Muskingum News

For Eric Pohjala '82, choosing Muskingum was about more than finding the right college—it was about finding the right community. Growing up in a family of Mount Union graduates, Eric already knew the value of a small liberal arts education. But when Muskingum recruited him to play basketball, everything clicked into place. 

"Knowing that many schools would provide me with a great education, I selected Muskingum because I was recruited to play basketball," Eric said. "Visiting the campus and meeting the people sealed it for me." 

More than four decades later, it's still the people who define his Muskingum experience.

As a member of the men's basketball team, Eric built friendships that extended far beyond the hardwood. While the games and practices created lasting memories, it was the moments in between that have stayed with him most—spending winter break on campus with teammates, traveling to California for the NCAA Tournament, and simply enjoying time together. One of the most influential people in Eric's college journey was legendary basketball coach Jim Burson. 

"Coach Burson taught me not only the game of basketball but the mental discipline that came along with it," Eric reflected. "That was one of the traits that helped me in my career and life in general." 

That discipline carried Eric through a successful career as a chief financial officer for local hospitals before his retirement. Today, he and his wife, Alicia (Gratz) Pohjala '83, celebrate 42 years of marriage, four children, and four grandchildren. Retirement hasn't slowed him down. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Eric still competes in tournaments across the United States and, in recent years, has even played internationally. 

"It's amazing how many men around the world are just as passionate as I am about playing basketball," he said. 

While basketball remains a constant, retirement has also given Eric something else he had been looking forward to for years: the opportunity to give back to the University that shaped his life. 

"Throughout my career, I always thought it would be nice to get back to Muskingum and be involved in some way," he said. "I lived several hours away, and being busy with work and family, I just didn't feel I could make the commitment. But now that I am retired, I do have the time." 

Today, Eric serves on Muskingum's Alumni Council, as President Elect, where he hopes to make a meaningful difference—particularly by investing in current students. 

"I'm on the Council to help out any way that I can, but more importantly, I love working with students and providing any mentoring advice I can." 

His commitment reflects something he has believed since graduation: that every generation of students deserves the same opportunities he received. 

"What I got out of Muskingum, I wanted to make sure others had the same opportunity as I did." 

Serving on Alumni Council has also deepened Eric's appreciation for the University's alumni network. 

"I'm happily surprised by the number of alumni who are involved and who have put a lot of time into serving on Council." 

To Eric, alumni engagement is about creating a bridge between generations of Muskies. 

"The connection of alumni's past to today's students is important," he said. "It helps the entire Muskie experience—keeping the old while also creating the new." 

When asked what lesson from Muskingum has stayed with him throughout his life, his answer was simple and timeless: 

"Working hard and staying focused are two of several factors that will lead you to success." 

If he could relive one day from his college years, it wouldn't be a championship game or a milestone achievement, it would be his very first day on campus. 

"If I knew then what I know now," he laughed, "I wouldn't have been as stressed out." 

It's a reminder that every Muskie's journey begins with uncertainty but is strengthened through the friendships, mentors, and experiences found along the way. And if there's one thing Eric hopes today's students take with them after graduation, it's the same enduring sense of belonging that has kept him connected for more than 40 years. 

When asked to complete the sentence, "Muskingum will always be home because…," Eric didn't hesitate. 

"...of the people," he said. "Alicia and I made so many friends when we went to school here but also while we came back to visit. The bonding of what we went through while at school here is something we want students to have while they are here." 

That spirit of connection is also what being a Muskie means to him today. 

"I'm proud to be a Muskie! What a great organization we have that not only prepares students to be successful in their careers but also provides a setting that creates friendships that last a lifetime." 

Favorite campus food: Earl's Pizza 

Favorite study spot: Cambridge Hall 

Favorite professor: Coach Burson 

Song that reminds him of college: September by Earth, Wind & Fire 

Favorite vacation: Hiking in the mountain states 

Dog or cat? Dog 

One word friends use to describe him: Quiet 

Favorite Muskingum tradition: Fraternity Rush 

Coffee or tea? Neither...haha! Water or pop work for me.  

Sunrise or sunset? Both, especially on the same day.