51ĀŅĀ×

Students from 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s College of Business gathered in September for one of the Walter Center for Strategic Leadershipā€™s signature events: the annual Etiquette Dinner. Designed to help students master the art of dining in professional settings, the event blends practical skill-building with valuable networking opportunities.

The evening was co-hosted by Luke Edwards and Katie Thomson from the Business Academic Advising and Career Services (BAACS) office, who guided students through the rules of professional dining etiquetteā€”everything from navigating multiple forks and glasses to properly passing bread at the table.

The event was made possible through sponsorship from IGS Energy, a leading sustainable energy provider headquartered in Ohio. Representatives from the company not only underwrote the event but also actively engaged with students.

In total, 12 IGS Energy representatives attended as table leads, helping to facilitate conversations and share insights. Several were 51ĀŅĀ× students currently finishing their degrees after interning with IGS, offering peers firsthand accounts of the companyā€™s culture and career opportunities.

ā€œBeing able to talk with people who were just in my shoes last year was so encouraging,ā€ said one student. ā€œIt gave me confidence that I could also make that leap into an internship and eventually a career.ā€

Representatives also highlighted internship opportunities across business functions, encouraging students to explore how their academic interests could align with IGSā€™s growing operations.

In addition to career pathways, IGS Energy spotlighted its commitment to sustainability. The company invests in renewable energy, offers carbon-neutral products, and is dedicated to building a cleaner energy future. Students were able to hear how these initiatives align with the values of todayā€™s workforce and why sustainability is central to the companyā€™s culture.

Important networking, learning opportunities for OHIO students

Molly Komara, a senior triple-majoring in accounting, finance, and business analytics, attended the dinner for the second year in a row. She said the connection to IGS was one of her favorite aspects.

ā€œThey are really into sustainability, and thatā€™s something that matters to me,ā€ Komara said. ā€œI really enjoyed the partnership with IGS and learning more about the company and opportunities. It was so nice to see so many representatives from their company come out as well.ā€

While networking was a highlight, the evening remained grounded in the dinnerā€™s central goal: practicing etiquette in a professional context. Students dressed in business casual attire and followed step-by-step instructions on proper table conduct.

Komara said returning for a second year was helpful.

ā€œBeing able to practice again was a good refresher. These arenā€™t skills you use every day as a student, but theyā€™ll be very beneficial in the long run when you have a business meeting over lunch or dinner,ā€ she said.

Her advice to first-time attendees?

ā€œDonā€™t be scared to meet new people," Komara said. "Take in and absorb as much as you can. Try and remember as much as you canā€”itā€™ll serve you well.ā€

John Dombrowski, a senior studying strategic leadership, management, and business analytics, agreed that the event was more than just about etiquette.

ā€œItā€™s a perfect opportunity for different student organizations across the College of Business to come together and learn something constructive while building relationships,ā€ he said.

A signature experience with lasting impact

For the Walter Center, the Etiquette Dinner is one of its most recognizable and well-attended traditions, underscoring the centerā€™s mission of preparing students not just academically, but professionally and personally. The collaboration with BAACS and IGS Energy ensured the event was both practical and inspiring, providing students with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed beyond 51ĀŅĀ×.