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“Foundations developed from a psychology degree, sorority, student and state politics”

Wake Up With Washburn


Jennifer GrafJennifer Smith, ba '93 

Director of image and brands
Michelin Tire

Jennifer Graf Smith, ba ’93, credits her psychology degree and experiences with student government and Greek life at Washburn with kick starting her successful marketing and communications career. She has been with Michelin North America since 2007, most recently serving as North American director of image and brands where she is responsible for everything people see and hear about the brand.

She and her teams have won numerous national and global awards for public relations and marketing, but she looks beyond that and considers her two children, ages 14 and 11, her proudest accomplishment.

As a student, Smith was active in Delta Gamma and Nonoso and served as vice president for the Washburn Student Association (now WSGA). Her fond Washburn memories include attending football, baseball and basketball games, intramural sports and winning her WSA election. She worked for the Secretary of State throughout her college career and interned for Senator Dole in Washington, D.C. She is a native Kansan and attended Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita.

MORE INFORMATION

  • In conjunction with the Washburn University School of Business, the Alumni Association has sponsored the Wake Up With Washburn breakfast lecture series since 1993, providing a forum to highlight alumni accomplishments and connect with the Washburn family and Topeka community.
  • Each program begins with a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Convocation Hall of Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center.
  • Each breakfast lecture costs $10 for members of the Alumni Association and $13 for non-members.

2020-21 Speaker Lineup

Additional speakers TBA

2019-20 Speaker Lineup

  • Sept. 26, 2019 - Sonia Betsworth, bba '93
  • Nov. 7, 2019 - Jacob "Tug" Wamego, bs '07
  • Feb. 6, 2020 - Lance Sparks, bba '93
  • April 30, 2020 - Jessica Hatcher, ba '03 - canceled

Previous Wake Up With Washburn Speakers

1729 MacVicar Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785.670.4483
Email: contactus@wualumni.org