Alex Jolliet

EMU’s Olympic Cyber Security Star

EMU Alum Alex Jolliet (MS19) on a campus visit with President James Smith and Director of Development, International Relations Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith. 

 When Alex Jolliet (EMU MS ’19, Technology Studies, Information Assurance) first received an email from Forbes Magazine nominating him for the 2022 “30 Under 30” list, his cyber security perspective suggested it might be a scam. But no, the invitation was legitimate, and after much indecision, Alex decided to complete the lengthy questionnaire and return it, even though the odds of success were slight. “There have got to be thousands more talented professionals than me,” Alex admitted to EMU. So, when the “congratulations, you’re in!” call came months later, no one was more shocked than Alex himself. To those familiar with his achievements, though, the honor was both well-deserved and anything but surprising.

As an undergrad at the University of Michigan, Alex majored in political science and I’m philosophy – hardly traditional background for a cyber security expert – but student work and later full-time employment in the IT arena for UM’s Medical School honed his interest in the field. And when a cyber security job opened up, he was told the position was his if he would pursue a master’s in the field. “Unlike many grad programs in Michigan, Eastern has the resources in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology that allows students to both specialize in areas of their choice and take classes while working full-time. Plus, you have the opportunity to connect, and Eastern does that really well, taking advantage of interactions between both full-time students and part-time students working in the field, like me.” That made the program a perfect fit for Alex and allowed him to focus not just on technical skills but the critically important ethical and confidentiality issues underlying cyber security. “Simply put, EMU lit a fire under me,” he reports.

After 8 years of working in information security and related fields at Michigan Medicine, Alex took on the role of Cyber Security Architect with the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland. There, he was a member of the IOC delegation traveling to Tokyo and Beijing and worked to deliver two secure Olympic Games. In September, Alex was promoted to the IOC’s Cyber Security Manager. It’s a remarkable achievement for anyone, let alone an “under 30,” but Alex refuses to take credit for his success. “It wasn’t me,” he explains, “but the people around me. My success is a reflection of the people and institutions who’ve mentored and supported me, like Eastern and its faculty, staff, and fellow students. I wouldn’t be where I am if not for them.”

And as far as Give Rise and giving back? “You don’t have to donate $1 million to have an impact. It’s all about what each of us can do, and if you don’t give back, you’ll never find out just how much you can impact the world.”

Alex’s impact on the world – through his professionalism, mentoring and concern for his team, and giving back to EMU and others – is already beyond impressive. So much so that in twelve years, we won’t be surprised to see his name on Fortune’s “40 Under 40” list!