Our alumni bring their knowledge and skills to a wide variety of roles. We interviewed one of our alumni, Maureen Mason (BA ‘10, Grad Certificate‘14), about her career at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.  

What’s your role at the NVMM?  

As Annual Giving Manager, I am responsible for expanding the museum’s annual giving program, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors to connect them with our mission- whether through donations or membership. 

How did you get started working at the Museum?  

I started with the NVMM in January of 2019 when the museum opened as a volunteer. I was hired to work part-time at the Welcome Desk in 2020 and then worked as a part-time Exhibitions Associate in the exhibits and collections in 2021. 

 In 2022, I finally found an opportunity to work full time at the museum as the Membership Coordinator. I have loved my job just about every day since and was promoted in November of 2024 to Annual Giving Manager. 

What’s your favorite part of the job?  

I never expected to be in the role that I am now, but I am thrilled to be where I am. My favorite part of my job is using the skills I have to connect with visitors, members, and donors to talk about their lives and their personal history.  

Once I make a connection, I love relating their story to our mission. There are many days where I mostly just talk to members on the phone about their military service or sit with someone in the museum while they tell me about their family members service. It’s truly incredible. 

What has been surprising about your career path?  

My time in the BGSU History Department was integral to shaping my future. I started in 2005 as a trumpet-playing Music Education major and finished much happier than when I started.  

Later, I worked as a retail store assistant manager and then a real estate office manager while I finished my degrees. I developed skills in these jobs that married with my passion for museums and history quite nicely in the non-profit Advancement realm. 

What advice do you have for current students?  

1) Put yourself out there and do the things that scare you. Internships, networking, volunteering, and getting involved in the Ohio museum/non-profit communities (like the Ohio Museums Association) put be in the right rooms with the right people. 

2) Be open and flexible. Having to work full-time while you volunteer at 2 museums may be what you have to do. I was set on working in collections, but when I opened myself to another opportunity, I found an even better fit. 

3) Never stop learning and growing! 

If you’re looking for something to do in the Columbus area, consider stopping by the National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum!