Uncle Marv sits down with Denice Schafer and Jon Topp at the NAJAC reunion in Bloomington, Indiana. Denice, now Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteer Engagement at Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, reflects on her 38-year career with JA. Her journey began as a delegate in 1979 and evolved into various leadership roles within the organization.

Denice shares how a neighbor's invitation led to her involvement in JA, ultimately shaping her career path in human resources. She reminisces about her experiences as a NAJAC staff member, from manning information tables to supervising programs alongside Uncle Marv.

The conversation highlights the unique bond formed among NAJAC participants, with Denice describing them as an "extended family." She emphasizes the joy of reconnecting with old friends and the ability to pick up conversations right where they left off, even after years apart.

Jon Topp, known as "the questionnaire," shares his story of discovering NAJAC before JA itself. He recounts his journey from delegate to staff member, eventually becoming a fixture in the JA Bowl competition for 11 years.

The podcast takes an emotional turn as Jon opens up about a personal tragedy. He reveals how the NAJAC community rallied around him during a difficult time, demonstrating the deep connections formed through the program.

Both guests reflect on the lasting impact of JA on their lives, from career choices to personal relationships. They also discuss the evolution of JA programs, emphasizing the organization's continued relevance in addressing community needs, particularly in financial literacy and career exploration.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved with their local JA offices, either through volunteering or donations.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

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Twitter: @iamunclemarv

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Uncle Marv introduces the episode, focusing on the recent NAJAC reunion held in early August. He interviews Jan Griffin Kohler, a NAJAC veteran with two decades of experience on staff, and Audrae Erickson, who attended NAJAC from 1977 to 1980.

Jan shares her journey from being an Achiever in Battle Creek, Michigan, to becoming a staff member. She recalls her initial excitement about returning to the conference after a year of being sidelined due to local politics. Jan emphasizes the deep friendships formed at NAJAC, describing how these bonds have remained strong over the years.

Audrae reflects on her transformative experiences at NAJAC, especially her success in the national sales competition. She explains how coaching students and witnessing their growth in confidence motivated her continued involvement with Junior Achievement.

Both guests discuss the changes in Junior Achievement over the years, noting the challenges of engaging new generations of students. They express their love for the reunions, emphasizing the joy of reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories.

The episode concludes with Jan and Audrae highlighting the enduring spirit of NAJAC and its profound influence on their personal and professional lives. Their stories serve as a testament to the lasting impact of Junior Achievement and the importance of maintaining these connections.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Uncle Marv welcomes Donna Ross (formerly Donna Scarnecchia) and Rob Montgomery to reminisce about their experiences with Junior Achievement and NAJAC. Donna's journey began in high school in Orange County, California, where she participated in JA's after-school program for three years. She attended NAJAC as a delegate in 1968 and returned as a group counselor in 1969, leading her group to win "Best Group" in her first year - a rare accomplishment.

Donna shares her experiences working with Disney as a liaison for JA initiatives and her involvement in a special JA speaker's corps sponsored by Reader's Digest. She emphasizes the unique bonds formed at NAJAC and the lasting impact of these relationships, noting that she still keeps in touch with her co-counselor from 1969.

Rob Montgomery's involvement with NAJAC spans over two decades, starting as a delegate and progressing through various staff positions. He highlights the closeness of the NAJAC family, often surpassing relationships with people from one's hometown. Rob worked in several competition areas, including corporate secretary, vice president of sales, and conference officer selection.

Both guests reflect on the beauty of the Indiana University campus and the nostalgia of returning for reunions. They discuss the logistical miracle of NAJAC, praising Jim Sweeney's organizational skills in expanding the conference from 60 to over 3,000 delegates. The episode underscores the lasting impact of NAJAC experiences, the strength of friendships formed, and the professional and personal growth fostered by Junior Achievement.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5