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Clocktower | One Community. Infinite Journeys.
ONE COMMUNITY. INFINITE JOURNEYS.
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Strengthening Connections 
ACROSS THE MILES
From 1:1 academic advising to professional networks that grow with each group assignment, 
personal connections have always been key to the Franklin experience. Over the past year, 
the alumni team set out to engage with more alumni to create meaningful ways to extend 
that connectivity, while strengthening ties to our university and one another. 
LOCAL LEADERS, 
LIFELONG BONDS
In central Ohio, we connected with alumnus 
and longtime donor Richard Thomas (B.S. 
Business Administration ’65), whose vision 
and generosity continue to expand 
opportunities for future students. 
His support exemplifies the lasting difference 
Franklin alumni make in strengthening 
the University’s mission.
We also met with David Paitson, CEO 
of the Columbus Fury and newly appointed 
member of Franklin’s Sports Management 
Advisory Council, a 2003 Franklin graduate. 
His leadership in professional sports and his 
commitment to mentoring the next 
generation of sports management 
professionals reflect the powerful role 
alumni play in shaping relevant, 
real-world learning experiences.
ROOTED IN THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY
Connection isn’t a place. It’s a commitment 
to show up, listen deeply, and grow together.
The first annual Rooted & Rising gathering provided 
an opportunity for alumni to join current students 
for an on-campus professional development event. 
Conversations were lively, ideas flowed, and a renewed 
sense of collective purpose filled the spaces. 
Attendees welcomed the opportunity to connect — or 
re-connect — with the people and the place that played 
such a pivotal role in so many professional journeys.
SAVE THE DATE FOR ROOTED & RISING 2026: 
Friday, May 29, 3-6 p.m. 
Franklin University Main Campus, Columbus, Ohio
ROOTED IN THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY
Connection isn’t a place. It’s a commitment 
to show up, listen deeply, and grow together.
The first annual Rooted & Rising gathering provided 
an opportunity for alumni to join current students 
for an on-campus professional development event. 
Conversations were lively, ideas flowed, and a renewed 
sense of collective purpose filled the spaces. 
Attendees welcomed the opportunity to connect — or 
re-connect — with the people and the place that played 
such a pivotal role in so many professional journeys.
SAVE THE DATE FOR ROOTED & RISING 2026: 
Friday, May 29, 3-6 p.m. 
Franklin University Main Campus, Columbus, Ohio

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