From taking on early roles in student organizations on campus to mentoring future leaders, Brian Lum has embraced every opportunity to lead and inspire at The Ohio State University.
Lum, a senior majoring in Business Information Systems at the Fisher College of Business, has built a legacy of leadership and mentorship at Ohio State. Brian started his college journey as part of the Mount Leadership Society Scholars Program, which set the stage for his growth as a leader. Over time, he stepped into senior roles in Fisher’s Honors Cohort and mentorship programs, focusing on creating a campus environment that’s welcoming and supportive, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through his involvement in these programs, Brian has expressed a deep commitment to uplifting others and embodying the values of social change, community service, and peer support.
As a Mount Leadership Society Scholar, Lum found a close-knit community that helped him transition smoothly from high school to college.
“Mount taught me what it meant to be a leader. It's not about telling people what to do, but about making an impact on the community,” he shared.
This idea guided him as he took on leadership roles, including chairing a recruitment and outreach committee, where he helped welcome new Mount Scholars. Through these roles, Lum developed a passion for mentoring first-year students, realizing that his unique journey as a first-generation college student gave him valuable insights to share.
Lum’s commitment to mentorship goes beyond Mount Scholars. He served as a mentor in the Fisher First Program, which supports underserved populations in the business college, helping first-generation students adapt to college life with useful advice on everything from scheduling to financial aid.
As a Peer Advisor in the Fisher College of Business, he teaches a Business Survey class for first-year students, empowering them to navigate the college experience. “I didn’t know what I was doing when I first came to college, and I made mistakes along the way. But those experiences helped me grow, and now I want to help others avoid similar challenges.”
Brian’s college experience has been shaped by the guidance he received early on, leading him to develop a strong bond with a mentor who continues to inspire him. A key mentor for Lum is the Director of the Fisher First program, Dr. Marlena Harper, PhD. As a first-generation college student herself, Harper provided Lum with considerate support throughout his college career.
“Dr. Harper was always there for me, whether I was at my lowest or celebrating a big accomplishment,” Lum said. In recognition of her support, Lum chose to support the Fisher First Program and the Undergraduate Leadership Engagement Office as a part of Ohio State’s Homecoming Court.
In addition to his campus involvement, Lum has taken his college experience abroad, participating in study abroad programs every year, traveling to Germany and Singapore through Fisher’s study abroad offerings. By participating in the Fisher Diversity and Inclusion Global Scholars Program, he worked on a nonprofit consulting project in Cape Town, South Africa, helping to bring solar power initiatives to underserved communities. This experience was especially impactful to Lum, as he saw firsthand the importance of using privilege to make a positive difference. This year, Lum will continue his global journey by heading to Brazil as part of the same program.
“Being in a position to help bring essential resources to others was humbling. It
reinforced my commitment to giving back and working towards social change,” he reflected.
As he prepares to move to Seattle after graduation, Lum is focused on making the most of his time in Ohio and leaving a lasting impact at Ohio State. When asked what it means to be a Buckeye leader, Lum summarized, “A Buckeye means honoring a strong legacy of tradition and upholding the standards of excellence that define Ohio State. We stand together in our dedication to make a lasting impact around the world.”
For Lum, leadership is not just about guiding others but about building a community and inspiring others to create positive change—a legacy he leaves for future Buckeyes to follow.