Meet Members of theNational Board of Advisors
JIM OSTER
’81 Business Administration, Accounting
KeyBank, SVP and FX Sales Manager
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
My reason for participating in the Carson College of Business National Board of Advisors is twofold. First, it is one way of giving back to WSU for the education I received and that has been instrumental in my career advancement and success. Second, it is a way to help students navigate a highly competitive job market so they can successfully start their business careers.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
The students I have mentored and met with have been advised to focus not only on their technical business skills but also on their communication skills. Unfortunately in today’s high tech environment, communication is becoming a lost art, especially written communication.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
Next to meeting Cindy, my wife of 35 years, my favorite memory is the family and welcoming feel of WSU.
SHANNON (FRIGON) FLYNN
’95 Business Administration, Human Resources Management
Senior Human Resources Manager, Microsoft
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
I always feel it is important to give back to the community, and for me, WSU and the business college were instrumental in helping me reach many of my career goals. As I was looking for opportunities to give back, I wanted to do so in a way that would leverage my strengths and also benefit the students. The National Board of Advisors was the perfect opportunity for me to get closer to the college and be able to work directly with the students.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
Be confident. You are getting a fantastic education through the Carson College, and employers realize this. I also recommend that you try to look for positions or companies that connect with what you really value in life. And lastly, try to get summer internships in your field, even if you’re a freshman. Those kind of experiences can really help prepare you to be job ready after graduation and may help identify what you really want to do (or not).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
My favorite memories have to do with being part of a group called Crimson Company. This was a show choir (think Glee), and we would put on a two-hour production that was really quite amazing. We were also ambassadors for the University; we would travel throughout Washington state and put on performances and workshops with high school students. I was very proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people, and many of my closest friendships today are with the people from that group.
TAMMY (KILLINGSWORTH) HOSSFELD
’96 Business Administration
Client Service Manager, RGP
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OFTHE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
I volunteer with the National Board of Advisors because it gives me a tangible way to give back to a place that has afforded me many opportunities throughout my life. My education from the Carson College of Business has served me well through my career and connected me to many successful and selfless alums. It means a lot to be involved with the board to assist in creating opportunities for our current and future students.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
The best advice I have for students is to take advantage of every opportunity that you can during your time at WSU. Whether it is participating in a foreign study program, being involved in a variety of student organizations, or participating in a sport, future employers desire diverse experiences. While grades are very important, it is valuable to be able to market yourself as a well-rounded potential employee.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
I loved everything about my time in Pullman and continue to love being a part of Cougar Nation. It is the unique family experience that you receive during your time at WSU that will follow you forever. Go Cougs!
DON LIONETTI
’87 Business Administration, Marketing
Microsoft Federal Account Manager
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF
THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
As do most WSU alumni, I feel a deep bond with WSU and truly enjoy the time I get to spend on campus and with students and faculty as a result of serving on the National Board of Advisors. It is extremely fulfilling to get back to campus a few times a year and see the tremendous progress that WSU and the Carson College of Business have made over the last decade. There are wonderful things happening at WSU, and I encourage other alumni to get engaged. There is no better feeling than giving back to the current students and faculty by volunteering your time.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
I am genuinely impressed by the quality of students at WSU who I get to interact with. I encourage business students to get involved in the Carson Center for Student Success as well as the various clubs for their majors. Additionally, go talk to the professors and department heads for your major. Finally, if you have the opportunity, go study abroad through one of the many programs available in the college and expand your résumé. I was fortunate to visit Cèsar Ritz Colleges, our sister campus in Brig, Switzerland this past March. At the end of their term in Brig, students were able to travel Europe for a month while their fellow Pullman students were still in class!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
Boy, so many fond memories come to mind! The best memory would have to be the lifelong friends I made at WSU. The world-class academic experience coupled with a social experience created who I am today. It is true that when I travel the country and see a person wearing a WSU hat or shirt, all I need to say is “Go Cougs” to see that Pullman experience in their eyes and know we are connected in a unique way.