Director of Alumni Relations Megan Brandl ‘20 hosted the Ram 2 Ram panel on Friday, November 7, 2025. Alumni visiting for Homecoming & Family Weekend shared stories from their time at Bluefield University with current students and offered advice on post-graduation opportunities.
The panel included Olivia Bales ‘16, Sarah Nipper ‘19, Zach Smith ‘08, and Savannah Wimbush ‘18
Bales studied art and design. She is the owner of Lou & Co, a women’s boutique in Marion, Virginia, and an online store.
Nipper studied biology at Bluefield, specializing in Pre-Health. She continued her education at the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry and practices optometry in Bluefield, West Virginia.
Smith majored in Christian Studies and Criminal Justice, concentrating in Pre-Law. He continued his education at the Appalachian School of Law, where he earned a Doctor of Law in 2015. He is an attorney for Buckland Law Firm, P.L.L.C. in Pearisburg, Virginia.
Wimbush studied graphic communication as a BU undergraduate. She went on to complete a Master of Business Administration at Bluefield in 2019. She currently serves as Business Development Manager for Stafford County Economic Development in Virginia.
Students asked the panel about balancing academics and a social life, applying for jobs, and adjusting to life after college. Bales, Nipper, Smith, and Wimbush emphasized the importance of networking, gaining a variety of work experiences, and studying with friends to stay accountable.
Homecoming & Family Weekend continues through Sunday, November 9. The full schedule is available online: https://www.bluefield.edu/alumni/alumni-events-services/homecoming/.