Although Commencement has concluded, CSU continues to celebrate graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Cleveland State University’s mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Walter Livingston ’25.

CSU: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at CSU?

WL: I've had a career the entire time I've been a student at CSU, working in the Owner Services division of Flexjet. Flexjet is a fractional aviation company, meaning our clients (known as owners) purchase a preset amount of flight hours on one of our aircraft, which they are then entitled to throughout the year.

During my time at CSU and at Flexjet, I've been promoted twice and immersed myself in the world of aviation business, particularly on the private aviation side. It's been very rewarding to apply the business concepts I'm learning about in real time at work, and I've found success in communicating with my peers and with clients as a result.

CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?

WL: Professor Wei Wang was very encouraging and helpful to me during a course I initially struggled with, but he helped me gain confidence and pass his course with ease. As an online student, my experience at CSU was different than in-person students, but I still was able to make friends and build relationships with professors digitally and in person. I find that CSU's online program has enabled me to prioritize the more tangible benefits of a degree (career and economic opportunity) while still enjoying the social aspects of a major university.

CSU: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

WL: CSU has inspired me for the future by rewarding my best characteristics with success. My work ethic, creativity and curiosity have all led me to graduate from CSU this fall. I can't wait to see where they take me next, and I feel more confident than ever in those abilities.

CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled the CSU’s mission?  

WL: I feel that CSU has equipped me with knowledge and future-ready skills to make a difference in my community right away. I'm proud of the fact that Flexjet is a Cleveland-based company and how it continues to grow and influence the area around it. By growing my career at Flexjet, I'm growing my career within Cleveland and positioning myself to make a positive impact.

CSU: Do you have a career lined up, and how has CSU been instrumental in that process?

WL: My current role at Flexjet is as a demo flight coordinator. I work closely with our sales department on sales prospects who wish to take a “test flight” before inking their contract. Ensuring the flight goes well, communications are crisp and all the payments are handled all fall under my umbrella of responsibility. I really enjoy this career because I love being part of the flight-day experience, and it aligns well with my long-term goal of moving into sales, preferably within the fractional aviation industry.

Congratulations, Walter!