Guest Contributor: Sarah Friesen (4th Year Business Administration Student)
OTTERBURNE, MB – On Thursday, March 19th, the Buller School of Business hosted the “Aim Higher” Alumni Networking Event here at Providence. It quickly became more than just an evening of networking – it became a conversation about growth and purpose.
The evening felt welcoming right from the start, especially with coffee provided by Providence’s own Take 10 Coffee. Alongside the speaker panel, CPA and CPHR booths were set up, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions about careers and certifications.
Throughout the evening, four Providence alumni shared their journeys. From accounting and creative work to leadership and mentorship, each story showed that success rarely follows a perfectly planned path. What made the night especially meaningful was that it wasn’t just for students – the speakers themselves reflected on how much they had grown and how important those connections still are.
Joseph Hoogerdijk spoke about how his time at Providence became the foundation for his career. From playing on the men’s soccer team to becoming a tax manager and now giving back as an adjunct faculty member, he emphasized that learning doesn’t stop after graduation. “The year ahead doesn’t have to be perfectly planned,” said Joseph. “The skills you build here will carry you further than you think.”
Jenna Patterson shared one of the most relatable fears students face: what if you’re good at school but not good at putting it into practice? Through her story, she showed how confidence grows through experience, relationships, and stepping outside your comfort zone. She spoke about how small class sizes, one-on-one learning, and meaningful connections helped her grow not only academically but also personally. “Keep dreaming,” said Jenna, “because there is no shortage of potential.”
Mark Eichorst reflected on how Providence opened doors he never expected. Growing up on the Providence campus in Otterburne, he shared how meeting people from different backgrounds taught him humility and helped shape both his career and his perspective. “Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are the ones you never planned for,” said Mark.
Justin Braun, owner of Edge Creative, brought a different perspective by talking about purpose in work. He emphasized that success isn’t always about choosing the path that makes the most money, but the one that allows you to rest knowing you made the right choice. He also spoke about how lonely entrepreneurship can be. “You don’t need to do everything by yourself,” said Justin. “Ask for help and pray.”
What stood out most throughout the night was the importance of relationships. Each panelist reinforced how important community is, both during university and long after graduation. Invest time in the people around you.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who came out and made the evening so meaningful. A special thank you to our speakers for sharing your experiences and encouraging students, and to everyone who helped organize and support the event behind the scenes. This event would not have been possible without you, and we are truly grateful to everyone who played a part in making it happen.
