Life Design at BGSU: Reception celebrates Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections, dedicated to helping students align interests, future career opportunities

Event at the Kuhlin Hub in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union celebrates the space made possible by a transformative gift by alumnus Mike Kuhlin '68

The celebration of the Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections on Thursday signified Bowling Green State University’s continued commitment to redefining student success through Life Design at BGSU.

The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections marks the second expansion this year of the Life Design program following the opening of the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design in January.

The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections is a key component of Life Design aimed at helping students align their interests with future career opportunities.

BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers, University leaders, members of the BGSU Board of Trustees and alumnus Mike Kuhlin ‘68, whose transformative gift in 2022 established the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections, celebrated the newly refreshed space on the second floor of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is redefining student success for the 21st century,” President Rogers said. “The Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections will empower our students to explore career options that align with their academics and interests, and build a network of employers and alumni for career and life. 

"We are so grateful for the generous support from Mike Kuhlin, and his late wife, Sara, who have again demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students and a belief in the power of a BGSU education.”

The central location of the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections and its inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating and space to relax in between classes, encourage student engagement.

Students most commonly begin their track through Life Design with the Radbill Center for College and Life Design and begin working with the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections as they progress through their journey at the University.

"I chose to support Life Design because I was inspired by the vision of BGSU President Rodney Rogers and the impact this program would have on student success. The Career Design and Connections initiative is results-oriented, and its success will be measured," Kuhlin said. 

"The BGSU Life Design program is leading the nation by offering a four-year comprehensive program that other institutions are interested in emulating. And, I’m confident that Life Design will continue for years to come at BGSU thanks to endowments that my classmate, Geoff Radbill, and I established to support both the Radbill Center and the Kuhlin Hub.”

The Kuhlin Hub is focused on expanding the University’s external partnerships and facilitating connections between students and industry professionals that lead to mentorship, co-ops, internships and fulfilling career opportunities.

Steve Russell, inaugural assistant vice president and executive director of the Kuhlin Hub, said helping BGSU students become “in-network” with large organizations is a top priority.

Connecting students, especially those from underrepresented populations, to corporate partners makes them more likely to be considered for positions not traditionally visible to those outside the organization’s network.

“Connecting students to alumni, corporate partners, entrepreneurs and other external stakeholders offers an opportunity to test out what a future career might look like and ultimately help students become part of the powerful BGSU network," Russell said. "The Kuhlin Hub will be an incredible resource as students envision their lives beyond BGSU."

The Kuhlin Hub offers students resources and support to explore career opportunities purposefully through prototyping experiences — a concept that stems from design thinking.

Russell said a meeting between a student and alumni working in the student’s field of interest is one example of prototyping. Other examples include job shadowing or in-person simulations connecting a student to a specific company or industry.

Career exploration is an essential part of a student’s journey and development.

When a student engages with the Kuhlin Hub, they’ll be connected to a Career Design coach, similar to the Life Design coaches students are paired with in their introductory Life Design class.

“We are so appreciative of this generous gift from Mike and Sara Kuhlin,” said Pam Conlin, vice president for University Advancement and president and CEO of BGSU Foundation, Inc. "The Life Design initiative and creation of the Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections demonstrates the power of private philanthropy and the transformational impact it has on a public university to prepare students to lead meaningful and productive lives.

"The Kuhlin Hub is an inviting space for students to connect with industry professionals and increase mentorships, co-ops and internships, leading to fulfilling career opportunities for our students.”