Sometimes, big change starts with something small. For design student Phillip Biondo '26, it started with showing up to a Zoom call. For alumnus Tom Yurkin '85, it started with a plane ticket.

Tom graduated from The Ohio State University in the Department of Design. After decades away, he came back to campus for an exhibit honoring one of his old professors, Peter Megert. That visit opened the door to a mentorship that would change both his life and a student’s future.

“I didn’t come back for 40 years,” Tom said. “But when I did, it just felt right. I was like, ‘How can I help?’”

Paying It Forward

When Tom was a student, he had the chance to study abroad in places like Paris and Switzerland. Those experiences shaped who he became, both as a designer and as a person. He knows not everyone has that same opportunity.

When he met Phillip, a design student interested in studying abroad, Tom found a simple but meaningful way to help through airline miles. “That plane ticket is the nugget,” Tom explained. “It’s the thing that might stop a student from going.”

Those miles helped Phillip spend six months studying design at the National University of Singapore, an experience he says changed everything.

“I almost didn’t go,” Phillip said. “Taking that main stress away [of the plane ticket] made it feel like everything was finally lining up.”

More Than Financial Help

“Having someone who believed in me made a huge difference, I would not have been able to do this without that support.” - design major Phillip Biondo '26

The support didn’t stop there. While Phillip was abroad, he and Tom stayed in touch through emails and calls. They talked about design, culture, and what Phillip was learning along the way. Over time, Tom became more than just a donor—he became a mentor.

“Having someone who believed in me made a huge difference,” Phillip said. “I would not have been able to do this without that support.”

Because of his experience abroad, Phillip built his senior capstone project around helping students study in other countries. He designed an app, AMAST: A Study Abroad Experience, that connects students and alumni to share stories and support before, during, and after travel. The project went on to win several awards, including a Gold Award in the Mobile and Web-Based App category and the Student Best of Show Award at the 2026 American Advertising Awards in Columbus, Ohio.

“I knew it was going to be life-changing [for Phillip],” Tom said. “And it was incredibly rewarding for me too.”

That feeling inspired Tom to commit to a generous estate gift to allow more students the opportunity to study abroad.

Why Mentorship Matters

Both Tom and Phillip say mentorship is one of the most powerful parts of the Ohio State experience. It helps students feel supported, seen and confident enough to take risks.

“Everybody wants to help you,” Phillip said. “You just have to put your neck out there a little bit.”

Tom agrees. From his point of view, staying involved has been just as meaningful as his original gift.

“It wasn’t just me helping Phillip,” he shared. “I got so much out of it too.”

Looking Ahead

Phillip will soon be starting a career in UX and graphic design with the Cincinnati Bengals. Tom is eager to stay connected to Ohio State and continue supporting students through a generous estate gift allowing more outstanding design students to study abroad.

When asked what he would say to other alumni thinking about getting involved, Tom didn’t hesitate.

“Oh, just do it,” he said.

Their story shows that donor support isn’t only about money. It’s about time, encouragement, and believing in students. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to say yes, and a student bold enough to show up.