Walsh alumni representing the University’s more than 50-year history returned to their former classrooms as a part of the popular Professor for a Day program on February 8 and 9. This is the first year that the program has included fall and spring events in order to accommodate the increased interest by alumni and professors. More than 27 alumni participants were welcomed back to campus as guest lecturers to share their professional expertise with students in their chosen fields. Read more and view photos from the event.
"We’ve seen a 50 percent increase in the number of host classrooms over the last five years," said Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Trescott ’09 and ’13. "Students benefit in more ways than just a one-time guest lecture experience. We’ve even had several instances where students were hired for internships or found employment through the connections they made during these events."
The Professor for a Day program was organized to provide students with a different perspective on career options and open the door to guest lecturers on campus. Each Walsh alum is paired with a course that directly corresponds with his or her career.
"It’s a great way for students to get exposure as far as who we are as an organization at FreshMark as well as expose them to our opportunities for our internship program," said Jordan Miller '11, Marketing Manager with Fresh Mark, Inc. "In general, this gives them some kind of outside the classroom perspective on what the real world is and what they have to look forward to."
Giant Eagle Pharmacy Intern and Walsh alumna Emma Coleman '10 returned to Walsh to address the students in Dr. Nusair Nisreen's Biochemistry II class. Participating in the Professor for a Day program provided her with an opportunity to give back to her alma mater and help students
"My experience here at Walsh meant everything to my development, especially studying abroad twice, the professors here, just the support overall," said Coleman. "The fact that I can come back at the age of 29, and as a second year pharmacy student at NEOMED, and still ask whether a professor would read over a paper or offer direction and even write a recommendation for me is amazing. You just don't see that at any other school."
As guest lecturers, alumni speak candidly to students about various topics including the responsibilities of their job, what they do on a day-to-day basis, and how their careers developed. Walsh graduates with direct experience in education, information technology, business, marketing, management, counseling, healthcare and law were among the participants in the spring 2016 Professor for a Day event.
"This is one of my favorite programs and the fact we are now able to do it twice a year is truly amazing," said Trescott. "We are blessed to have such service oriented and inspiring alumni who are willing to take time out of their busy work schedules to come back to campus for the benefit of our students."