Our latest addition to our series of Alumni Council Q&As features Council Second Vice President Victoria Beppler ('11, MBA '14).
Q: When did you graduate from Waynesburg University, and what was your major?
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in 2011 and my MBA in Market Development in 2014.
Q: Where has life taken you since graduating from Waynesburg University?
It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years since I graduated from WU! I spent the first 6.5 years of my career in the Alumni Office, and I was afforded so many opportunities to travel near and far to meet alumni across the country. I even got to travel on an Alumni service trip to Guatemala!
Outside my current day-to-day work (more on that below), I’m passionate about spending my time with my family, sewing, playing board games, reading, and volunteering with my son’s PTA.
Q: What is your current job/title, and what is your current location?
I’m the Creative Brand Strategist at Sentric, a Pittsburgh-based HR and Payroll software company. I currently live in Canonsburg with my husband, Josh (’10, MBA ’14); son (and hopefully future Yellow Jacket!), Grayson; and dog, Brinkley.
Q: Can you describe your typical day?
I’ve always been passionate about combining design, content, and technology, and I get to do that in my current role! One of the best things about my job as a member of the Sentric marketing team is that every day looks a little different. One minute I may be designing an eBook or infographic; the next I could be managing an email campaign from start to finish. I manage a lot of projects, but that means I get to collaborate with a lot of people inside and outside of my company.
Q: Can you describe your time as a student at Waynesburg and how it shaped you as a person?
As a student, I was presented with so many opportunities that led me to my passion for communication and graphic design. I had class after class that focused on service leadership and giving back to others. One of my most memorable projects was for a PR class where I designed a brochure that the local Salvation Army was able to use.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Waynesburg student?
Thanksgiving Dinner! I’m not sure how long this event has been taking place, but for those who aren’t familiar, each year before the fall holiday break, students enjoy a Thanksgiving meal served by faculty and staff volunteers.
Q: Who were your favorite professors at Waynesburg, and why?
Richard Krause (Communication/Public Relations), Kristine Schiffbauer (Design), and Woody Woodburn (MBA). I always felt like I could go to them with questions or ask for advice, and I learned key concepts and best practices that I continue to implement throughout my current role and my life.
Q: Why is staying connected with your alma mater important to you?
Waynesburg will always be a big part of my family’s life, and it simply means a great deal to me to stay connected with the past, present, and future of the Waynesburg community!
Q: What does your role as an Alumni Council member and officer entail, and what motivates you to give back to the University in this way?
As an Alumni Council member, my role is to give feedback on upcoming programs and events, share new ideas, as well as share what WU is doing with my network of alumni and friends. Overall, my time in the Alumni Office gave me a lot of institutional knowledge and I enjoy being able to give back in this way, but I’m motivated by the students who will one day join the alumni family. I want to make sure there are programs and events in place to connect with them long after they graduate from WU.
Q: What advice do you have for current students? For recent graduates?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! It’s easy to feel like a question you have isn't important, or like you should know the answer already, but it’s better to ask than not know.