Graduating Student Ambassadors Credit the College of Business for Their Success

These seniors all agree the College of Business helped shape them into the young professionals they are, equipped with important skills and relationships to transition into life after earning their undergraduate degrees. They encourage underclassmen to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the College of Business.

During her time at BGSU, Student Ambassador Victoria Deam has been involved in the Falcon Leadership Institute, the Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODI), serving as the communications chair, and as executive assistant for the Master of Organizational Development program. Additionally, Deam was selected for the College of Business Dean’s Scholar program.

“The most beneficial thing I learned while being a student at BGSU,” states Deam, “was to be open to every opportunity that may cross your path. I tend to stay on the ‘safe’ side of things and during my time here I was constantly pushed to leave that safe zone.” Deam adds, “I allowed myself to take part in once in a lifetime experiences like traveling to China, speaking in front of business professionals, and establishing myself as a leader.”

Deam recently accepted a full-time position with Hill’s Supply Inc., where she will be assisting the general manager at their Canal Fulton location.

Student Ambassador Zachary Durliat has also been a highly engaged student. On campus, he has been involved in the H2O Life group, the National Accounting Society - Beta Alpha Psi - serving as vice president and special events coordinator, club baseball, the BG quidditch team, the College of Business Dean’s Scholar program, and Founder’s Hall Council.

Durliat’s favorite thing about being a Student Ambassador has been the community aspect and all of the people he has met and added to his professional network. He treasures relationships that he will have for the rest of his life.

Following graduation, Durliat will be furthering his education at BGSU in the Master of Accountancy program. After that, he will be working full-time with Gilmore, Jasion, Mahler (GJM) in their Assurance and Risk Advisory departments.

In addition to being a Student Ambassador, senior Nicholas Elsass has been involved in the National Society for Leadership and Success on campus. One of the most important skills Elsass developed at the College of Business is communicating effectively with people at all levels of an organization. Before college, he was very shy. Having discovered the confidence to communicate, he will benefit in the business world as well as in his everyday life.

Like Durliat, Elsass will be returning to BGSU for the Master of Accountancy program while continuing his internship with BioFit Engineered Products in the accounts payable department. He is also looking forward to completing the CPA exam once he earns his graduate degree.

While on campus, Student Ambassador Paige Redlin has been involved in Women in Business Leadership and College of Business Peer Leaders Program and was selected for the Dean’s Scholar Program.

Redlin states, “The best thing about being a Student Ambassador is the constant support system. Being surrounded by so many that had the same type of drive and ambition to succeed inside and outside the classroom is motivating.”

The senior will be pursuing her Master of Business Administration in Analytics at BGSU upon graduation. Once she obtains her graduate degree, she would like to be an analyst at a company that can provide relocation opportunities while in her 20s.

One of the most valuable things Gloria Souter gained from BGSU and being a Student Ambassador was discovering who she really is. The College of Business taught her to be confident and go after the things she wants. She learned that it is okay to “fail” because you get right back up and keep going until you succeed.

Souter will be working at Penske Truck Leasing in Perrysburg, Ohio, following graduation. She looks forward to working her way up in the company. “I hope to become a sales leader in Australia and help grow the business in other countries,” explains Souter.

While at BGSU, Souter has been involved in the Academy of Professional Selling as well as being an Inclusive Leader Recipient.

Along with being a Student Ambassador, Jazzmin Speziali was a member of DACODI and the Women in Business Leadership chapter.

Speziali credits the Student Ambassador Program and BGSU for developing crucial soft skills. She is now able to confidently present at meetings, communicate effectively, and approach projects tactfully.

After graduation, Speziali will be a data analyst intern for Owens-Illinois in Perrysburg. She hopes to obtain a full-time position as an IT project manager, become certified by the Project Management Institute, and possibly earn an MBA.

“I am forever grateful for the College of Business at BGSU due to the connections and opportunities it has granted me,” exclaims Speziali.