Letter to a Mentor - Juan Tramontin

To Peter Rogers,

3 weeks into freshman year I watched you sprint and dive headfirst into a lake with no hesitation. I was at my first Integrated Business & Engineering retreat, and had no idea what to expect – it certainly was not watching my Professor spontaneously jump into a lake. I hadn’t met you yet, but instantly knew you’d be the most entertaining professor I’d ever have. I was right.

You epitomize the idea “adding life to your years, not years to your life”. I hope to have a quarter of that happiness and youthful energy you always brought to class throughout my life. You’ve taught me to enjoy each experience I’ve had, and to always focus on the bigger picture.

This moment below is one I will never forget. The first University Innovation Fellows pinning. Big thanks to you for dealing with us - four naively ambitious students - who brought an entirely new partnership to OSU with no regard for asking for permission at any step of the way - and it is certainly a deserving thanks to you for supporting us and encouraging us to do so.

IBE has made me the student I am today, and I owe my ambition for the future to your mentorship these past four years. Thank you today and thank you always.

Wishing you the best Pete.

Here’s to more fishing and less raw onions.

Cheers,

Juan Tramontin