Landmark Experience Day

November 17, 2025

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 then 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 a.m.

PROGRAM

	TIME	ACTIVITY	LOCATION
	8-8:30 a.m.	Check in	DBRC
VIEW	8:30-9:30 a.m.	A. Power of Experience: Alumni Panel: Keynote/Panel (Breakfast)	DBRC
		B. Investigative Studies Symposium	THOMAS 124
VIEW	9:40-10:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions 1	THOMAS & BARTLETT
VIEW	10:40-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions 2	THOMAS & BARTLETT
VIEW	11:40a.m. -12:30 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions 3	THOMAS & BARTLETT
VIEW	1-2 p.m.	Poster Presentations/Creative Displays/Digital Presentations	DBRC
VIEW	2-4 p.m.	Opportunity Connect: career, internship, grad school, study abroad. Reserve a table -- Deadline Nov.6	DBRC
VIEW	7 p.m.	Poets and Playwrights: A poetry reading	HERMANN Friederich Theatre
VIEW	8-8:50 p.m.	Get Linked (virtual)	Virtual

OPENING SESSION A

Power of Experience: Alumni Keynote Panel

(8:30-9:30 a.m., DBRC)

Moderated by Professor Tina Thomas

Jared Farnsworth '23

BS: Health Sciences/Health Services/Allied Health ‘23
MS: Physician Assistant Studies ‘26

Jared is a Physician Assistant student at MC with an interest in Emergency Medicine. In addition to his academic studies, Jared has served the local community through volunteer EMS, where he developed a commitment to service, teamwork, and responding under pressure. He values empathy, integrity, and faith as guiding principles in both his personal and professional life. Jared looks forward to advancing his career as a Physician Assistant and having the opportunity to help future students who come after him.

Ross Keller '20

BA: Land and Energy Management
Lead Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources

Ross began work after college at Atwell Group, a consulting firm, working on various land acquisition projects around the country. For the past 4 years Ross has been working at Nextera Energy as a lead solar developer, taking solar farms from inception to construction across multiple states. Ross currently lives in Pomeroy, Ohio and is pursuing his MBA at Florida Atlantic University.

Melvin Schuler II '19

BA: Marketing
Managing Partner, Ringside Talent

Mel has been with Ringside Talent for six years, beginning his career shortly after graduating from Marietta College. He started as an IT recruiter and worked his way up to Managing Partner, where he now leads their IT Staffing division. In this role, Mel specializes in supporting the office of the CIO, helping organizations across the Ohio market connect with top IT talent.

Alexis Sommers '24

BA: Entrepreneurship
Communications and Grant Develope, corVita
Producer, HTH safety solutions

Alexis Sommers is the founder of Sommers Strategies, a consulting firm that supports small businesses in developing effective business and marketing plans. She also contributes to statewide training initiatives for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program through HTH Safety Solutions and serves as a team member of corVita AED, a med-tech startup advancing life-saving emergency technology. A Marietta College graduate, Alexis gained diverse experience through founding Big Blue Thrift Store, studying abroad in Athens, Greece, and completing an internship at Royse Partners in Houston, Texas. Her involvement in Alpha Xi Delta further enhanced her leadership, fundraising, and marketing expertise.

Kaylie Ward '24

BA: Sport Management
MBA: Ohio University
MSA '26, Ohio University

Kaylie is a sports industry professional with experience in event operations, sponsorship development, and partnership management across collegiate, professional, and international organizations. Her background includes roles with the Middlesex Football Association, Akron RubberDucks, the Boca Raton Bowl, the Myrtle Beach Bowl, the Savannah Bananas, and Ohio University’s Center for Sport Administration, where she has led large-scale event planning, community outreach, and marketing initiatives. Drawing on her background as a collegiate athlete, Kaylie brings a strong foundation in leadership, team culture development, and performance under pressure to every project she undertakes. Kaylie holds a Bachelor of Arts in sport management from Marietta College, an MBA from Ohio University and is expected to earn her Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University in May 2026.

OPENING SESSION B

Investigative Studies Symposium

(8:30-9:30 a.m., THOMAS 124)

Summer 2025 Fellowship recipients will present research conducted with faculty mentors:

Charlee Jo Breece, “Effect of Isocorydine on M624 Melanoma Cells and Noncancerous HaCaT Cells” — Mentor: Dr. Suzanne Parsons
Megan Hoover,“An Investigation of the Effects of Cadmium and Manganese on Learning in Drosophila melanogaster” — Mentor: Dr. Lynn Bostrom

Concurrent Session Descriptions

Session 1: 9:40-10:30 a.m. Schedule

Session 2: 10:40-11:30 a.m. Schedule

Session 3: 11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Schedule

Locations: Thomas Hall and Bartlett

The PDF program includes the session numbers, titles, descriptions, facilitator(s), and locations.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM PDF

Poster Presentations

(1-2 p.m., DBRC)

More than 150 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

(2-4 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.

Reserve a table

Evening Sessions

Poets and Playwrights: A poetry reading

(7-8 p.m., Friederich Theatre, HERMANN FINE ARTS CENTER)

Quayle McKay and Finn Hall, the 2025 recipients of Marietta College's Poets and Playwrights fellowship will speak briefly about their fellowship experience and read aloud selections of their work. This event will be followed by a light reception in the lobby of Hermann Fine Arts.

Landmark Experience Day

Nov. 17: Learning through Life-Changing Experiences