Eight alumni recently returned to campus to speak with Upper School students about their college experiences, career journeys and the skills that helped them thrive along the way. Representing fields as varied as advertising, law, investment management, entrepreneurship and professional sports, they shared stories that underscored a common theme: the values and habits they developed while students at The Summit became the foundation for success in every chapter of their lives.
The panel included:
- Andrew Kiley ’94, Marketing Director & Co‑Owner of High Street
- Emily Hogya ’13, High Net Worth Investment Portfolio Manager
- Alexis (Hogya) Daniels ’16, Attorney, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office
- Austin Berry ’07, Sports Performance Specialist, FC Cincinnati
- Anna Albi ’10, City Councilmember
- Charlie Ferguson ’18, Founder & President of Big Ice
- Jenna Joseph ’11, Marketing Manager, Joseph Auto Group
- Max Williams ’12, Attorney, TQL
Throughout the conversation, the panel consistently pointed to the soft skills they gained at The Summit as the most enduring tools in their professional toolbox. Whether communicating with clients, presenting to colleagues, managing conflict, or leading teams, they agreed that Summit’s focus on character, leadership, and communication skills set them apart in college and beyond.
Many alumni recalled the rigorous writing, critical thinking and analytical reasoning practiced in Summit classrooms.
- One noted that Summit taught them how to translate complex information—a skill that became foundational in careers across law, communication, finance and city governance.
- Another shared how AP English and humanities courses taught them to ask smart questions, a trait that continues to guide their work in public service and policy.
- Several panelists emphasized that the habits of mind fostered at Summit—curiosity, intellectual courage, and disciplined thought—are increasingly vital in a world transformed by AI and rapid technological change.
Panelists also spoke candidly about their paths not as linear trajectories, but as winding journeys shaped by curiosity, risk-taking and self-discovery. Internships and experiential learning emerged as a universal recommendation. Students were encouraged to explore widely, try new things and embrace failure as part of growth. Charlie Ferguson ‘18 shared how a playful idea that started with him selling craft cocktail ice out of his car, grew into a thriving business. Austin Berry ‘07 spoke about adapting to the realities of professional sports and finding a rewarding career in performance and rehabilitation.
With AI reshaping industries from law to marketing, panelists reminded students of a powerful truth: machines can process data, but they can’t replace human connection. They stressed that the skills most resistant to automation—creativity, critical thinking, empathy, adaptability—are the very skills The Summit intentionally cultivates through its mission-centered education.