Powered by Alumni

We often say, “Once Olin, always Olin,” and it’s true. Our alumni are the powerful force that helps drive our school’s growth, reputation, and excellence. They aren’t just engaged; they are actively shaping the next generation of business leaders and securing Olin’s place among the world’s top business schools.

From stepping into classrooms as guest speakers and mentoring students through consulting projects to sitting on boards and consistently hiring Olin talent for internships and full-time roles, the impact of the Olin network is everywhere. These profiles offer a quick look at the many ways our alumni continue to lead, connect, and help us make a real impact.

Why do you stay connected to Olin?

“WashU Olin continues to play a huge role in my personal and business lives, including [my sports gear upcycling company] Passback’s growth. Since our founding in 2023, we’ve had students involved in research and consulting projects each semester — most coming through the Center for Experiential Learning. Additionally, I also stay in touch with many alumni, and it’s been incredible to watch as their careers evolve, and it’s been beneficial for Passback as well. For example, my classmate Max Barretto, now VP at Parkside Financial, helped Passback secure our first CRA donation; Tom Graff at Ameren recently helped coordinate a companywide collection drive; and Titobi Oreorolun (we met in The League) is a key redistribution partner for Passback. Also, Vianca Cuevas Soulette and Jon Lee Casco are key teammates of Passback. Staying connected to professors like Dr. Heather Cameron has also been crucial — her mentorship has shaped both my leadership and our organization’s strategy.”

How did Olin prepare you for your career?

“Olin taught me how to think and act like an entrepreneur. Courses like The Hatchery, The League of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, and the Skandalaris Center were the launchpads for Passback — the very first funding we received was from the Holekamp Seed Fund. Olin gave me not only the business fundamentals but also the confidence, network, and community to take an idea from concept to tangible impact. Passback truly wouldn’t exist without that foundation and credibility.”

Olin gave me not only the business fundamentals but also the confidence, network, and community to take an idea from concept to tangible impact.

—Magdalen Sparrow

What things have you done with Olin recently?

“Over the past year, I’ve continued collaborating with Olin student groups on research and impact-building projects. These have included analyzing the fair market value of donated sports gear, tracking greenhouse gas and landfill diversion data, and developing our circularity brand metrics and product life-cycle tracking systems. The students’ work has directly advanced Passback’s technology and sustainability reporting. I have also been honored to speak to a few classes as part of a panel learning about entrepreneurship.”

Why do you stay connected to Olin?

“Olin has one of the most supportive and encouraging networks I have ever been part of. Whenever I face a challenge, I know I can reach out to someone from Olin and find genuine guidance and help. The community truly wants to see each other succeed, and that spirit of connection and collaboration has stayed with me beyond graduation. I stay involved because Olin played such a big role in shaping my growth as a founder, and it continues to feel like a place where I belong.”

How did Olin prepare you for your career?

“Olin gave me the opportunity not only to learn essential skills such as pitching business ideas, managing teams, and developing long-term strategy, but also to apply them through hands-on experiential opportunities. Those experiences allowed me to take what I learned in the classroom and bring it to life through my own venture. The combination of academic rigor, real-world application, and mentorship from professors like Doug Villhard played a huge role in preparing me for my career as a founder.”

What things have you done with Olin recently?

“This past year, I had the opportunity to return to Olin to speak in an entrepreneurship class and share my journey as a founder — which was such a full-circle moment for me. I also participated in a program with the Center for Experiential Learning, where I had the chance to collaborate with an incredible student team. They helped me gain deeper insights into my target market, refine my business strategy, and navigate some of the challenges that come with scaling a growing brand. It was inspiring to see the level of thought, creativity, and dedication they brought to the project.”

Why do you stay connected to Olin?

“I stay connected to WashU Olin for numerous reasons. First, for the continuous education opportunities afforded through the seminars, roundtables, executive education, and more. Second, for the unmatched network available via Olin, its current students, its past and present faculty members, and its alumni. Because I am a citizen of the region, WashU Olin Business School is one of my primary means of staying connected and relevant. Finally, for the ongoing mentorship provided through relationships I developed at Olin, whether that be former instructors, fellow students, or current Olin staff.”

How did Olin prepare you for your career?

“I am a retired Navy officer and had started my own business when I attended the Executive MBA program at Olin from 2018 to 2020. When I started the program, my company had less than $10 million in annual sales. This year, we’re going to exceed $60 million in revenue. The executive education I received at Olin helped me transition UNCOMN from a burgeoning startup into a growing, profitable, scalable consultancy ready for the next phase of growth.”

What things have you done with Olin recently?

“I am an active board member of the Olin Veterans Association Advisory Board and have participated in several events designed to strengthen the connection between Olin and its military veterans, as well as recruit new veterans into the school. I have spoken at Olin recruiting events, sat on Olin-sponsored panels, and honored Ron King by speaking on his behalf at his retirement ceremony. I’ve also traveled to Puerto Rico to visit a fellow student who I met through the EMBA program. There are too many ways to count!”

Why do you stay connected to Olin?

“I stay connected to WashU Olin because I deeply value its vibrant community and the diverse opportunities the network provides for continued professional growth. Serving on the Olin Alumni Advisory Board allows me to stay engaged with the school’s strategic direction and contribute to its mission. I’ve also had the privilege of partnering with the Center for Experiential Learning, which has been a meaningful way to collaborate with students and faculty on real-world business challenges.”

How did Olin prepare you for your career?

“I joined Olin later in my career through the Executive MBA program, recognizing it was the right time to take the next step in my professional journey. During the 20-month program, I transitioned into a new role and was promoted — I credit the program’s impact. Olin challenged me to think more strategically, ask better questions, and define my leadership style. The experience sharpened my performance and equipped me with the confidence and tools to lead more effectively.

What things have you done with Olin recently?

“Last fall, I partnered with the Center for Experiential Learning and Professor Michael Wall to host a practicum at Energizer, where a team of Olin students tackled a specific business challenge we were facing. The students impressed us with their intelligence, creativity, and fresh perspectives. Their recommendations helped us reframe our approach and demonstrated the real-world value of experiential learning.”