The Joe Burrow Foundation partners with Ohio University College of Business alumni to empower student success

OHIO alumni once again showed their unwavering commitment to student success and collective action at the College of Business Society of Alumni and Friends Second Annual Bobcat Networking Event.

Article by Sarah Filipiak, Photos and Video by Game Day Communications | June 1, 2023

Ohio University alumni once again showed their unwavering commitment to student success and collective action at the College of Business Society of Alumni and Friends (SAF) Second Annual Bobcat Networking Event at Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals. With more than 250 attendees, this organizational collaboration on April 20 benefitted OHIO students, alumni, southeast Ohio, and the Cincinnati community by fundraising and providing professional connections.

The Joe Burrow Foundation and the Ohio University College of Business Society of Alumni and Friends were co-beneficiaries in the event proceeds. Jimmy and Robin Burrow of The Joe Burrow Foundation gave the keynote address.

The Burrows, parents of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, have a longstanding relationship with OHIO. The Joe Burrow Foundation's mission is to provide resources and support to underprivileged and underserved individuals, while the Society of Alumni and Friends aims to empower opportunities by connecting ambitious students to passionate Bobcat alumni.

“We are very proud to be Bobcats. We’re very proud that we raised Joe in the Bobcat Family,” Robin Burrow said.

Deland Basora ’01, vice president, retail execution at Procter & Gamble and panel presenter at the event, acknowledged the unique opportunity Ohio University provides and noted that networking events like this help to spread the word about OHIO’s unparalleled student experience.

“I’m a first-generation college student, and OU just taught me so much about how to learn and what was possible,” Basora said. “It really became a launchpad for my life.”

In addition to holding fundraising events and hosting networking events, the College of Business Society of Alumni and Friends hosts a pitch competition and issues scholarships for students who drive alumni engagement within a student organization. The 2022 SAF Pitch Competition winners, the Multicultural Student Business Caucus, received an additional commendation at the event.

Ohio University President Hugh Sherman kicked off the event with a warm welcome, expressing his appreciation for the alumni community's dedication to University fundraising and to students.

This College of Business Bobcat Networking Event brought together Ohio University alumni from various industries and professions with an Executive Bobcat Alumni Panel moderated by Emmy award-winning, former sports director of WCPO, John Popovich ’73. Attendees also participated in a raffle for Cincinnati Bengals Merchandise featuring autographed gear from Cincinnati Bengals players and enjoyed a performance from Ohio University’s Marching 110.

The Bobcat Networking Event at Paycor Stadium benefitted OHIO students, alumni, southeast Ohio, and the Cincinnati community by fundraising and providing professional connections.

Audience members enjoyed hearing remarks from OHIO students, faculty, staff and alumni during the event.

President Hugh Sherman spoke about the strong connections Bobcat alumni have with one another and thanked those in attendance for their support.

The Executive Bobcat Alumni Panel shared wisdom and advice during the evening.

Bobcat pride was evident throughout the evening.

The event was also a great opportunity for networking and making new connections with OHIO alumni and supporters.

Jimmy and Robin Burrow, parents of Joe Burrow, presented the keynote address at the Bobcat Networking Event.

A large crowd of OHIO alumni and supporters attended the event to network with fellow Bobcats, hear from OHIO leaders and enjoy a fun evening together.