Ryan Schulman ('15) talks about his experience over the past year working in the development office at Northern Illinois University. After completing his undergraduate degree at UW-Madison, Schulman embarked on the year-long fellowship before arriving in Athens this fall.

I had the privilege of spending this past year working for the fundraising and athletic development arm of Northern Illinois University Athletics, the Huskie Athletic Support Fund and 2002 graduate, Associate AD for Major Gifts, Mark Muhlhauser. The HASF is Northern Illinois University's annual fundraising arm for NIU Athletics, providing operational support to 17 varsity programs to help defray costs such as: team travel, equipment, facilities, operations, and medical services. HASF is a cornerstone of NIU Athletics, and the support of over 1,500 donors is absolutely essential for the continued success of Huskie student-athletes, both on and off the field as they strive to achieve a quality education and competitive athletic experience.

During my tenure in DeKalb I was fortunate enough to experience and be a part of both a capital campaign project in support of the new $9.5 million Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center as well as witness the football program's and Mid-American Conference's first-ever berth in a BCS bowl game vs. Florida State in the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl.

Furthermore, transitions that took place during my time on campus were equally beneficial to my overall fellowship experience. Following our 3OT win over #17 Kent State in the Marathon MAC Championship, I witnessed my first-ever high profile coaching change as then-head coach, Dave Doeren, accepted the head coaching job at NC State. Additionally, then-AD and one of the recipients of the Under Armour AD of the Year at the 2013 NACDA convention, Jeff Compher, was appointed as the new Athletic Director for the Pirates of East Carolina University in March.

As such, I strongly feel that the fellowship track offered through Ohio University's Sport Management program is one that grooms students to more proactively and positively contribute upon their arrival in Athens as it can continually diversify and/or further hone a student's existing skill set while developing new traits that will allow them to build upon the rich tradition established by Bobcat alumni before them.

Check out some pictures from Ryan's experience in the Flickr gallery below. Connect with Ryan on Twitter at @r_Schulman.