Image
Empowering the next generation: Trulaske introduces CPG Career Pathway and Brase RISE Scholars Program
John Brase, B.S.B.A. ’90 and chief operating officer with The J.M. Smucker Company, left, and Balaji Rajagopalan, dean of the Trulaske College of Business, share a moment with Truman the Tiger during the 25th Make Me Marketable conference where the new Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Career and the Brase RISE Scholars programs were announced.
The Robert J. Trulakse, Sr. College of Business recently launched two transformative programs that promise to shape the future of consumer-packed goods and empower the next generation of leaders: the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Career Pathway and the Brase RISE Scholars Program.
The CPG Career Pathway is an innovative program designed to cater to students passionate about the CPG industry across multiple areas — sales, marketing, digital marketing, supply chain, procurement and so much more. This pathway ensures inclusivity by being open to both need-based and non-need-based students, reflecting our deep commitment to fostering diversity.
The new programs were introduced during the 25th Making Me Marketable conference on Sept. 20, where John Brase, B.S.B.A. ’90 and chief operating officer with The J.M. Smucker Company, was the keynote speaker.
The goal of the new pathway program is simple but powerful: to provide in-depth exposure to the CPG industry, cultivating a robust understanding of its complexities and preparing students to become high-achieving, performance-ready leaders.
“This pathway is not just about classroom learning — it’s about experience-centered learning,” said Dean Balaji Rajagopalan. “From hands-on internships, corporate visits and networking events to skill-building activities, case studies, mentoring and coaching, we are providing a comprehensive toolkit for our students to thrive.”
The program is designed to empower students with the knowledge, skills and insights they need to excel and drive innovation in the dynamic world of consumer-packaged goods.
RISE(ing) to the occasion
A special part of this pathway is the Brase RISE Scholars Program, which is supported by a transformative gift from Brase and his wife, Allison, who have spent their careers in consumer-packaged goods.
Designed specifically to support students with financial need, many of whom may be the first in their families to attend college, the Brase RISE Scholars Program exemplifies what it means to raise, inspire, support and empower.
“The Brase RISE Scholars Program is more than just an opportunity — it’s a lifeline for ambitious, hardworking students from under-resourced backgrounds,” Rajagopalan said. “Through this initiative, we are not only opening doors but also providing the support needed for these students to walk through those doors confidently.”
The CPG Career Pathway and Brase RISE Scholars applications are open to first- and second-year students.
“The CPG Career Pathway and Brase RISE Scholars Program are not merely steppingstones to careers — they are gateways to leadership, innovation, and global influence,” Rajagopalan said. “At the Trulaske College of Business, we are dedicated to supporting our students at every stage of their journey, inspiring and empowering them to achieve their goals. By doing so, we help them overcome the barriers they face and realize their fullest potential.”