Faculty, students, alumni and community members often wake up early and head to work or class.

On Feb. 9 Washburn Alumni Association and Washburn School of Business will give those people another reason to wake up as they host “Wake Up With Washburn” at 7:30 a.m. in the Convocation Hall of Bradbury Thomson Center.

Washburn School of Business selected Denise Walsh to speak at the event. Walsh is the director of corporate tax at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. in Topeka. She is expected to speak of her struggles through life and how she made her way in the professional world.

“She’s turned out to be quite successful in her career,” said Susie Hoffman, alumni director.

Walsh came to the United States from Brazil and ended up a Washburn student. A 1994 Washburn graduate, Walsh went on to become a certified public accountant and has been honored with Colgate’s You Can Make a Difference Award and recognized as a national Hispanic Corporate Achiever.

Tickets to the event are $13 per person. For Washburn Alumni Association dues-paid members, the cost is $11 per person. Reservations must be made for this event with the Alumni Association.