Office of Student Life
Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program

Domestic Travel

BLF '25 Visits Rhode Island - September 2024

The BLF ‘25 cohort started their final semester in the program with a trip to Rhode Island, stopping in both Providence and Newport for an experience split between company and culture. This area of Rhode Island was selected because of its unique history, evolution, and range of wealth across various industries and seasons. Part of the ethos of this program is challenging our Fellows to approach every experience with curiosity, asking good questions and digging beneath what’s on the surface. That was the foundation for this trip. 

We kicked off our time there in Providence with a visit to the commonfont offices, an experience management company that provides technology consultation and solutions for companies around the world. Our Fellows rotated through sessions led by the commonfont team focused on experience management, entrepreneurship, and more. 

We also had the incredible opportunity to visit the Naval War College in Newport, former home of Ohio State President Ted Carter, where he served as President of the War College. Our time there included a tour of campus, a visit from current President, Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, a 90-minute leadership session led by Retired Captain and Associate Professor William Nault, and time with Ohio State Alumnus Mark Yehl. 

Later on, we stopped by Hinckley Yachts Service Yard in Portsmouth to learn about the history and evolution of the company, yacht industry, company operations, and dive deeper into the unique nature of the business. We capped off our trip with a visit to the Newport Mansions, touring both the Breakers and Marble House and learning about the history and impact of the Vanderbilt family. 

Our Fellows had the opportunity to think critically about each of these organizations and experiences, asking questions along the way and challenging perceptions they may have had about each. From the leadership approach in the U.S. Navy to the social impact of women in the Vanderbilt family, and everything in between, this trip set the stage for this cohort's final semester with BLF. 

BLF '24 in Boston, MA - September 2023

The BLF 2024 Cohort capped off their experience with a trip to Boston! BLF ‘24 traveled to Boston in September 2023 to meet with industry leaders, visit with companies, engage with BLF partners and alumni, and explore the history and culture of the city. Highlights from the trip included a tour of Kendall Square, a visit to the Johnson & Johnson office courtesy of Board Member Alex Jones, a mini challenge at Greentown Labs thanks to BLF Alumni Mike Strauch, and an Alumni get together with Boston Alumni. 

Highlights from the trip included:

  • 5 Fellows setting up professional meetings with Harvard and MIT
  • 1 Fellow getting on a plane for the first time
  • 3 Alumni and 1 Board Member engaging with the program
  • 6 Fellows exploring Boston for the first time