When Darrin Podeschi welcomed his daughter, Alexandra, into the world, he sent out a birth announcement that included a playful yet hopeful line: “Future ILIR alum.” At the time, it was a proud parent’s joke, rooted in Darrin’s deep connection to University of Illinois’ then-Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations (ILIR).
Years later, that prediction became reality.
Today, Darrin, AM 91, and Alex, MHRIR 20, are both alumni of the School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER), representing two generations shaped by the same program, decades apart, yet grounded in the same values.
Two Different Journeys, One Shared Foundation
Darrin’s path to ILIR began close to home. He was raised in Taylorville, Illinois, and surrounded by U. of I. alumni, as two of his three siblings and parents attended the university, so his undergraduate college was an easy choice. He arrived on campus unsure of where his career would take him, but when a mentor encouraged him to look across the street, literally, at the ILIR building, his future began to take shape.
What appealed to him wasn’t a narrow career track, but the program’s multidisciplinary approach. ILIR combined labor relations, law, economics, and human behavior, preparing students to think broadly and act with intention. Faculty members like Bernard Karsh and Fritz Drasgow left a lasting impression, not just by teaching content, but by teaching students how to think critically and ethically.
“It wasn’t about memorizing material,” Darrin said. “It was about learning how to approach complex problems, how to take the long view, and how to operate with integrity.”
Alex’s path looked very different.
As an undergraduate at Oregon State University, she double-majored in apparel design and merchandising management with a minor in entrepreneurship, far from a traditional HR trajectory. It wasn’t until her senior year, after taking a human resources course, that she began to see HR as a potential calling.
Conversations with her parents helped clarify what was to come next. Darrin shared stories from his own experience at LER and in his career, but the decision ultimately came down to a matter of fit, outcomes, and support. During a campus visit, Alex met with LER faculty and staff before she made her decision.
“I had never felt that level of support from a program before,” she said. “I could immediately see myself there.”
What Makes LER Different
Both Darrin and Alex describe LER as a high-performing organization; one that prepares students not just for their first job, but for long-term impact.
From strong employer relationships and career services to faculty deeply invested in student success, LER operates with intention. Graduates leave with more than technical knowledge; they leave with confidence, clarity, and credibility.
For Darrin, that preparation made the transition into the workforce seamless. His career began at Compaq and included amazing companies like PepsiCo, Microsoft, Nike, and Starbucks.
For Alex, it laid the foundation for her current role as an HR Associate Manager at Frito-Lay, where she now mentors LER interns and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
“LER teaches you how to think strategically and how to bring people along with you,” Alex said. “You’re not just reacting, you’re helping shape decisions.”
HR as a Calling
Throughout their conversation, both alumni returned to the idea that HR is more than a profession; it’s a responsibility.
Darrin describes HR as a “lonely vocation” when done correctly. One that requires taking the moral high ground, even when it’s difficult. He credits LER with preparing students for that reality by instilling integrity, systems thinking, and respect for the dignity of work.
Alex sees that influence in her own approach.
“LER taught us to be partners, not just enforcers,” she said. “To build capability in others, to remove emotion from decisions, and to stay grounded in fairness.”
As someone with a distinguished career in HR, Darrin often spoke of how proud he is of Alex and said he would’ve hired her on the spot.
Advice Across Generations
For today’s LER students, Alex encourages immersion.
“Be a sponge,” she said. “Say yes to opportunities. Build relationships. You won’t know everything, and that’s okay. Give yourself grace.”
Darrin’s advice reflects a longer view.
“Play the long game,” he said. “Define success broadly. Do the inner work early. And don’t be just a technician, be a Renaissance professional who can see the whole picture.”
Darrin also mentioned, and Alex echoed, the importance of finding three to five people who inspire you and whom you want to keep in touch with during your career. Whether it be a faculty member, an alumnus, or a fellow student, it is essential to build that close network early on.
A Legacy That Continues
For the Podeschi family, LER is more than a credential; it is a shared experience rooted in values, curiosity, and care for people.
What began as a lighthearted line on a birth announcement became a meaningful full-circle moment, connecting two careers shaped by the same institution.
“If someone is considering LER,” Alex said, “don’t overthink it. You won’t regret it.”
