Ryan Rupel

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Air and Space Forces veteran; doting husband; best comedian alive according to my twin boys.”

Hometown: Greendale, IN

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve cooked over 1,000 unique meals for the first and only time in the past eight years.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Air Force Academy (Geospatial Science)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Project Manager, Space Systems Command

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Kellogg is often lauded as the most family-friendly MBA program, not just for its location in Evanston but for its inclusive community. Significant others, known as Joint Ventures (JVs), are integrated into the school experience by being invited to audit classes, join student clubs, and partake in school trips. Every Friday, students and their JVs mingle at TG (short for TGIF) happy hours at the Kellogg Global Hub, which even offers complimentary childcare. Prioritizing a business school that valued my family was crucial to me, as my family had sacrificed during my military career.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Evanston offers a unique blend of college town charm and urban accessibility, making it an ideal place to earn an MBA. It’s the most livable city I’ve called home, with beaches, parks, and numerous locally-owned shops right at my doorstep. The sense of community is unparalleled; I’ve had more neighbors introduce themselves to my family here than anywhere else. The Kellogg Global Hub, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, provides stunning waterfront views between classes. Additionally, with Chicago only 30 minutes away by train, students can easily recruit with leading companies and enjoy outings like baseball games at Wrigley Field.

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? As a veteran, it’s expected that I bring leadership experience, but what’s often overlooked is the followership also required in the military. In Kellogg’s team-based environment, knowing how to follow is just as important as leading. For me, this means drawing out the best in others, recognizing when it’s appropriate for others to lead, and helping to take their ideas across the finish line.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I am most excited about KWEST (Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips). These student-led trips to destinations around the world allow nearly every incoming student to connect before orientation. Aside from enjoying a great vacation with future classmates, KWEST helps you start the semester with a network of close friends. I’m particularly looking forward to a relaxing week in Portugal’s wine country before the busy semester begins.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. Charitable. My first contact when researching business schools was a Kellogg student (now alum) who mentored me through the application process, even for other programs. Despite my short affiliation with Kellogg, several alumni have reached out to congratulate me on my acceptance, offer advice for the upcoming semester, and candidly guide me toward the best career opportunities. The geographically diverse Kellogg network has already proven invaluable, with support both near and far from Chicago.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I led the Space Force’s acquisition of a new software product that aggregates GPS interference data across multiple satellite constellations. This tool compiles data into a 24/7 global heat map of potential GPS jamming, benefiting both military and civilian space industries, including being used for every manned NASA mission.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? I’ll consider my MBA experience successful if it leads to a job I love in a city where my family can establish new roots. Along the way, I hope to build a network of lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds, industries, and functions.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Booth, Fuqua, Ross, Sloan, Tuck

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? Always present the best version of yourself in areas you can control, such as test scores, resumes, essays, and interviews. Having multiple sets of eyes review your application materials is invaluable for identifying blind spots. This is particularly important in demonstrating that you are the holistic candidate Kellogg seeks—one with a diverse background, varied experiences, and clear potential to contribute meaningfully to the program.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2026