Dees aims to inspire IESA students

Dr. John O'Sullivan, a professor in IESA and Colloquium organizer, was grateful Dees was so willing to give back.

"Having successful alumni come back to share their experiences with current students is very important. I am always trying to get students to remember that the exact shape of the future job market is unknown, so don't try to train for it too tightly," O'Sullivan said. "No matter how technical your degree is, skills most desired by firms continue to be an ability to think across disciplines, synthesizing ideas from different fields, being creative at solving new problems, and being able to work in diverse groups and have a genuine work ethic."

Dees said it was only right to come back.

"When I was at UNG, I met extraordinary professors and found a community, many of whom remain friends today. The teachers and mentors who shaped my experience there literally changed my life. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today had they not taken an interest in me and convinced me that I could think bigger and aspire to more," Dees said. "I wanted to be like them. I wanted to teach. I have a lot of gratitude for what was done for me. I was really excited to get a chance to pay that back in some small way. I hope I keep paying it back for the rest of my life."

Other speakers for the Colloquium series this fall, all held in Arts & Technology building Room 2001 at the Gainesville Campus, include:

Sept. 9: Dr. Marqus Cole, an experienced and highly trained attorney who serves as the organizing director with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

Sept. 16: Becca Riser, who works in the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's Headwaters office.

Sept. 23: Kathy Church, wildlife interpretive specialist in the Game Management section of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Sept. 30, 2-3:15 p.m.: Amy Bradford, director of operations and resources at Elachee Nature Science Center.

Oct. 7, 2-3:15 p.m.: Emily Zeilberger, lead emergency management specialist (GIS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 4 Office.

Oct. 14, 2-3:15 p.m.: Mark Albertin, artist, photographer and documentary filmmaker who has done considerable work to raise awareness of threatened and endangered species.

Oct. 21, 2-3:15 p.m.: Kimberly Pils, environmental and safety manager at Cargill.

Oct. 28, 2-3:15 p.m.: Jessica Dudley, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Hall County.