Alumni Success

Monte Ahuja College of Business

Monte Ahuja College of Business alumni demonstrate the long-term impact of an education built for real-world application—advancing into leadership roles, driving innovation across industries, and remaining actively engaged with Cleveland State University.

Across more than a decade of documented alumni outcomes, graduates continue to build meaningful careers in Northeast Ohio and beyond—reflecting the college’s commitment to experiential learning, industry connection, and career readiness.

From Classroom to Career

Monte Ahuja graduates advance into leadership roles across industries and career stages, applying their education to deliver immediate impact in the workplace.

Examples include:

• Reilly Berk and Cameron Tolbert, recognized on Forbes leadership lists for professional and community impact
  Explore: https://business.csuohio.edu/news/forbes-local-leaders-berk-tolbert
• Gina Zak, alumna of both undergraduate and MBA programs, now serving as a CEO
  Read her story: https://business.csuohio.edu/alumni/gina-zak-ceo-journey
• Craig Chaikin, promoted to Executive Vice President at Texas Bank and Trust
  Career update: https://business.csuohio.edu/news/craig-chaikin-promotion
• Bianca Butts, Manager of Climate Resiliency and Sustainability at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress
  Learn more: https://business.csuohio.edu/news/bianca-butts-sustainability 

Learning That Works in the Real World

Alumni consistently translate classroom knowledge into real-world solutions across fields including technology, cybersecurity, finance, and operations.

Examples include:

• Nahla Youssef and Prerna Narayanan, recognized through Women in Cybersecurity initiatives
  → Read more here.
• Angela Salviejo and Alexis Lee, acknowledged for leadership in IT and mentorship
  → Feature story:
• Tyler Musser, sharing insights with students through the Association for Information Systems
  → Student engagement: https://business.csuohio.edu/news/tyler-musser-ais

These outcomes demonstrate how experiential learning opportunities—paired with faculty expertise—prepare students to adapt and lead in evolving business environments.

Recognized Leaders

Alumni achievements are regularly recognized by independent organizations and national media, providing external validation of program quality and graduate preparedness.

Examples include:

• Brian Lewis and Delante Spencer Thomas, named to Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40
• Drew Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of Cleveland Kitchen, was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30
  → Read more here
• Gerald Jarzabek, featured by CNBC for financial expertise 
  → Visit here to learn more about Gerald Jarzabek

Such recognition highlights the credibility, leadership, and professional influence of Monte Ahuja alumni across industries.

Leading with Purpose

Monte Ahuja alumni contribute to their communities through service, philanthropy, and purpose-driven leadership.

Examples include:

• John Dedinsky, establishing a scholarship in partnership with faculty
• Dorcia Bolton, transitioning from doctoral student to Assistant Professor at Auburn University
• Alumni serving in nonprofit, public, and mission-driven organizations
  → Explore alumni impact 

These contributions reflect the college’s emphasis on ethical leadership and societal impact.

A Network That Moves Forward Together

Alumni maintain strong, ongoing connections to CSU—supporting students, strengthening programs, and ensuring continued relevance in a changing business landscape.

Examples include:

• Todd Canter, whose gift supports the Paul J. Everson Real Estate Center
  To learn more about the Paul J. Everson Real Estate Center, Click here
• Alumni participate in Homecoming panels and in advisory roles.
• Alumni mentorship and student engagement initiatives, visit this page to get involved. 

This sustained engagement strengthens academic quality and ensures alignment with industry needs.

Thought Leadership in Action

Graduate and doctoral alumni extend the college’s impact through teaching, research, and professional innovation.

• Michael Hudson, Brian Lewis, and Gusty Molnar, co-founders of Social Mortgage
  → Read more about their story here
• Alumni have been recognized for excellence in teaching and professional practice.

A Legacy of Impact

Across decades, Monte Ahuja College of Business alumni have earned recognition as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and community advocates.

From career advancement and public recognition to philanthropy and mentorship, their achievements demonstrate the enduring value of a Cleveland State business education.

Share your Alumni Success 

• Click here to connect with the Monte Ahuja College of Business
• Support student success with a donation today. Click here
• Explore Academic Programs here
• Visit this page to learn more about how to partner with us.  

Business Alumni Hall of Fame

For a complete list of the Monte Ahuja College of Business Hall of Fame Members, click here.