BLF launches newest Buckeye Leadership Challenge with Chicago based USG Corporation

Students in the Office of Student Life’s Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program will be working directly with marketing executives at USG Corporation (NYSE: USG) to reimagine the company’s brand presence in the aisles of Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards.  This marks the first time the BLF program has partnered with a multi-billion dollar company to host a leadership challenge.

Over the next eight weeks, students will conduct a packaging audit and competitive analysis of packaging in the building materials space.  They will also document and report on packaging best practices and recommend strategic changes and direction for USG as it looks to redefine their packaging.  This work will be presented by the students at USG’s corporate headquarters in Chicago on October 11^th in front of company executives, including James Metcalf, USG’s CEO and OSU alumnus.  

By participating in this leadership challenge, students in the BLF program will better understand the work of USG Corporation, a leader in the building materials industry, and engage in the process of researching, developing a product, and pitching an idea. They will also work collaboratively within a team and learn how to create a project design that meets the needs of a large corporation. Students will build their skills on how to compose and deliver a persuasive presentation and practice positive group behaviors such as effective teamwork, follow-through, proactive communication, immediate and actionable feedback.

About the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program: The Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program provides transformative experiences which empower third and fourth year undergraduate students to challenge themselves to continuously improve, to identify their place within the world, and to mindfully engage in their post-graduate pursuits. Interested students can apply to this multidisciplinary program during their sophomore year. Applications for the 2016 class will be available October of 2014. www.blf.osu.edu

About USG Corporation: For more than 110 years, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in exceeding customer expectations with innovative products and systems to build the environments in which people live, work and play. As the inventor of wallboard and mineral wool ceiling tile, USG created North America's building materials industry. Our products are used in everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to simple home improvements. Our flagship brands include SHEETROCK® Brand gypsum panels and DUROCK® cement board, which are recognized around the world. - See more at: http://www.usg.com/company/about-usg.html#sthash.jFrNLcg2.dpuf