BGSU strengthens industry connections with significant growth in gold-tier partners

The University’s expanded corporate partnerships drive research, innovation and student success 

In the year since launching a program to formally recognize its industry partners, Bowling Green State University has nearly doubled the number of companies in its highest recognition tier, a continued sign of the University’s ongoing momentum. 

The newest companies — recognized for their high level of engagement across numerous facets of the University — include BG Flight Center, Bon Secours Mercy Health, First Solar, Huntington Bank, The Andersons, Inc., and William Vaughan Company. 

Those organizations join Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Nationwide, O-I Glass, Inc., Owens Corning, ProMedica, Rudolph Libbe Group, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Wood County Hospital to round out gold-tier partners. 

“We are strategically moving BGSU forward through our unique alignment with industry and collaborative efforts to drive innovation, advance research and bolster student success — all of which support our mission as a public university for the public good,” said Kerry Spitze, senior director in the BGSU Office of Corporate Partnerships. “We have established the framework for organizations to successfully partner with our University in numerous capacities, providing a seamless process to support their initiatives.” 

BGSU partners with regional and global companies across multiple sectors, including many beyond the gold-tier partners, to leverage talent across disciplines, increase student access to opportunities and contribute to corporate partner growth and success. 

The new structure, formalized last year through the  Partnership Recognition Program, has helped cultivate meaningful partnerships that have delivered tangible results for the University and its partners. 

“The partnership with Bowling Green State University has created meaningful value for O-I on multiple levels," said Erin Schwiebert ‘02, ‘10, operations organization development leader and HR business partner at O-I. "From increasing our brand visibility with emerging talent to engaging with students and faculty on real-world projects, BGSU has proven to be a strong innovation and workforce development partner. This collaboration has not only enhanced our talent pipeline — helping us recruit some of the region’s top students — but also deepened our connection to the broader community. We're proud to be a gold partner and look forward to continuing to create public good together."

“Our gold corporate partnership with BGSU has been a cornerstone of our talent development strategy at Rudolph Libbe Group," said Troy Fritch '11, director of preconstruction at Rudolph Libbe Group. "Over the past two and a half years, we've proudly hired more than 30 students for co-op positions, and the University continues to be a vital pipeline for full-time associate recruitment. The engagement we've had across the College of Engineering and Innovation, College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences has been truly invaluable. Students and graduates from BGSU bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and a strong work ethic into our organization. This partnership helps us invest in the next generation of professionals and ensures we’re building a strong foundation for the future of our industry.”

Spitze said the feedback from partners has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the support BGSU provides to ensure organizations can effectively maximize their time and resources, whether that involves cultivating talent or developing a work-integrated learning project for a class. 

“We’re breaking down the complexities involved, which allows our partners to achieve their goals in working with entities across the University,” Spitze said. “The Office of Corporate Partnerships serves as the front door for our industry partners. They come to us with their goals and initiatives, and we connect them with the right people and departments to ensure a successful partnership.” 

The Partnership Recognition Program establishes clear metrics that are evaluated annually to help identify, cultivate and grow meaningful partnerships. The evaluation process provides a level of accountability by measuring engagement to ensure partnerships are serving both parties. 

To view the full list of Corporate Partners and to learn more about how to engage with BGSU, please visit the BGSU Partnerships website.