How a Study Abroad Trip Led to an Unforgettable Alumni Connection

Study abroad programs provide an effective way to open doors, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to succeed in today's interconnected business world. Professor Man Zhang annually takes students to Barcelona, Spain, for a Global Entrepreneurship study abroad program. This year, an unforgettable connection was made through social media, uniting two BGSU College of Business alums and students for a remarkable day of learning at HP's Barcelona Campus.

Zachary Hunnel, a 2014 graduate of the College of Business, contacted Professor Zhang after seeing a social media post showcasing her class in Barcelona, Spain. As a global logistics business manager for HP Barcelona, he invited the class to visit the HP headquarters. He connected the class with Jessica Kipp, an alumna of the College of Business and Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Markets and Logistics at HP. 

HP's Barcelona campus is dedicated to advancing HP's industrial 3D printing portfolio, offering a large-scale factory environment for collaboration with customers and partners on digital manufacturing technologies that are transforming their respective industries. Jessica was able to arrange a tour of the HP Barcelona campus tour, where students were able to tour the campus, learn from a variety of HP employees, and explore the world of 3D printing. 

Students were able to learn and hear from a variety of speakers: 

- Aleix Muntal, HR Business Partner (Global Supply Chain Markets & Logistics, Global Planning)
- Alan Lobban, Large Format Print Engineer
- Ignasi Galceran, 3D Printing Worldwide Operations
- Zach Hunnell, Global Logistics Strategic Development Manager
- Jessica Kipp, Senior VP of Supply Chain Markets & Logistics

Alongside their time at HP Barcelona, students had the opportunity to visit coworking spaces, such as TechBarcelona, a non-profit dedicated to reinforcing Barcelona as a model of the international digital and technological ecosystem.  Additionally, they were able to immerse themselves in the rich architecture, culture, and history of Spain.