Director of Alumni Relations Megan Brandl ‘20 hosted the Ram 2 Ram panel on Friday, November 7, 2025. Alumni visiting for Homecoming & Family Weekend shared stories from their time at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ University with current students and offered advice on post-graduation opportunities.
The panel included Olivia Bales ‘16, Sarah Nipper ‘19, Zach Smith ‘08, and Savannah Wimbush ‘18
Bales studied art and design. She is the owner of Lou & Co, a women’s boutique in Marion, Virginia, and an online store.
Nipper studied biology at ¹û¶³´«Ã½, specializing in Pre-Health. She continued her education at the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry and practices optometry in ¹û¶³´«Ã½, West Virginia.
Smith majored in Christian Studies and Criminal Justice, concentrating in Pre-Law. He continued his education at the Appalachian School of Law, where he earned a Doctor of Law in 2015. He is an attorney for Buckland Law Firm, P.L.L.C. in Pearisburg, Virginia.
Wimbush studied graphic communication as a BU undergraduate. She went on to complete a Master of Business Administration at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ in 2019. She currently serves as Business Development Manager for Stafford County Economic Development in Virginia.
Students asked the panel about balancing academics and a social life, applying for jobs, and adjusting to life after college. Bales, Nipper, Smith, and Wimbush emphasized the importance of networking, gaining a variety of work experiences, and studying with friends to stay accountable.
Homecoming & Family Weekend continues through Sunday, November 9. The full schedule is available online: /alumni/alumni-events-services/homecoming/.