Ohio Northern University’s Class of 2025 is launching into their dream careers, empowered by a community that supported them every step of the way. Meet a few of these incredible graduates who turned their passion into purpose. They are crushing it, and this is only the beginning.
Brooke Allen, BSBA ’25
Owens-Corning
Brooke landed a position at Owens-Corning in the Finance and Accounting Leadership Program, a three-year rotational program. She’s currently a financial analyst at a manufacturing plant near Dallas, Texas.
“At Ohio Northern, my professors and advisors always encouraged me to dream big and try new things. The strong focus on real world readiness was crucial to my success in three internships at Owens Corning. These internships led to my dream job at a company that embodies my core values and invests in my personal development.”
Cooper Koch, BSEE ’25
United States Air Force
Cooper is an electrical engineer for the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
“Working at the Air Force Research Labs is amazing because I work on cool experiments with experts in the field, helping me learn and grow as an engineer. At ONU, I developed critical thinking skills, and perhaps more importantly, communication skills, which have prepared me well for this dream position.”
Ella Porterfield, BSN ’25
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Ella is an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
“Even before starting nursing school, I had a strong interest in caring for mothers and newborns. Beginning my career as a new graduate nurse in the NICU is truly a dream come true. It’s an exciting and challenging environment, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow. My ONU nursing professors were the foundation of my success. With clinical rotations beginning my sophomore year, I embarked on my nursing career confidently with over 600 hours of clinical nursing experience.”
Naje Wright, BA ’25
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
Naje is a deputy sheriff trainee for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“I’m undergoing intensive training to become a well-rounded public safety advocate and law enforcement professional. As a Black woman serving under the first Black and first female sheriff in the county’s history, I feel a deep sense of purpose and pride. Representation matters, and I see this role as a chance to not only protect and serve, but also to inspire. I want to bring back hope, restore faith, and be the kind of deputy who listens, leads, and makes a real difference. ONU played a huge role in shaping the path I am on today.”
Lance Good, BSBA ’25
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Lance is a financial analyst at Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Findlay, Ohio.
“I’ve obtained the best entry-level job I could have asked for with a great company that offers opportunities for professional growth. ONU equipped me with interviewing skills and professional skills to help me succeed in a corporate environment. Most importantly, I learned the value of making personal connections with coworkers to build lasting relationships and a stronger work environment.”
Sara Phipps, BS ’25
Cypress Environmental Consulting
Sara is a wildlife biologist at Cypress Environmental Consulting, LCC, in Cypress, Texas.
“I’m combining my passion for the environment with meaningful, hands-on work that supports responsible land use and conservation. ONU played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey and career path. I was able to explore my interests deeply through laboratory work, field experiences, and one-on-one mentorship that simply wouldn’t have been possible in a larger university setting.”
Armani Ponder-Keith, BFA ’25
Wagon Wheel Performing Arts Center
This summer, Armani starred as Deloris in Sister Act at the prestigious Wagon Wheel Performing Arts Center in Indiana, a renowned venue that has launched numerous Broadway careers.
“Every job that helps me grow feels like a dream job. Performing in the round means the audience surrounds you, so every moment has to be real from every angle. And learning a show in just about two weeks? It’s intense, but makes you sharper and more connected with the cast. What makes it even more special is the legacy. Performers like Morgan Anita Wood, Henry Gendron, Makenzie Kurtz, and Bella Coppola, have all performed at Wagon Wheel. Knowing I’ve had the same training as them and now get to be part of the same experience—it’s super inspiring. It just feels like the right place to be. At ONU, I had the privilege of having such amazing teachers and mentors who helped guide me in the right direction.”
Spencer Short, PharmD ’25
Iowa Pharmacy Association
Spencer is the Executive Fellow in Association Management with the Iowa Pharmacy Association, in West Des Moines, Iowa.
“At the Iowa Pharmacy Association, I work with members and help advance the profession of pharmacy. There aren’t many fellowships in association management and ONU helped me achieve this position by providing me with unique experiences. My time at ONU included learning about advocacy and association management both inside and outside the classroom. ONU provided me with experiences I wouldn’t have gained anywhere else.”