There are so many ways to be involved with students and give back to the School in a meaningful way. Dr. Michael Walsh, MHRIR 05, assisted the School by developing an online Excel module for incoming students to complete prior to starting class.

"There are several benefits to students in being able to demonstrate technical Excel skills prior to starting the program at LER.  Most importantly, understanding the technical aspects of Excel prior to beginning coursework allows students to focus on higher level critical thinking skills like asking the right questions about the data and telling a story with data which are harder to develop and master.  Setting the foundation early with technical skills sets students up for success in other classes like statistics and HR analytics, but also gives them a leg up on their peers from other schools once they graduate," says Walsh.

This module is being used for entering students in both the on-campus and online programs.

In addition to his work on instruction, Walsh and his wife, LER Board member Christine Gilboe Walsh, MHRIR 06, started a scholarship for incoming LER students. They are also First Decade Award recipients from the School.

"Staying connected to the School of Labor and Employment Relations is so important to me, both personally and professionally.  It is a no-brainer to give back to the school that set me up for my career and continues to contribute much to the field of HR.  Not only does it feel good to give back to the school that set me up for success, but it is also critical that we continue to invest in the future of our discipline.  Whether giving back in the form of monetary support, recruiting on campus, guest lecturing or mentoring students, we have the opportunity to influence the future of HR and that should not be taken lightly."