Grady Gratitude: Molding future travelers

Will Ostick interacting with the press.

Will Ostick (ABJ ’88) has used his Grady College education to build a career in public affairs and diplomacy with the U.S. Department of State. His first job was in Buenos Aires, Argentina as an assistant press officer, and he has since utilized his Grady talents to propel him all over the world to places such as Tanzania, Niger, Panama and Spain. Ostick recently served in Tijuana and is now public affairs officer in the US Embassy in Kabul.

Grady graduate Will Ostick (ABJ ’88)

With the majority of his work focusing in public and media outreach, Ostick uses a broad range of skills that he learned through his journalism degree to connect with journalists and disseminate information the U.S. government is trying to convey. As he moves through his career, he wants to give back and repay Grady for preparing him. He does this by serving on the Grady Society Alumni Board, mentoring students and making an annual gift.

“I was the beneficiary of the generosity of others while I was at Grady and I want to give back through my time, energy and money,” Ostick said.

While Grady supplied Ostick with an abundance of skills, he credits the late Professor Roland Page and his public affairs reporting class for preparing him the most for the professional world. Page provided assignments that required students to interact and work together outside of the classroom.

“Page was my favorite instructor because he imparted enthusiasm for the material and made assignments relevant to the work we might do after graduation,” Ostick reflected. “As an added bonus, this is where I met my future wife!”

Ostick’s advice for Grady students is to take advantage of all the opportunities UGA has to offer.

“Although technical expertise is important, the soft skills are what will carry you forward long term: communications, planning, perseverance, teamwork, continuous learning,” Ostick concluded. “When you look back, you will have the fondest memories of those things you did outside the classroom.”

For more profiles like Ostick’s visit the main Grady Gratitude page.