Connections, collaborations and celebrating accomplishments: Alumni and students unite at 4th annual All Voices as One conference

Students speed networking with Statler College alumni at the All Voices as One conference. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Alumni from across the country came together with faculty, staff and students for the annual All Voices as One! student-led conference, hosted by Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University.  

Now in its 4th year, the hallmark event connects the Statler community together in a collaborative forum to foster open discussions, networking, and review of student projects and research.  

Organized by a student’s committee, both graduate and undergraduate students were represented by chemical and biomedical engineering PhD candidates, Negar Farhang Doost, Daniel Duque Urrego, and David Akomolafe, senior computer science and petroleum and natural gas engineering dual major Isabel Perez, along with Teaching Assistant Professor of Fundamental of Engineering Huy Gia Pham and the Office of the Dean and the Associate Dean for Student, Faculty and Staff Engagement, Cerasela Zoica Dinu.   

The keynote lecture “Connections: How the flying WV can enable you, your career and the community” was delivered by Diane Sherrard, a chemical engineering alumna, and the Vice President of Corporate Quality Assurance for The Procter and Gamble Company. Sherrard, a bachelor’s in chemical engineering, discussed her involvement in community service, her career journey, and how the skills she gained at WVU, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, helped her succeed. She emphasized the importance of community and connections, both personally and professionally, and leaving a legacy through educational and community support.  

WVU Statler College alumna, Diane Sherrard

“I want you to be so proud of this flying WV, because this is going to have built skills for you, a community for you, and basically some personal values that you might not have thought you were getting when you were coming here,” Sherrard explained. “No matter whether I physically go to another part of the world, whether I interact with someone, everyone knows this logo, flying West Virginia, what it means, the country roads. And so, I want you to recognize how important that is, and how lucky you are to have that because the number of connections that it brings you when you're out in the world is just amazing,” Sherrard said.  

In recognizing excellence in connections and community, Sherrard announced the 2025 Excellence in Cultivating Engagement and Belonging Award recipients. This year’s cohort includes: 

• Student award: Daniel Duque Urrego of chemical and biomedical engineering
• Faculty committee award: Lane Department Community, Values, and Engagement
• Staff Award: Michael Brewster, of Fundamentals of Engineering Program
• Student organization award: Engineers Without Borders, Statler student organization

The speed networking session brought together 15 alumni and over 30 students to network and increase their professional readiness. Supporting alumni represented different industries and majors:  

• Diane Sherrard, Vice President of Corporate Quality Assurance, Procter and Gamble Company
• John Mazzone, Retired Executive, American Electric Power
• Katie Chaddock, Site Head of Commercial Manufacturing, Orca Bio
• Brian Anderson, President and CEO, DynaVolve Energy Strategies
• Yemi Akinkugbe, Former Chief Excellence Officer at CNX Resources Corporation, Statler College Advisory Committee Member
• Beth Corell, Founder and Career Coach, Step Function Coaching
• Kief Hess, Retired Center of Excellence Leader, Chemtura Corporation
• John Gardner, Retired-President-Global Strategic Accounts at Emerson Automation Solutions
• Vince Stricker, Consulting Engineer at KeyLogic Systems
• David A. Velegol, Jr., Principal Water Resources
• John McCune, President, Chief Technology Officer, Redstone Technology Integration
• Stuart Goodman, Retired executive, Shell
• Brandon Downey, President/CEO at Trilogy Innovations Inc.
• Kevin Fields, Senior Engineering Manager – Plant Operations PE E&F, Region 1, Toyota
• Ross Schlobohm, Retired Associate Director, WVU Facilities Management

WVU Statler College alumni speed networking with students.

Students had additional one-on-one opportunities with alumni and attendees in the final poster session — featuring 36 posters. Offering a dynamic platform for emerging scholars to share their research, creativity and innovation with a broader academic and professional audience. Beyond showcasing academic excellence, student posters also fostered a sense of community and integration. This year, alumni were key judges for the student poster presentations, bringing their professional experience, expertise and insight into the evaluation process. 

Alumni judges provided students with constructive feedback, fresh perspectives, and encouragement — helping them refine their research, communication, and presentation skills. Their involvement also strengthened the connections with students bridging the gap between past and present members of the Statler community. Four students were recognized for their knowledge sharing:  

• Kaley Worley - Industrial Engineering Senior
• Md Hadisur Rahman - Industrial and Management Systems PhD
• Kaitlyn Heintzelman - Biomedical Engineering MD/PhD
• Negar Farhang Doost - Biomedical Engineering, 4th year PhD

All Voices poster competition winners left to right:  Md Hadisur Rahman (IMSE PhD), Kaitlyn Heintzelman (BMEG MD/PhD), Kaley Worley (BS/IE Senior), and Negar Farhang Doost (CBE PhD).

“I really enjoyed doing this conference. I really wanted to be in this poster competition because Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers is a really growing organization that the last couple years have had an incredible footprint in the community. I've been really proud of the work that I and my officer team have put in, and I'm just really excited to get to share that with our alumni network.” Worley stated. 

“Bringing our alumni together each year reinforces the values that define our Statler community — collaboration, community, and the pursuit of excellence,” Dinu said.“This event not only celebrates our shared experiences but also helps shape our collective future to create a legacy for new generations to come.” 

Alumni participants echoed the importance of connection, belonging and integration, noting that the conference provides an invaluable space to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and inspire the next generation of leaders. 

"The All Voices Conference reminds me why I love being part of the Statler community—the energy, the connection, and the chance to learn from students, alumni, and faculty all in one space," said Correll, alumni speed networking panelist. "I enjoy making new connections each year, and I continue to be impressed by the talent and creativity of our students."

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