During the 2015-2016 school year, several WWU School of Business alumni returned to campus to share their experiences and career advice with current students. Ken Aso (1997 graduate) spoke about his experience obtaining an MBA and working at Boeing. Paul and Deanne Rhynard (2004 graduates) discussed Paul's career at McKinsey & Company and Deanne's role at Olo.com. Justin Davis (2012 graduate) presented on his work analyzing data at Twitter. The alumni encouraged students to gain expertise in their fields and offered guidance on internships, job applications, and life after graduation. Their involvement helped students in their professional development and supported the School of Business.

1. Alumni Giving Back
Every year WWU sends its graduates into the work force
equipped with knowledge, experience, and a dedication
to hard work. As these graduates leave, they take what
they learned and apply it to their careers. During this
school year, several School of Business alumni ventured
back to where it all started to share their stories with stu-
dents.
Ken Aso (1997 WWU grad-
uate, Tuck School of Busi-
ness at Dartmouth MBA,
Strategic Development and
Commercial Growth Execu-
tive at Boeing) gave a col-
loquium talk and a school-
wide presentation about his
MBA experience and job at
Boeing.
Students had the oppor-
tunity to sign up for one-on
-one informational sessions
afterwards. During these
meetings they got to ask
questions and get advice in
a more personal setting.
“I gained so much from Ken Aso's knowledge about MBAs and
his professional experience, but more importantly, I learned
about the process of introspection and action. It's about look-
ing within oneself to determine what is truly most desired, fig-
uring out how to best get there, and then working like no oth-
er to actually achieve it. Hearing the details of this process
from Mr. Aso was extremely valuable to both my personal and
professional lives.” -Paul Trapani, Marketing
“Ken answered my questions and left me with many more. He
encouraged me to identify my areas of weakness, to take the
initiative to improve them, and to become an expert in my ar-
ea. He also recommended that I select my first post-graduate
position carefully, weighing the benefits and risks of a simple
versus complex role. It is an amazing opportunity to spend
time with professionals like Mr. Aso and one of things that I
appreciate most about WWU’s business program!”
-Kelsey Gratias, Business
“Mr. Aso encouraged me to delve into one specific aspect of
business and become an expert in the field. He encouraged me
to make myself valuable in such a way that people would see
me as invaluable. He emphasized that it is only after you per-
fect your craft that you can broaden your field of knowledge
into other areas of business. With the world becoming more
technical and specialized, it is increasingly important to make
sure you have the necessary skills to get the job done. These
are just a few of the things Mr. Aso encouraged me to pursue
as I start my business career.” -Trey Avey, Finance
During winter quarter, we were privileged to have Paul
and Deanne Rhynard visit. Both are 2004 WWU business
alums. Paul, a CFA, earned his MBA at the University of
Virginia-Darden and is a former manager at McKinsey &
Company. Deanne is Director of Operations at Olo.com.
Paul talked to several business classes and Deanne host-
ed a small get-together with the female business majors
to offer personal and professional advice. The Rhynards
also introduced a summer internship that they are spon-
soring and mentoring to improve the School of Business
job and internship placement for years to come.
Finally, during spring quarter
Justin Davis (2012 WWU
graduate, Data Platform
Sales at Twitter) presented
at a colloquium and also did
informational interviews.
Students learned about the
ins and outs of Twitter data
and also got helpful advice
on life after graduation.
“Justin Davis gave me some
pretty solid advice about apply-
ing for jobs. Instead of just
blindly applying to dozens, you
should do your research on
people who work at the compa-
ny you want to work for. If you
make a personal connection with
them, especially recruiters, your
odds of getting a job increase quite a bit. Justin’s excitement
about his field is contagious. When I first met him, I actually
skipped a class so I could keep talking with him about his ex-
perience at Twitter.” - Tyler Sherwin, Finance
The School of Business would like to thank Ken Aso, Paul
and Deanne Rhynard, and Justin Davis for giving back to
Walla Walla University and, specifically, to the School of
Business!
School of Business
Walla Walla University
The Online Exchange
wallawalla.edu/business | busnschool@wallawalla.edu | Phone: (509) 527-2951 | Fax: (509) 527-2962
Spring 2016
Ken Aso
Justin Davis
Paul and Deanne
Rhynard

2. The 2015-2016 school year is over and summer vacation has arrived! As always, our prayer is that this Exchange
finds you and your families healthy, joyful, and blessed. Our final School of Business Online Exchange provides a
glimpse of another exciting year for our students, staff, and faculty. None of this would be possible without the gen-
erous support of our alums and friends. Thank you for supporting Walla Walla University and the School of Business!
wallawalla.edu/business | busnschool@wallawalla.edu | Phone: (509) 527-2951 | Fax: (509) 527-2962
School of Business
Walla Walla University
The Online Exchange
Awards Colloquium: Seniors receiving a new certificate of completion in AMA Market Research (left) and their certificates for
Delta Mu Delta, an international honors society (right).
Professional Development: This year the Business Club wanted to focus on creating and hosting events that centered
around helping students in their professional lives. Three events were held: Coffee with an Economist (left), Marketing You (middle).
Business Club Declares War on Student Debt (right).
Graduation: Business graduates pose in front of Bowers Hall for one last picture on their big day. Congratulations!