By Brad Biehl '18
Editor’s Note: Wellington alumni continue to amaze us with the many ways they shape their communities and industries. From entrepreneurs and innovators to educators and artists, they are charting bold paths forward while staying rooted in the values that connect them back to Wellington. Jags on the Roam celebrates these stories, offering a window into the impact our graduates are making in the world.
After graduating from Wellington and Kent State, Jacquie Sierzputowski '18 found herself missing something: an environment to learn something new, and to meet people in the process of doing it. So she and co-founder Betsy Zacks decided to create that space. The Siposium brings curious adults together for expert-led talks on niche topics, hosted at local Columbus breweries in a setting that's social by design.
"After college, I realized how much I missed learning in a social setting — the discussions, the curiosity, the energy of sharing ideas," Jacquie says. "The Siposium was created to bring that back for adults, just with a more relaxed atmosphere."
The name is a nod to Ancient Greek symposiums, where people debated and philosophized together. The word itself roughly translates to "drinking together.” Jacquie combined this etymology with a spirit of thoughtful discourse fostered during her time at Wellington, and brought the concept to Columbus breweries.
Since launching in 2024, it's already gaining real momentum: a Columbus Monthly feature, a COSI Science Festival sponsorship, and acceptance into the First Sip Studios SYP program via a City of Columbus grant.
The series has also hosted Wellington-adjacent leaders such as Zach Thompson (Founder of The Scatter Joy Project) and Bart Elmore P '36 '38 (award-winning Ohio State professor and writer who investigates the impacts of big business on our environment).
Check out thesiposium.com for upcoming dates and locations throughout the city.