By Will Thompson and Maureen Langley

Each year a diverse group of impactful, accomplished College of Arts + Sciences alumni, who are leaders across industries, return to campus eager to interact with current students.

On Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, during the annual College of Arts + Sciences Connect Conference and Challenge, students can explore the power and range of their liberal arts and sciences education by participating in group sessions and networking with alumni.

Taking place in conjunction with the conference is the Connect Challenge, an idea pitch competition, where students present ideas for creative, business, non-profit, and social good endeavors to a panel of alumni and industry experts. Winners of the challenge will receive a prize package to help bring their idea to life. Students will be awarded their prizes during a special lunch session at the Connect Conference.

Yoder co-founded Lessonly, a training software for sales and customer service teams, in 2012. More than 1,200 companies rely on Lessonly to deliver meaningful training and coaching. Since its founding, the company has served nearly four million learners worldwide.

“The things I learned at school certainly have a lot to do with everything I do today,” Yoder said.

The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana bestows. Since 2006, Irving has served as a foster parent or safe haven for more than 40 children.

“Shontrai is a very intelligent and charismatic person who has a great sense of service and leadership,” said Indiana State Rep. Vernon Smith, who nominated Irving. “He’s committed to reaching back and helping others.”

This conference brings together more than 30 alumni — including Yecenia Tostada B.A. ‘05, Joel Lash B.S ‘92, Bianca Tirado B.A. ‘09, and Aaron Estabrook B.A. ‘08 — to speak on topics including criminal justice, education, communications, media, non-profit work, languages, history, psychology, sociology, and more.