Lafayette grads share where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future paths
By: Hasnat Aslam ’27, Bryan Hay, Kelly Huth, Stella Katsipoutis-Varkanis, and Brittany Martin
For the Class of 2024, their college experience was anything but typical, with COVID-19 throwing a curveball in the beginning of their Lafayette journey.
The experience tested their resolve, and called upon their perseverance. But the Class of 2024 was resilient, dedicated, and determined.
As they prepare for graduation, several students reflect on their time at Lafayette, the experiences and opportunities that mattered most—and the mentors, professors, and Gateway Career Center advisers who helped them prepare for future careers and roles.
See what’s next for some of the members of the Class of 2024.
Lily Halvorson ’24 (international affairs, Chinese language and culture)
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Destination/future plans: Deloitte Consulting, Government and Public Services (GPS) practice in Washington, D.C.
Involvement on campus:
Halvorson joined Tech Clinic in 2022—an interdisciplinary team of five students and two professors—to work on a virtual global consulting project with the Chijnaya Foundation based in Peru. The group researched a practical circular model for trout farming and cultural tourism to support several villages in the high Andes region of Peru.
A violinist since age 3, she virtually joined the Lafayette Chamber Orchestra her first year and continued each year (2020-24). “Music ensembles are a creative outlet for me, and the highlight of my week,” she says. She played in Marquis Consort (2021-22) and participated in Contemporary Music Ensemble (2024). She’s also the president of National Chinese Honors Society at Lafayette (2024), and member of Phi Beta Kappa (2024) and Sigma Iota Rho (2024). She was recently awarded the Rado Pribic Prize for the International Affairs Department.
As an EXCEL Scholar (2022-2023), she researched energy politics in East Asia and carbon neutrality goals of South Korea, Japan, and China. She completed two independent research studies: one in collaboration with Prof. Il Hyun Cho on “Regional Perceptions of China’s Belt and Road Initiative” (fall 2022), and another on “Mandarin Language-Based Contemporary Media in China” (fall 2023).
“All of these academic experiences have inspired my honors thesis, which explores determinants of Chinese global influence, focusing on BRI energy projects and soft power initiatives,” Halvorson says. “My sincere interest in East Asian politics, language, and culture inspired me to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea in spring 2023.”
Halvorson also pursued internships every summer—a Chinese immersion program at Middlebury Chinese Language School (summer 2022), FTI consulting on the Energy and Natural Resources team in Washington, D.C. (summer 2023), and a virtual internship through the U.S. State Department’s Virtual Student Federal Service Program (2024). In the latter, Halvorson uses her Mandarin proficiency to research and track key environmental, science, tech, and health developments for the U.S. Consulate General.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
“Lafayette has hands down introduced me to the brightest minds I know,” she says. “I’ve never walked away from a class without learning something new and insightful.”
She says her friends provided an incredible support system, and mentors struck a balance in providing support, but also pushing her to achieve academic growth.
“I owe so much of my personal and professional development to Prof. Cho,” she says, explaining that Cho led her EXCEL Scholar work, independent research, and served as her thesis adviser.
From providing guidance and mentorship, to writing recommendations and inspiring her to study abroad, Cho shaped the trajectory of her academic interests.
“I’ve taken almost every single one of his classes—he’s the greatest.”
“Prof. Han Luo has been really supportive and did everything in her power to help me pursue Chinese language at a very high level—whether it was at Lafayette or beyond.”
“Prof. de Toledo Piza, my international affairs adviser, helped strengthen my toolbox of international affairs knowledge, and expand the depth and breadth of my global scholarship.”
“My Gateway adviser, Melissa Schultz, is incredible. I came to her midway through my sophomore year because I wanted to get an internship,” she says. “I met with Melissa every week for several months … She facilitated alumni connections, and helped me to get three full-time job offers at the beginning of my senior year, which is pretty remarkable. I got rejected a few times, but she was really encouraging to me to keep pushing forward. With Melissa as my career mentor, it was always really positive regardless of the outcome.”
Marcus Alston ’24 (anthropology and sociology)
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Destination/future plans: Resident fifth grade teacher at Zeta Charter Schools in the Bronx; working to obtain dual Master of Science in childhood education and special education from Touro Graduate School of Education
Involvement on campus:
Alston has been actively involved in Landis Center for Community Engagement’s America Reads program, tutor for Easton Area School District students, member of Delta Upsilon, and board member of Brothers of Lafayette.
Alston says his experience with tutoring and working with Landis played a pivotal role in his post-graduation plans: “Once I started tutoring local students, I knew I wanted to continue being in the classroom, impacting youth, and participating in educational advocacy.” During his senior year, he was promoted to a program coordinator for America Reads, where he gained experience managing a team of tutors and executing educational workshops with community partners. He also served on the Landis Steering Committee, doubling down on his commitment to community engagement. “One of my mentors, Christine Cohen [program manager for recurring initiatives at Landis], kept me grounded and close to my passions and morals, resulting in me ultimately signing my offer letter to teach.”
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Alston says the support he received from Lafayette faculty from the moment he arrived on campus propelled him to explore his passion for teaching. “My professors were heavily invested in my success,” he says. “They went the extra mile to help me research, connect me with resources, give me the ability to enact change around me, and speak life into my journey.”
Originally a government and law major with a dream of going to law school, Alston was intrigued by courses he took with Prof. Joshua Miller, who continued to be a source of support for him long after Alston decided to switch majors. “He wrote me countless letters of recommendation, and continued to email me offering help, even though I was no longer his student,” Alston says.
Prof. David Shulman of the anthropology and sociology program, he adds, helped him land his first internship in global human resources at Bank of America. “Although I am not continuing that work, the ability and agency I had to explore a career path, and be supported through and through, has made a huge impact on how I see the world around me,” he says. “All in all, my experience at Lafayette exposed me to a worldview unlike any other. I learned the power of relationship building and the importance of community, and I am constantly reminded how to grow my passion. I look forward to continuing to build my social network and discover my pathway toward educational leadership. Nothing is off limits.”
Brian Larner ’24 (religion and politics interdisciplinary major, minor in Spanish)
Hometown: Sterling, Va.
Destination/future plans: Pursuing master’s in international relations at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Involvement on campus:
First arriving on campus during COVID-19 in spring 2021, Larner found club soccer as a platform to meet people with common interests during a difficult time.
“I am still friends with many people from club soccer, as they made the transition to college much easier during the pandemic,” he says.
Additionally, Larner has been an active participant in Active Minds, Lafayette’s mental health club, and Kirby Government and Law Society, which have been pathways to connecting with like-minded peers on campus and collaboratively exploring intellectual interests.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Professors within the Government and Law Department had a formative role in helping Larner determine the niche of international relations that excited him.
“Prof. Seo-Hyun Park’s insightful teachings and my capstone under Prof. Brett Hendrickson have significantly fueled my ambition to pursue a graduate degree with a specialization in security, strategy, and statecraft,” Larner says.
The Globalization and Security course with Prof. Park challenged his understanding of economic security, migration, and terrorism.
According to Larner, “These concepts that I learned in Prof. Park’s class have further developed my understanding of security and pushed me toward pursuing a career in this field.”
Damaris Gómez Méndez ’24 (English, minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies)
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Destination/future plans: Master of Arts in teaching program and teacher residency at New York University; teaching English full time at Great Oaks Charter School in NYC
Involvement on campus:
Gómez Méndez began her time at Lafayette as a Conversation PARDner for Spanish and a member of the Student Yield Committee with Admissions. She continues her work in the community as a writing associate, resident adviser (RA), vice president of Sigma Tau Delta (international English honors society), and Generation Next program coordinator for Landis Center for Community Engagement.
Gómez Méndez says her co-curricular activities have “helped foster my love for writing, make connections and build community across campus, and give high school students in the Easton area the tools they need to feel comfortable with the college application process.”
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Through her Lafayette education, Gómez Méndez has seized the opportunity to combine her passions: Writing, delving into her own culture and learning about those of others, and helping to prepare high school students for college. The first in her family to be born in the U.S. and attend college, Gómez Méndez says her experience studying abroad in Costa Rica during her sophomore year solidified her decision to teach high school English.
“Prof. Daniel Quirós [assistant professor of Spanish], who went on the trip and also is a creative writer, allowed me to not only expand on what I was learning in my English classes, but also explore creative writing in Spanish and Spanglish,” she says.
Gómez Méndez was inspired by several other Lafayette faculty members as well: Jennifer Gilmore, assistant professor of English, who helped her infuse more vulnerability in her writing; Gabrielle Kelenyi, assistant professor of English, who helped her use her writing to support efforts of local community organizations; and Chris Phillips, professor and head of the Department of English, who, through an independent study course, gave Gómez Méndez firsthand experience with designing a college-level course, Decolonizing Literature, from the ground up—a course that not only combines all facets of her academic studies and interests, but also will be taught at the College in the future. Gómez Méndez is also grateful to Mark Choquette, assistant director of Gateway Career Center, who “was always by my side and helped me gain confidence,” especially while she was applying for the Uncommon Schools Summer Teaching Fellowship, which she was accepted into and completed in summer 2023.
“I am filled with gratitude and honor in achieving many opportunities here at Lafayette, as well as great pride in our flourishing community,” Gómez Méndez says. “Each and every interaction in my engaged roles as a student, peer, mentor, and leader has informed me to not diminish my presence in and outside Lafayette—especially in the name of equity, respect, and community. I knew I wanted to improve the academic curriculum, and coming to Lafayette has allowed me to leave my legacy. I now look to the future with excitement, eager anticipation, and certainty that, if a challenge poses itself, I can say with a smile, ‘Cur Non.’”
Tyler Osipower ’24 (mechanical engineering, minor in government and law)
Hometown: Dallas, Pa.
Destination/future plans: Process engineer at Procter & Gamble (Mehoopany, Pa.)
Involvement on campus:
Osipower says his most impactful experience during his time at Lafayette College was with his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta (DTD). He spent two years as chapter president, working alongside “some of the best student leaders on campus.”
Delta Tau Delta was named Student Organization of the Year for serving its members in 2022 as well as Interfraternity Council (IFC) Chapter of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Osipower was also recognized as Delta Tau Delta’s Chapter President of the Year in 2022 and IFC Chapter President of the Year in 2023.
“With DTD I learned the value of servant leadership and humility. I built interpersonal skills and formed many friendships. It was truly one of the happiest and most rewarding times of my life.”
In addition to his experience with DTD, Osipower served on the Alumni Association Board for four years, working directly with Alumni Relations to organize events including Wine 3/9, Homecoming Weekend, and Reunion. He also served on the Board of Trustees Development, Alumni, and Community Relations Committee in 2022 and Grounds and Buildings Committee in 2023.
“Through these positions, I made meaningful connections with alumni who mentored and guided me throughout my college experience and job search. I learned the importance of values-based decision-making and relationships, and appreciated having the opportunity to work with our institution’s best,” he says.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
“Lafayette taught me the importance of relationships. The people next to me mattered most; the more I tried to help others, the more personal success I achieved,” Osipower shares. “I am forever grateful to those who supported and guided me throughout my four years here. I always found someone willing to help me achieve any goal I had.”
Among those who helped his personal and professional developments, Osipower credits the alumni network at large. “They were always there to support me in whatever I needed. Whether it was advice, a connection, or just their support, I always found them willing to help me.”
Among that alumni network are his parents, Bob and Kristin Osipower ’00, who he cites as his biggest supporters. “I am very grateful for their unconditional support throughout my life.”
The team at Gateway was also crucial to his success in his professional pursuits. “Whether it was reviewing cover letters, taking professional photos, or connecting with alumni, they were always there to help,” he says. “Their help opened many doors for me after graduation.”
Alexa Raxenberg ’24 (psychology)
Hometown: Ardsley, N.Y.
Destination/future plans: Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Involvement on campus:
Raxenberg has been involved in the Lafayette Activities Forum, Landis Center, Refugee Action Club, Psychology Peer Mentor Program, Psi Chi (psychology honors society), and Delta Gamma.
“I also served as a research assistant in the Language Learning and Developmental Dynamics Lab and am now doing an independent study in the Neurodiversity Lab,” she says. “Each of these experiences has allowed me to find supportive mentors and peers and find a sense of community at Lafayette. Being surrounded by the dedicated students and faculty at Lafayette has allowed me to explore and pursue my interests while forming meaningful relationships in both my academics and through campus organizations.”
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Lafayette pushed her to take risks and build confidence in both her academic goals and as a student leader.
“Having the opportunity to take an active role in so many different environments and experiences on campus has allowed me to understand the bridge between my academic and community involvement,” Raxenberg says. “The collaborative nature at Lafayette has provided me with the support and mentorship that has allowed me to grow, while also providing me with the autonomy to explore and pursue my own interests.”
When she started at Lafayette, she had a general interest in psychology. However, Raxenberg remembers being unsure and overwhelmed by all of the different routes open to her, how she would learn about the different options available, and what would be the best path for her.
“As I began taking psychology courses, I recognized that my professors were eager to speak with me about the field and career options,” she recalls. “I never thought research would be for me, and through the mentorship I received from professors, I decided to explore research and am so fortunate that I did.”
From her engagement in research, she not only was able to learn valuable skills as an undergraduate student, but skills that will be beneficial in her career and future schooling.
“Further, I was able to develop relationships with other peers in my lab and my research adviser, all of whom have been a means of support, direction, and encouragement in my career exploration,” Raxenberg says. “The externship opportunities that Gateway provides and advice from my Gateway counselor, Mark Choquette, on how to obtain summer internships have encouraged me to discover different psychology paths, which helped me to figure out what I want and don’t want in my future career.
“I am so grateful for the resources that Lafayette has provided me with, along with the welcoming community, which has allowed me to develop long-lasting meaningful relationships,” she adds. “The unique and special opportunities I have had access to at Lafayette are responsible for so much of my individual and personal growth, and my various accomplishments over the course of my four years.
Alex S. Hunter ’24 (mathematics-economics, government and law double major, certificate in Financial Policy and Analysis)
Hometown: Naples, Fla.
Destination/future plans: Commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps
Involvement on campus:
During his time at Lafayette, Hunter has been an active member of the Investment Club, Lafayette Outdoors Society, Kirby Government and Law Society, as well as recipient of, and treasurer for, the Marquis Scholars and Fellows cohort.
While Hunter is not immediately pursuing a career in finance post-graduation, he deeply treasures his time at the Investment Club.
“The club helped me understand the financial services industry and increased my financial knowledge, giving me the tools to make informed financial decisions to build personal wealth,” Hunter says.
He’s also worked for the Office of Residence Life for three years (2021-24), and served as head resident for two years. In his role he oversees 380 students and 13 resident advisers.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Hunter says Gateway Career Center has been influential in helping him chart his path beyond graduation.
“Melissa Shultz helped me get involved in Gateway during my first year, where I participated in the Career Tracks and externship programs,” he says. “Through these programs, I have understood what career fields interest me and, more importantly, which do not.”
Moreover, Hunter has been able to cultivate a network of faculty mentors who extended invaluable advice.
“Prof. Rosie Bukics and Prof. Sheila Handy served as informal advisers, allowing me to bounce future career and educational ideas off them,” Hunter says.
Overall, Lafayette shaped Hunter into a more informed individual, while also making him more apt in working with and leading people—skills he is certain will be invaluable in life beyond college.
Rachel Hebert ’24 (biology, minor in Spanish)
Hometown: South Burlington, Vt.
Destination/future plans: Pursuing doctorate in physical therapy at University of Vermont
Involvement on campus:
Hebert is a member of Tri Beta biology honors society (2022-2024) and Sigma Delta Pi Spanish honors society (2024).
She has also been a member of Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity since 2021. She served as the vice president of fellowship (spring 2023 through fall 2023).
“That’s what I’ve been happiest to participate in, and where I’ve met some of my best friends,” Hebert says. “Everyone says friendships in college are the most important thing because you spend so much time together, and the friends I’ve made here are so important. Meeting new people helped me branch out and get involved in more things at Lafayette.”
Her experiences also shaped her goals.
“I always had a feeling I wanted to work in pediatrics. Through APO I’ve had a lot of experience working with children, helping out in classrooms weekly or helping with events. That solidified my decision to want to work with children in my future career.”
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Talking with her counselor, Maureen Walz at Gateway Career Center, was incredibly helpful in determining the path forward to grad school.
“I always knew I wanted to be a physical therapist—Lafayette helped me figure out how to get there,” Hebert says. “Being able to meet with someone, talk through what I was doing, made me feel more comfortable and confident.”
Hebert remembers hearing about Gateway when she started at Lafayette and thought she wouldn’t need it as much since she already knew her future career. “I was so wrong—Maureen was so helpful and helped me with all the logistics of getting into PT school.”
Hebert says this year was challenging in a lot of ways, especially after the loss of her mom in February. But she leaned on her Lafayette family.
“My professors have helped me so much—they were welcoming and helpful. They understand I’m not in the same place I was six months ago, and they want me to graduate. I went to my professors and said ‘I want to graduate,’ and they were there to support me in whatever way I needed to get there.
“The reason I picked Lafayette specifically was that it had that small school feel, and it felt like the place where I’d be able to develop close relationships across campus, and connect with other students and professors. I definitely felt that this year.”
Hector Morales ’24 (economics, minor in data science)
Hometown: Waukegan, Ill.
Destination/future plans: Commercial banking associate at Capital One
Involvement on campus:
Resident adviser (RA), Conversation PARDner, Language Lab proctor, and member of Hispanic Finance Association and Hispanic Society of Lafayette (HSL). Morales says his involvement on campus “made my journey at Lafayette what it is today.”
As an RA, he learned more not only about himself, but also how to help his peers by strengthening his conflict-resolution skills. He adds: “HSL also gave me a home away from home; I found a family there that completed me in ways I didn’t expect. I had the privilege of serving as HSL president my senior year, and I hope I made the community proud.”
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Morales began his Lafayette career as a computer science major, but soon realized that he was not following his heart: “I recognized that I was pursuing computer science because of the prospect of money rather than my actual interest in the subject,” he says. “Prof. Chun Wai Liew helped guide me while I contemplated my choices, and he made me realize what mattered most was my happiness. He reminded me that it was OK to start over again, and that I could achieve anything.”
Morales switched his major to economics in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since. Over the last four years, he’s thoroughly enjoyed working with data, people, and policy, and taking full advantage of the opportunities available at Lafayette. He is especially grateful to Rosie Bukics, Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Professor of Economics: “Her class was one of the most challenging I took, but she always believed in me,” Morales says. “She gave me real-world advice that I was able to use during interviews and internships. She helped me grow as a student and a professional.”
He also thanks Mark Choquette, assistant director of Gateway Career Center, and Alana Klass, senior associate director and coordinator for access, equity, and inclusion initiatives, for their invaluable career counseling. They not only helped introduce him to various resources across campus, but also helped him navigate through experiences like building a professional resume and setting up a LinkedIn profile, which eventually helped him land an internship at Capital One in Chicago in 2023.
“At Lafayette, I found so many people who inspired me—from peers and friends, to staff and professors,” Morales says. “Without that, I’m not sure I would have gotten the opportunities that I did. I was able to dive into my passions and achieve my goals, and that’s what makes this place so special. You really live up to the Cur Non motto. Why not do everything I’m passionate about? Why not take over the world?”
Michala Dennis ’24 (electrical and computer engineering, minor in music)
Hometown: Courtdale, Pa.
Destination/future plans: M.S. in computer engineering at George Washington University
Involvement on campus:
In her engineering world at Lafayette, Dennis is part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Eta Kappa Nu honors society, a Clare Booth Luce scholar, an engineering peer mentor, and director of engineering tours through admissions.
“My involvement with the Engineering Division, especially in my department, has helped me find where I see myself in the future,” Dennis says. “Through these organizations, I have been able to get hands-on experience in engineering as well as have one-to-one interactions with my professors to guide me throughout my academic journey. It has also been incredible to meet underclassmen and help guide them through the beginnings of their Lafayette journeys; I learned a lot about myself through them! In terms of the arts, I have been an active presence since my first semester on Zoom.”
Since fall 2020, she has been a member of the Chamber Orchestra and Marquis Consort, allowing her to grow tremendously through both of these ensembles.
“I now sing and play violin for Marquis Consort and am the concertmaster of the Chamber Orchestra,” she says.
Throughout her Lafayette career, Dennis has also been a member of the Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Contemporary Music Ensemble. In spring 2023, she co-founded the Lafayette Music Media Committee with Kirk O’Riordan, associate professor of music and director of bands, as a way for the Music Department to grow its media presence.
“As the committee has grown over the past year, we now aim to build community within the Music Department through many student-led initiatives,” she says.
She also has enjoyed a presence within the theater community on campus, participating in four productions.
“Most notably, I had the honor of bringing the character of Jennifer McClintock to life on- stage through the spring 2024 performance of The Book Club Play,” Dennis says. “I am also the music director of the Marquis Players and am the treasurer/business manager of the Alpha Psi Omega honors society.”
Aside from her involvement in the arts and engineering, she is also involved in a variety of other organizations on campus: the Lafayette Student-Alumni Council since spring 2021, attending multiple alumni networking events, interacting with incoming first-year classes, and helping plan events such as Founders’ Day.
“This organization showed me the strength and importance of our alumni network, and I am so excited to become part of a chapter this year to give back to a community that has helped me become who I am today,” she says.
She has also worked with Lafayette College Admissions since her sophomore year, and this year had the honor of being the director of connection and engineering tours. “Through this organization, I have learned a lot of life lessons to guide me into the next chapter of my life, and I am happy to help show students the amazing things that led me to Lafayette four years ago,” she says.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
“Lafayette prepared me by teaching me to always keep moving forward,” Dennis says. “Throughout my four years at Lafayette, there have been unprecedented difficulties that arose and interfered with the goals I set for myself. However, my professors have helped me renavigate my undergraduate career and adapt opportunities to help me accomplish my goals.”
Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic really affected the first semester of her Lafayette experience; all of her classes were remote, so she had to be a full-time Leopard from home.
“However, many of the faculty members at the College went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. Prof. Jorge Torres (music) met me over Zoom in the first week of classes to talk to me about my passion for music. Profs. Amy Van Asselt (mechanical engineering) and Suzanne Westfall (theater, professor emeritus) held multiple check-in calls with me to see how I was adjusting and told me to reach out if I needed any help with anything. Prof. Mary Jo Lodge (theater) allowed me to partake in my first College theater production over Zoom, and Prof. John Nestor (electrical and computer engineering) met with me virtually to get me set up for the research I would partake in from summer 2021 through graduation.
“These are only a few instances of Lafayette faculty helping me along my journey, but the interactions with all of my professors have helped me become the person I am today and have prepared me for success after Lafayette,” Dennis says.
Dennis credits her professors, who were critical in helping her navigate her future.
“Many of my professors in ECE and in music have open door policies, so I was easily able to set up appointments with them or just knock on their door to talk to them,” she says. “Many times, I would step into an office to ask a quick question, but this would turn into a 30-minute conversation about life and advice for the future.”
Notable professors who helped her navigate her future are Prof. Jorge Torres (department head of music) and Prof. Ismail Jouny (department head of ECE).
“Whenever I ran into roadblocks during my Lafayette journey, they helped me get back on track and gave me advice to keep moving forward,” Dennis adds. “They have also been extremely helpful in academic settings and have helped me learn difficult concepts in my classes in ways that are closer to my learning style. Though these two professors have been key components of my Lafayette experience, all of my professors have been similarly kind and supportive. I couldn’t have done this without them!”
Julia Daly ’24 (economics, minor in Chinese)
Hometown: Closter, N.J.
Destination/future plans: Client advisory associate at Pathstone in Englewood, N.J.
Involvement on campus:
Since her first year, Daly has been a fervent member of the Lafayette Investment Club, serving on its executive board for three years (2021-24). The club was her first exposure to finance and helped solidify her passion for the field. The club provided Daly with an opportunity to connect with like-minded students and alumni, enabling her to find a support network of peers and mentors to leverage throughout her time at Lafayette.
The mentors and experiences that mattered most:
Daly has found Gateway Career Center to be an invaluable tool to explore professional paths.
“My career counselor, Maureen Walz, has been an incredible resource during my time at Lafayette. She has been a support system over the past four years and has helped me navigate the internship and full-time job search process,” Daly says.
As part of the career exploration process, Daly undertook over 100 networking calls with alumni in myriad areas of finance. She found that Lafayette alumni were always willing to assist her, not only providing advice, but also pointing toward resources that proved invaluable professionally. Daly’s networking efforts were further supported by Gateway Career Center’s externship program, which she found to be pivotal in ascertaining the niche of finance that excited her most. She spent a week at the Lafayette Office of Investments in NYC where she learned about the College’s asset allocation and manager selection process.
