Lindner Alumni Spotlight - Allison Brucato ’15

I initially was interested in a degree in hospitality management. During my college search, the hospitality management programs were in a variety of different schools at each college/university. Something that really stood out to me was that at the University of Cincinnati, hospitality management was in the business school. At 18, you don’t know if you will stick with the major you initially choose through your whole collegiate career (I personally did not and switched to marketing), and I strongly felt that no matter what degree I graduated with, having a business degree would help me exceed in future endeavors.

Ultimately, I chose Lindner for two reasons. First, I liked the idea of graduating with a business degree. Second, I loved that with the Kolodzik Business Scholars (KBS) program I could tailor my college experience around my interests and the path I wanted, whether it was study abroad (was able to go to Italy and Canada), co-op versus internship (interned at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Courtenay Lambert Florals where I was able to work at the White House), joining campus organizations (Chi Omega Sorority and the American Marketing Association), volunteering (through various campus organizations), etc. In KBS, you can make your college experience your own.

A recent quote that I have really connected with is, “optimism is necessary for achievement.” This message was a pivotal one I learned at Lindner and has been a hallmark of my career ever since. At Lindner, I had the opportunity of having Dean Marianne Lewis serve as the director of the Kolodzik Business Scholars. For anyone who has had the opportunity to meet Dean Lewis, the quote I shared should resonate. She is an incredible leader who is able to empower those she works with, and her enthusiasm and optimism for her passions and what is next provided such a valuable lesson. Dean Lewis showed me that I can accomplish my goals and establish myself as a driven professional while still doing so with optimism and sincerity. I have found that when many people hear the phrase “business professional,” enthusiasm and optimism do not always come first to mind, but Dean Lewis helped teach me that this could be the way of the “new” business professional, and especially a female business professional. I was able to go into my career with the mindset that a positive attitude and outlook could help me achieve my goals, and I am forever grateful for the lesson I learned.

The Carl H. Lindner Outstanding Junior Award changed how I perceived myself. Receiving the award allowed me to congratulate myself on what I had achieved so far and push myself to achieve even more. It took me from someone who had an interest in project management and events but wasn’t fully sure what to do with it, into someone who was able to find her career and build experiences around it. This award showed me that others saw potential in me. Lindner has always impressed me but what makes it stand apart is its ability, through faculty, staff, affiliated business partners, etc., to empower and encourage every student who walks through the building to become who they were meant to be.