Trine welcomes record numbers to Tailgate for Talent

A record number of employers shut down Trine University’s Thunder Drive as nearly 600 students participated in the annual Tailgate for Talent on Sept. 19.

Jason Blume, assistant vice president for Trine innovation 1, said hosting the Tailgate through the center of campus has been the plan since the outdoor event was introduced due to COVID restrictions.

“It has grown from that idea to become a perennial success,” he said. “This year we filled all the available space between Summit Street and the east end of Thunder Drive by the railroad.”

Benefits for employers, students

A total of 145 employers participated in the event, surpassing the previous record of 139.

Alex Blauvelt, recruiter and university relations partner for MedPro, described the Tailgate for Talent as “an incredible experience.”

“The event was very well-organized, and I had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of students,” he said. “The atmosphere was lively and energetic, and I felt that the representatives from the companies were genuinely interested in speaking with the attendees.”

Gwen Kramer, talent acquisition and campus recruitment specialist for Convergix Automation Solutions, said she “had a blast meeting with future talent and past summer interns.”

“We are looking forward to bringing on more new and returning talent in 2025!” she said.

Kenny Huffman, human resources recruiter and talent acquisition specialist for Legrand AV, said Trine has been a great resource for candidates for his company’s Warsaw, Indiana, facility.

“Trine has been the leader in university entry-level candidates in our region, providing interns as well as direct employees,” he said.

Garrett Reed, a 2020 design engineering technology alumnus who works as a quality engineer for Milwaukee Tool, said the Tailgate allowed his company to connect with students for internships, co-ops and post-graduation rotational programs across a variety of business units and locations.

“Returning to campus as an alumnus, it is exciting to see the growth in the capabilities of students through the development of the engineering programs and project Trine offers,” he said.

Trine students also saw many benefits from the event. Kassandra Swank, a business administration major from Sunbury, Ohio, said the Tailgate was “great practice for interviewing and a good chance to network with people.”

“The Tailgate for Talent was an excellent opportunity to practice my formal communication skills,” said Griffin Max, a business administration major from Loveland, Ohio. “I also was presented with multiple opportunities for future employment through conversation.”