BGSU celebrates opening of Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Committed to providing comprehensive student learning and career opportunities, Bowling Green State University dedicated the Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections on Thursday as part of the University's continued commitment to redefining student success through Life Design.

The opening of the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections marks the second expansion this year of the Life Design program at BGSU following the opening of the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design in January. BGSU is the only university in the country offering Life Design on such a broad scale.

The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections aims to help students align their interests with future career opportunities through meaningful connections and experiential learning.

“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is redefining student success for the 21st century,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “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 newly refreshed space on the second floor of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union is made possible by the transformative gift of alumnus Mike Kuhlin '68, which furthers the commitment to career design and connections 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.”

With its central location, the reinvigorated space has an inviting atmosphere that encourages student engagement, featuring a comfortable place to connect and network, with updated furnishings and areas to relax in between classes.

At BGSU, students 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.

“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.”

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

The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections 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.

The Kuhlin Hub is led by Steve Russell, inaugural assistant vice president and executive director.

“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," he said. "The Kuhlin Hub will be an incredible resource as students envision their lives beyond BGSU."