Fisher College of Business recently gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Master of Business Logistics Engineering (MBLE) Class of 2017 at a Pre-Commencement ceremony.

The event recognized the 12^th cohort of MBLE graduates and marked the end of their academic journey in a program that has produced nearly 400 supply chain leaders working around the world.

“As part of this rigorous program, you have learned that education is not unidimensional,” Fisher Dean Anil K. Makhija told the graduating class. “You are forging a path that recognizes that learning, education and business are interdisciplinary. Your experience in the MBLE program has provided you with an integrated knowledge base that equips you to solve the world’s problems.”

Former Buckeye football running back Maurice Clarett delivered the keynote address at the event. Clarett has established Maurice Trucking, a logistics solutions company, as well as the Red Zone, a Youngstown-based nonprofit providing youth and adults with collaborative therapeutic services. Clarett shared personal and professional insights from his experience as an athlete, an incarcerated individual and entrepreneur. Among the takeaways Clarett discussed:

• A college degree is a starting point, not a finish line in personal and professional development
• Seizing every opportunity — be it an interview, networking or a new job — with a sense of enthusiasm is vital
• Remembering that nothing is owed, and that everything is earned

The event also honored DHL Supply Chain with the MBLE’s inaugural Star Partner Award. The honor recognized DHL’s engagement with the MBLE program through projects, mentorship, academic content and internship and employment opportunities for graduates and alumni.

Student Yifan Zhu was named the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award, and Dr. Marc Posner, professor of integrated systems engineering, earned the Outstanding Faculty Award.

“We’re extremely proud of the accomplishments of the latest group of MBLE graduates,” said Steve DeNunzio, director of the MBLE program. “They bring a unique and much-demanded skill set to the market and have worked hard over the last year-and-a-half. We’re excited to see them join the ranks of Fisher’s 75,000 living alumni.”