills in teamwork, project management, problem-solving, creativity, and communication. The session will include plenty of time for questions and conversation. | Prof. Sara Rosenstock | Presenters: Ian Hufford, Luna (Rowan) Jones, Paige Kuhl, and Claire Line | THMS 327 |
Poster Presentations
Creative Displays
Digital Presentations
1-3 p.m., DBRC
Students will share their experiences through posters, creative displays, and digital presentations. These presentations will highlight internships, research, study abroad, service, and more.
Opportunity Connect
1-3 p.m., DBRC
Connecting Students with Career, Internship, Grad School, and Study Abroad Opportunities
Marietta College’s Opportunity Connect event provides an opportunity to connect directly with our talented students who are seeking internships, part-time and full-time jobs, grad school, and study abroad opportunities.
All for-profit and nonprofit employers are invited to participate -- for free!
You’ll be provided with a table and chairs, and you’re welcome to bring materials to promote your organization, programs, and opportunities.
Setup Time: Tables will be available from 12-1:45 p.m. for setup.
PioBiz Business Plan Competition
4 p.m. | Thomas 124
Watch Marietta College students and community members compete for up to $12,000 in awards as they pitch their business plans to a panel of judges. You get a vote, too! The Audience Choice winner will receive $500.
For more information about PioBiz, visit marietta.edu/piobiz
Experiences that empower you to make a meaningful difference.