February 2021 Newsletter

The Chronicle 

Thank you for taking the time to read our monthly newsletter. We would love to hear from you and get your thoughts on what you want as an alumnus of Franklin. You play a major role in advancing Franklin’s mission to provide a high quality education to the broadest possible group of learners, and we will never take that for granted.

Alumni Spotlight

Brian Brooks (’01)

In continued celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Community Relations is excited to feature alumnus Brian Brooks. Since 2001, Brian has served as president of E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co., an agent of North American Van Lines. E.E. Ward provides professional relocation services for local, long-distance, and international household goods relocation, commercial office moving, and corporate employee relocation.

Founded in 1881, E.E. Ward is one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in the United States. Under Brian's leadership, E.E. Ward has achieved awards from the American Moving & Storage Association, North American Van Lines, CARTUS, BBB of Central Ohio, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council.

In 2015, Brian was instrumental in creating theLaps for Lunches event, which took aim at reducing food insecurity in the Woodland Park community of Columbus. In 2017, the event evolved into Laps for Learning, an effort focused on safety around water training for children in the areas serviced by the Eldon & Elsie Ward, Hilltop, and North YMCA's of Central Ohio. 

Brian currently serves on the boards of the North American Agents Mover Association, BBB of Central Ohio, and Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. 
 

Fall 2020 Robert Bailey Teaching Recipients Announced 

The Office of Community Relations congratulates the Fall 20 term recipients: Denise Kestner, lead human resources management faculty, and Dr. Kristan Jones, adjunct applied psychology faculty.

Denise Kestner began teaching at Franklin University in 2007 and has taught every course in both the undergraduate and graduate human resources management programs at the University. Her human resources career has spanned 25 years in both the corporate and consulting arenas. In addition to her teaching and consulting work, Denise is active on several nonprofit boards and volunteers as a historic tour guide in Dublin, Ohio, where she resides.

Dr. Kristan Jones has been an adjunct professor at Franklin since 2000, teaching in the undergraduate psychology program, as well as the graduate business psychology program. Kristan is currently the director of learning and development for Raymond James, where she is responsible for leadership development and instructional design, and leads the Learning Council. Previously, she held learning and organizational development positions at Honda and Amgen. 

Learn more about the Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award here!
 

Franklin Faculty- Co-Author Conflict Management in Healthcare Book

Dr. Garry McDaniel, Dr. Leslie Mathew and Dr. Gary Stroud have joined forces on a new book, “Conflict Management in Healthcare: Creating a Culture of Cooperation,” which is now available through Amazon and other outlets. 

“Conflict Management in Healthcare: Creating a Culture of Cooperation” explains how to create an organizational culture and develop the interpersonal skills to turn everyday conflict into opportunities for enhancing interpersonal, team and organizational relationships, and patient care. The book offers readers with a clear understanding of how to create an organizational culture that encourages cooperative behavior and also provides guidance on how to coach others who are in conflict.

Join us in congratulating Dr. McDaniel, Dr. Mathew and Dr. Stroud.

1902 Leadership Circle & Alumni Military Scholarship Awarded

Because of the generous support of Franklin University donors, 14 Franklin students will continue their education this spring with less financial stress. The 1902 Leadership Circle and Alumni Military Scholarships are 100% donor funded and have a competitive application and essay process. Our congratulations to the following students:

1902 Scholarship Winners: Lan Montler, Roschanda Fletcher, Alina Antonyuk, Theresa Mejrado, Danielle Lambrite, Brandi Spencer and Sheena Crawford.
Alumni Military Scholarship Winners: Jonas Thomson, Tyler Boyd, Ifeoluwa Adedeji, Stephanie Lucas, Hunter Crawford, Vanessa Arriola and Anthony Guzman.

We also thank all those who gave and continue to give to scholarships at Franklin. Now more than ever, Franklin students need your support. If you haven’t donated yet, giving online is easy and secure. 
 

Distinguished Sales Speaker Series Details ‘The Art & Science of Professional Selling’

Like any profession, sales has changed over the years and with it, so has the need to understand innovative strategies, resources and the psychology behind it all. To help those looking to update their skills, or those interested in changing their pathway completely, Franklin has launched the new Distinguished Sales Speaker Series: The Art & Science of Professional Selling.

The yearlong series will kick off in the virtual format and feature nationally recognized sales experts with a passion for promoting sales as a career option for high-potential individuals. Topics will cover topics related to professional selling, sales and negotiations training, and resources for those individuals and organizations interested in develop economically, enhancing the professionalism of the sales force, and providing service to the sales profession.

The monthly speaker series which is free and open to the public, will kick off at noon Wednesday, Feb. 24 with guest speaker, Jason Forrest, CEO of Forrest Performance Group. Using 40 years of learning and experience in sales, Jason will present "The Mindset of a Sales Warrior," and share transformational strategies and the beliefs of how to become a true sales warrior!

Learn more and reserve your spot today. The first 250 registrants will receive a FREE copy of Jason Forrest's book, "The Mindset of a Sales Warrior."

Lessons in Leadership from a NASA Astronaut

Franklin University, through its Leadership Center, is proud to announce its partnership with the International Accreditation Council for Business Education to host the Thursday, Feb. 25 "Leaning into the Future of Work: Lessons in Leadership from a NASA Astronaut." This virtual event will feature NASA Astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock (Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.).

With over 60 years of advancing technologies, leadership, and social practices, NASA has enabled humans to live, work, and play in space. These same technologies and practices work their way into organizations and communities, and present the opportunity to improve the human condition right here on Earth within the next 10 years. For NASA the future is now. However, knowledge of the future isn't evenly distributed here on Earth. 

Col. Douglas Wheelock's experience with interacting with our civilization's most advanced technologies and in leading successful space missions is legendary. In this time of extraordinary disruption and transformation of every aspect of society, his insights will help both leaders and educators prepare for the future and to develop the competencies that enable others to thrive in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) future.

To register for this event, visit: http://franklin.edu/webinar-registration

Lessons in Leadership from a NASA Astronaut

Two new professional microcredential opportunities are being offered at Franklin – Asana Project Management and Tableau Data Analytics. The industry-endorsed credentials enable you to build your skills quickly with three, six-week courses. Classes start March 28, to learn more click here!

Try Your First Master's Class for Free!

If you’ve been thinking about earning your master’s degree, here’s some incentive to get you started. As a master’s-level student, you’ll find the same resources and support that you relied on to help you succeed as an undergrad. In addition, you can: 
•    Get your first master’s-level course free – a $2,680 value*
•    Take advantage of our seamless admission process – there’s no application fee or transcript requirements.

Learn more here! 

**Applies to first-time master’s-level students at Franklin**

Center for Career Development News: 1st Virtual Job Fair March. 5

Mark your calendar for March. 5 for Franklin's 1st Virtual Career Fair. Alumni can register below.  

At the Virtual Career Fair, Franklin University students and alumni can connect with potential employers and make meaningful connections using the technology we've all gotten so used to these last few months (Teams, Zoom and Skype).  

Event registrants will: 
1.    Receive a link to the Virtual Career Fair, where they can check in and upload their résumé
2.    Candidates will then enter our “Virtual Ross Auditorium,” a webpage that simulates arriving at an on-site event with rows of employers at tables
3.    Attendees can click on links to connect with employers (using Zoom, Teams or Skype)
4.    Attendees can then return to “Virtual Ross Auditorium” to visit with other employers
5.    Once finished, attendees can “check out” and exit the event

Additionally the Center has resources to help you prepare for the event, so be sure to check out the workshops: Strategic Job Search, Interviewing in a Virtual Space, and Working a Virtual Career Fair. To register and to view events click here!

It's Not to Late - Register Now! Stories of Success with Brian Brooks, EE Ward

Join us Wednesday, Feb. 17, from noon-1 p.m. as the Office of Community Relations welcomes Brian Brooks, owner of EE Ward Moving and Storage. EE Ward is the oldest African American-owned business in the United States. Brian will talk about his personal journey of owning a business that is nearly 140 years old and share some key takeaways and insights on being an entrepreneur. REGISTER TODAY!

Alumni Excusive Podcasts & Events:

Now more than ever, connections are important. Having trouble finding yours? Join us for one of the upcoming alumni podcasts or virtual events hosted exclusively for Franklin University alumni.

Podcasts:
February 15: Robert Coles, creative director at Stanford University: The Road to Now
March 15: Christi Cabungcal Engle, chief of staff and senior vice president, administration at Franklin University: Women in Leadership - Lessons Learned Along the Way
April 15: Michael Brown, senior national instructor at Becker Professional Education: Growing Relationships through Emotional Intelligence
May 15: Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president, International Institute for Innovative Instruction; dean, School of Education at Franklin University: Expanding Franklin's Footprint on a Global Scale to Help Fulfill Our Mission

Alumni Exclusive Events:
Feb 17: Success Stories with Brian Brooks, owner, EE Ward Moving and Storage
March (TBD): Women in Leadership Speaker Panel featuring:
•    Stacey Armstrong: chief operation officer, Riverside Methodist Hospital 
•    Melissa Gutierrez: SVP& general manager, Synchrony Financial
•    Angel Harris: vice president and chief advancement officer, United Way of Greater Houston
•    Moderated by Christi Cabungcal Engle: chief of staff and senior vice president, administration, Franklin University 

Franklin Events 

Looking to attend a development event with a friend who may not be a Franklin graduate? Join us for any of the following Franklin University events that are open to the public.

Feb. 18: Get in the Game! The Business of Sport. For more information click here!

Feb. 25 - Leaning into the Future of Work: Lessons in Leadership from a NASA Astronaut. For more information click here!

Did You Know

Franklin's first formal Commencement was held in 1923 with a total of 24 students in the graduating class. In the most recent Commencement ceremony, nearly 645 new Franklin graduates were welcomed to the Franklin University alumni family.#FranklinUniversityAlumni #50,000Strong

Share the News! 

Do you know of other alumni who are not connected with us? Have the email us at alumni@franklin.edu to be added to our email list and to update all of their information! Have them copy you on the email and we will send you some Franklin alumni swag!

Your Donation Matters - THANK YOU! 

 

Team Behind the Newsletter