Meal With A Mentor logo
Join fellow Bobcats and connect with alumni as part of our Meal with a Mentor program. Meet individuals working in your professional industry with a handful of peers in the same field. Discuss career advice, explore career fields associated with your major, and get to know a Bobcat alumni.

Meal With A Mentor

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About Meal With A Mentor: Meal with a Mentor offers the opportunity to strengthen connections between students and alumni with similar academic and industry interests. This unique event brings together a small group of students and an alumni over dinner, hosted by Latitude 39, Ohio University’s student-run restaurant. Dinners provide an opportunity for the featured alumni to share their experiences in a casual environment.
Alumni: Connect With Us Are you an Ohio University Alum that would like to be featured in one of our Meal with a Mentor events to connect with students? Use the link below to partner with us.

Fall 2026: Meal With A Mentor Alumni Events

September 16, 2026 @ 6pm
Todd Ebert

Todd Ebert: BSEE in Electrical & Computer Engineering (EE w/ CpE Track) 

Current role:  Application Engineer 

Bio: Todd Ebert has been working in manufacturing automation and information solutions for over three decades since graduating as an Electrical Engineer
from the OU Russ College of Engineering and Technology. He spent 30 years executing projects and developing new business as a Application Engineer
at RoviSys. He is currently the Power & Energy Market Manager, focusing on the expanding Mission Critical Data Center market, where RoviSys is a
leading solution provider for power generation and building automation systems. As an active alumni, he has lead recruiting efforts for RoviSys at Ohio
University, has served on the EE/CS Advisory Board and is the current Vice President of the Russ College Alumni Society.
 

September 30, 2026 @ 6pm
Jill Bryan

Jill Bryan: BSJ- Advertising 

Current role: Director- Creative Strategy at Nationwide

Bio: While 1991 sounds like forever ago, it was just yesterday to this EW Scripps journalism grad. I adored my four years at OU, spending three of them as an RA…I loved the private bathroom and having keys to everywhere. You could find me Uptown at Tony’s and The Pub, which I proudly introduced my2025 Bobcat grad to as well. I’ve spent  my whole career in marketing in Central Ohio, worked for 6 ad agencies, and was a director of marketing for Franklin Park Conservatory and shopping destinations across the U.S. I traveled to London and had a blast 2 summers ago with the Marching 110 (just a fan), and as a season ticket holder, cannot wait to be back in Peden Stadium each fall. OU? Oh yeah!

October 5, 2026 @ 6pm
Arthur Krasilovsky

Arthur Krasilovsky: BGS-now viewed as the BSS. Psychiatric Social Work

Current Role: Employee Assistance Professional 

Bio: As a Clinical Social Worker, I have worked in a variety of settings: inpatient, outpatient, residential, public, nonprofit, private, managed care, private practice, healthcare, university, and private industry. I have worked as a clinician and in management. Finally, I also serve as a fraternity advisor at OHIO.

October 7, 2026 @ 6pm
Jay Martin

Jay Martin: M.A. International Studies (Latin American Studies)

Current role: Senior Security Consultant (Physical Security) 

Bio: Jay Martin, CFI, CPP, CPTED, is a Senior Security Consultant with over 30 years as a physical security professional. Jay has led security operations, investigations, and fraud prevention in the retail, automotive and the precious metals mining industries for top global mining companies. In these roles, he led organizations’ efforts to execute security various security management programs (threat, risk and vulnerability assessments, exploration security, project security design and implementation, supply chain security, security awareness training for international travel, guard force management, physical security design and implementation, crisis management, and due diligence. He also implemented international compliance initiatives relating to security and human rights, child rights, the Conflict-Free Gold Standard and supply chain security. He has developed and implemented detailed standards and guidelines to support preventative programs, as well as robust audit tools to continually assess these security management programs. Earlier in his career, he served in the United States Marine Corps, as an infantryman and embassy guard.

October 13, 2026 @ 6pm
Olivia Rees

Olivia Rees: BS Civil Engineering 

Current Role: Environmental Manager

Bio: Olivia is an environmental and compliance management professional with more than six years of experience in the construction industry. She has served as the Environmental Manager at West Virginia Paving for the past two years. Olivia earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology in 2019 and later earned her MBA from Oklahoma State University in 2024. She began her career as a construction intern and held multiple roles in construction operations before transitioning into environmental leadership. In her current role, Olivia supports sustainable practices and environmental compliance across construction projects and building materials facilities, helping advance more efficient and responsible operations throughout the industry. She is passionate about creating and championing pathways for diversity in construction and serves as Chair of Women of Asphalt WV. Olivia is also deeply committed to Appalachia and currently serves on the Gallia County Foundation Board, an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Olivia lives in Gallipolis, Ohio with her English Mastiff and enjoys exploring the outdoors—whether camping, hiking, or spending time on the water.

October 14, 2026 @ 6pm
Caleb Saunders

Caleb Saunders: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Current role: Submarine Warfare Officer

Bio: From Zanesville, Ohio, Caleb is a 2020 graduate of Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology. After graduation, he commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy where he still serves on active duty as a Submarine Warfare Officer. He is currently stationed in Washington, DC at Naval Reactors where he supervises submarine new construction. He is happily married to his college sweetheart, Jordyn, and they have two children: Caroline and Edward. 

October 20, 2026 @ 6pm
Jared Forshey

Jared Forshey: BS Engineering 

Current Role: Application Engineer, Manufacturing 

Bio: Jared Forshey is a 2006 graduate of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology (BSEE) and is currently in his 20th year with RoviSys, a systems integrator based in Aurora, Ohio. Over his career, Jared has delivered automation solutions for more than 200 industrial clients, spanning process control, assembly and test systems, robotics, and machine vision. Jared is actively involved in university recruiting and early-career mentoring, and for the past decade has attended every Russ Career Fair to host information sessions and recruit future Bobcats to the automation industry. Outside of work, Jared enjoys hiking and mountain biking, and each summer brings his family back to Strouds Run to kayak and spend time outdoors. 

October 21, 2026 @ 6pm
Tracy Corrigan

Tracy Corrigan: BSJ, News Writing & Editing 

Current Role: Associate Director, Alumni Career Success | Bobcat Network Administrator 

Bio: A seasoned higher education and career development professional, Tracy brings extensive experience designing and scaling programs that connect students, alumni, and employers to meaningful career opportunities. Currently serving as Associate Director of Alumni Success with the Ohio University Alumni Association, Tracy oversees strategic growth, engagement, and operations of a university-wide Alumni Engagement platform, driving significant increases in mentorship connections and user engagement. Her background spans career coaching, program development and employer relations, with a proven ability to use data-driven strategies to enhance participation and outcomes. Prior to that, Tracy worked for 17 years as a web designer and consultant, worked in small business development, and traveled the country for 5 years video recording competitive Ballroom Dance competitions. Tracy has published both fiction and non-fiction works.

October 28, 2026 @ 6pm
Jennifer Goddard

Jennifer Goddard: Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Public Relations

Current Role: President & CEO, Philanthropy West Virginia

Bio: I live in Charleston, WV and lead a statewide philanthropy infrastructure nonprofit. I have experience in corporate communications, advertising/PR agency, stakeholder outreach consulting fields and nonprofit leadership. While I never could have predicted the path to where I am today in my career, it's been an exciting journey! Ohio University gave me the skills and opportunities to build a fulfilling career. I'm proud to have served on the Student
Alumni Board, PRSSA and I was a Post staff member while on campus. I'm a firm believer in "transferrable skills" when hiring and happy to read resumes if folks want feedback!

November 5, 2026 @ 6pm
James Zammikiel

James Zammikiel: B.S.S. Technical Production for Lights and Sound

Current Role: Project Manager - Eitri Foundry

Bio: Changing from majoring in E.E. to a B.S.S. from Ohio - University College life has been a journey. Travelled to world working the full spectrum of the Live Events Industry, TV / Film then settled into teaching College for a few years. New career has me as a project manager for Large Solar Power systems. How Did OU set me up to always be ready for new things?

December 1, 2026 @ 6pm
Dylan Bean

Dylan Bean: Bachelor of Science in Communication, Double Major in Communication Studies and Screenwriting/Producing

Current Role: Career Counselor and Adjunct Faculty at Cincinnati State College 

Bio: Dylan is a Career Coach and Counselor at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College where he also teaches the First Year Experience course. After graduating from Ohio University in 2017, he stayed in Athens County where he served two years in AmeriCorps prgrams, one of those years being with Wayne National Forest. He has a diverse set of experiences in different industries in his short career, and is now happy to be settling into the counseling profession by starting a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program in Fall 2026. Outside of work, he thoroughly enjoys sports, reading, music, travel, beer (tasting and making), and of course, the great outdoors. Every year since 2017 he makes an annual pilgrimage back to the area to volunteer in Artist Relations at Nelsonville Music Festival. 

Regional Campuses: Meal with a Mentor Alumni Events

Ohio University Lancaster Campus
Valarie Carpico

Valerie Carpico: BS in Criminal Justice (2003)

Current Role: The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center: Criminal Justice Policy

Bio: Valerie Carpico leads the work for planning and implementing initiatives to reduce recidivism, strengthen family engagement, and improve reentry outcomes for the family programs and the Reentry 2030 initiative nationwide. Previously, Valerie was the reentry coordinator in Fairfield County, Ohio, where she leveraged partnerships between law enforcement and behavioral health. In this role, she facilitated a local reentry coalition of community agencies and coordinated new behavioral health programming within the local jail. She also served as the Stepping Up coordinator, setting new goals and initiatives for her county focused on sober housing, jail screening tools, and a crisis stabilization facility. Valerie is committed to human-center approaches to reduce recidivism and build strong, safe communities.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Career Development Coordinator Holly Kidd: hkidd@ohioedu

 

Ohio University Lancaster Campus
Megan Spearman

Megan Spearman: BA in Psychology (2019)

Current Role: Qualified Mental Health Professional

Bio: Megan Spearman holds 6 years of experience working in mental health, including inpatient treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, multiple outpatient facilities for adults experiencing homelessness and addiction, and outpatient contracting within a public school. Megan’s professional experience guided her to Capella University, where she is currently obtaining her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Megan is passionate about helping her clients of all walks of life achieve their goals and feel their best by navigating life’s challenges and traumas. She loves to unwind with her son, husband, and pets, and loves to hike, ski (go Snowcats!), read her Kindle, play Animal Crossing, and crochet.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Career Development Coordinator Holly Kidd: hkidd@ohioedu

Ohio University Southern Campus
Tyler Grubbs

Tyler Grubbs: B.S.S. Specialized in English, Philosophy, and History

Current Role: Success Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences, Ohio University

Bio: Tyler Grubbs began his higher education journey as a non-traditional, first-generation student at Ohio University Southern. In 2018, he completed the Bachelor of Specialized Studies program, concentrating in English, Philosophy, and History.

Following graduation, Tyler worked as a Remodel Associate at Walmart. However, his passion for higher education soon led him back to academia, where he served as the Department Assistant for Arts & Sciences at Ashland Community & Technical College—an experience that ultimately paved the way for his return to Ohio University Southern.

Tyler rejoined OUS as an Advising and Retention Specialist before transitioning into the role of Success Advisor. He currently serves as a Success Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Ohio University’s Athens campus.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys reading, writing poetry, watching football, listening to music, and exploring ideas that challenge him to think more deeply.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Ohio University Southern Career Development Coordinator Laura Holbrook: holbrookl@ohio.edu 

Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.