For Jeanine Khoury ’82, staying connected to the Ģ����ý isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about purpose.

After decades of professional experience that took her from the corporate world to executive coaching and nonprofit leadership, Jeanine could have easily stepped back. Instead, she leaned in—reengaging with the University not just as an alumna, but as a mentor and guide for others navigating their own career crossroads.

“I had the privilege of a fulfilling career,” Jeanine says. “And I wanted to give back to a community that helped shape the person I became. That’s what led me to the alumni career programs.”

From C-suite to coach

Jeanine’s career began with a strong foundation in collaboration and communication. Over the years, she climbed the banking corporate ladder, overseeing operations and technology integrations resulting from large-scale mergers and acquisitions. Along the way, she developed a passion for helping others grow—engaging in executive coaching, leadership development, and serving on nonprofit boards while transitioning away from the corporate world.

That evolution wasn’t by accident. It came from careful self-reflection and a desire to make her next chapter one of impact and service. So, when the opportunity to mentor fellow Ģ����ý alumni came her way, she welcomed it.

“What I love about the Rochester approach is that it’s holistic,” she explains. “It’s not just about landing the next job. It’s about connecting values to career choices and recognizing that transformation can happen at any stage.”

A new kind of fulfillment

Jeanine currently serves as a mentor in The Meliora Collective Mentoring Program, which pairs alumni and students with experienced volunteers across industries and career levels. While she shares her expertise with others, she’s quick to note the relationship is mutual.

“Mentoring isn’t a one-way street. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, courage, and resilience of the people I meet. I’ve had conversations with alumni making major career shifts, returning to the workforce after time away, or launching second careers post-retirement.”

She also praises the structure and accessibility of the program. With flexible virtual conversations, thoughtful matching, and a vibrant online community, The Meliora Collective offers a low-barrier, high-impact way for alumni to connect.

A call to fellow leaders

Jeanine believes seasoned professionals and retirees are in a unique position to give back—and get something deeply meaningful in return.

“As a C-suite alum or someone who’s retired, you have a wealth of insight that others are eager to learn from. Sometimes we underestimate how valuable our lived experience really is. The perspective we can offer is something no article or webinar can replicate.”

Whether it’s mentoring, leading a virtual workshop, or simply having an informational coffee chat, she encourages peers to explore ways to stay involved.

“There’s something incredibly energizing about helping someone find clarity in their next step,” she says. “And it reminds you of your own growth. It reconnects you to your ‘why.’”

Lifelong belonging

Jeanine sees her continued engagement as a reflection of the University’s enduring mission.

“Rochester has created a space where belonging doesn’t end at graduation. These programs are about community, curiosity, and contribution. And the results speak for themselves—from job offers and new ventures to meaningful personal reinvention.”

For Jeanine, that sense of purpose is what keeps her coming back.

“It’s easy to think you’ve done your part once you retire or reach a certain level,” she says. “But I’ve found that there’s always more to give—and so much more to gain.”

“What these programs did for me,” Derek explained, “was reawaken the mindset I had back in school. That sense that the world is full of possibilities. It wasn’t just about making a career pivot—it was about reimagining what’s possible at any stage of life.”

For many professionals in their 50s, making a career change—or even considering one—can feel daunting. After decades of experience, well-worn routines, and the weight of expectations, pivoting or reimagining one’s path often seems out of reach. But for Derek Nowicki ’90, the decision to connect with the Ģ����ý’s alumni career programs wasn’t just a helpful step—it was a catalyst for renewed energy, curiosity, and possibility.

“I wasn’t necessarily unhappy with my work,” Derek recalls. “But I knew I needed something to change. I had this strong sense that there was more I could do, or do differently—but I didn’t know what that looked like.”

A serendipitous start

Derek’s reengagement with the University happened organically. As he helped plan his upcoming class Reunion, a conversation led to an introduction to Michelle Cavalcanti from the University’s alumni career services—and the start of something transformative.

“I didn’t go in with a clear plan,” he says. “I just knew I needed to take a step back and reassess. What had I done? What did I still want to do? Where could I go from here?”

Through personalized coaching, Derek began attending virtual workshops on leveraging transferable skills, refining personal branding, and creating a vision-driven career identity. These sessions didn’t give him a linear path—they gave him something more powerful: a fresh perspective.

Reframing the narrative

Rather than abandoning his 20+ year career in New York real estate, Derek began to reimagine how he could do the work differently. Through conversations within the Rochester network, he didn’t throw everything out—he rediscovered the parts of his career that aligned with his passions and values and let go of the ones that didn’t.

“I shifted how I approached my work. I let go of some old routines, infused more fun, and began exploring other opportunities simultaneously. And interestingly, everything started to flow better.”

Instead of chasing certainty, Derek chose exploration. And what he found was not a single outcome, but a “cornucopia of possibilities.”

The power of community

One of the most energizing aspects of Derek’s journey has been the support of the alumni network. He connected with several alumni, each of whom responded enthusiastically—many scheduling Zoom calls within hours of the introduction.

“The conversations were real. Thoughtful. And none of them were under an hour,” he laughs. “What that showed me is that Rochester alumni genuinely care. They want to give back. They want to help.”

From practical advice about exploring new cities to conversations about career transitions, these connections reaffirmed for Derek just how strong and giving the Rochester community is—even decades after graduation.

Reawakening curiosity and confidence

Derek describes his experience with the career resources as “a rejuvenation of spirit.” He found himself more curious, more engaged, and more open to life than he had been in years. What began as a search for career clarity turned into a broader transformation.

“Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. “You can pivot without burning down everything you’ve built. Sometimes, you just need to shift your mindset—and the way you show up in your work.”

He remains active in real estate, but now approaches his work with renewed creativity and possibility. And he’s continuing to explore what else might be on the horizon.

A message to fellow alumni

For other alumni—especially those in mid-career—Derek offers this advice:

“You’re not too old to learn something new. You’re not too far along to change course. You’re not locked into anything unless you decide you are.”

He urges others to start small: reach out to a classmate, attend a webinar, or connect with the career center.

“The University didn’t stop supporting us when we graduated,” he says. “They are still here—and the door is wide open.

Meet Metro New York City member and 30th Reunion Chair Heath Douglas Rosenblat ’95

What Heath is up to now and reflecting on his time at the University

Share a bit about your journey since graduating from the URochester. What are you currently working on or passionate about?

Summarizing 30 years in a few sentences is no small task! After graduating, I worked for a bit before attending law school, when I launched a 20-year career in law. Eventually, I took a bold turn—enrolling at the Culinary Institute and spending a couple of years studying and cooking professionally. But the legal world called me back in 2020, and for the past three years, I’ve been a partner at a law firm in New York City. Outside of work, I’m passionate about cooking and remain a die-hard Bills fan.

Reflecting on your time as a political science student at the University, what experiences or lessons shaped your career path?

Studying political science at Rochester gave me a deep understanding of government and law, but the most pivotal experience was an internship with the New York State Senate, thanks to Don B. Allen’s intern program. Working alongside legislative lawyers and drafting laws sparked my interest in law as a career. That hands-on exposure led me to work at a law firm before law school, ultimately shaping my decision to attend law school and become an attorney.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities during your time at the University, and how have they influenced you?

I was involved in sports, playing football, lacrosse, and baseball in various capacities, along with participating in intramural sports. I was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, which provided a strong sense of camaraderie and leadership. Looking back, I believe the foundation for leadership and community building was first developed through sports and fraternal activities, and then deepened by other University programs, such as service initiatives. While an undergraduate, my fraternity also sponsored charitable events, reinforcing the importance of giving back. These skills continued to evolve throughout my career—whether managing trial teams, mentoring younger attorneys, or working on pro bono cases to serve the community.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to take on the role of 30th Reunion Chair, and what has been the most rewarding part of reconnecting with your classmates?

Reunion planning has been a part of my journey since graduation—I’ve chaired nearly every one, including the 10th, 15th, and 20th. I look forward to it every five years because it’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, revisit campus, and relive the memories that shaped us. Seeing familiar faces and picking up right where we left off is always the most rewarding part.

As you plan your 30th Reunion, what are your goals for the event, and what do you hope your classmates will take away from the experience?

This year’s reunion carries extra significance—having missed our 25th due to the pandemic, my biggest priority is for us to truly be in the moment. I want everyone to appreciate the time we have together, reminisce about our years at Rochester, and create new memories that will last well beyond the weekend.

Have you attended previous Reunion events? What are some of your favorite memories or traditions from past Reunions, either as a participant or a volunteer?

Yes, I have attended many reunions for my class-year and others. Not to be cliché, but it is always fun getting together at the Elmwood or Distillery, and nothing is quite the same as a Tahou’s plate. That’s not all of course, the main dinner event for our class and the events that surround the weekend are always fun to attend. The University does a great job of finding interesting speakers on relevant and intriguing topics, as well as getting great comedic/musical performers to entertain.

How do you think alumni events like Reunions help strengthen the connection between graduates and the University?

Any time you can get a group of people who share a common thread back together the bond is strengthened. We all share a Rochester education and were on campus at the same time, and for most of us, at the same point in our lives. The passing of time can’t change that; it really is a wonderful phenomenon to be able to connect with people who knew at a younger stage in your life.

Celebrating a Reunion this year or want to see what you can look forward to in the future? Check out the Reunion website!

How to get involved like Heath

What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are considering volunteering for Reunion committees or other University initiatives?

I would absolutely encourage them to get involved. The University offers so many opportunities for alumni to stay connected, whether through volunteer initiatives, alumni committees, or special events. Engaging in these programs not only allows you to give back in meaningful ways but also introduces you to new experiences, fresh perspectives, and a wider network of fellow alumni. Plus, it’s a great way to reconnect with classmates in your area and keep that sense of community alive long after graduation.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Blending professional success with community impact, Lorenzo Mendez inspires as an alumnus leader

Lorenzo Mendez ’12 is a featured speaker for the , providing career advice to current University students.

Lorenzo Mendez’s journey from a financial economics and math student at the Ģ����ý to a CFA charterholder and global investor demonstrates how academic roots can inspire a meaningful career. Today, Mendez works with a philanthropic organization focused on financing solutions to address the climate crisis, blending his expertise in public and private financial markets with his commitment to environmental impact.

As a first-generation college student, Mendez credits his time at Rochester as foundational to his success. “The connections I made and the skills I developed there continue to influence my professional path,” he says. His role now involves sourcing investments globally, aligning his passion for finance with pursuing sustainable environmental solutions. One of his proudest accomplishments is contributing to sustainable investment strategies that make a tangible impact.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mendez is deeply involved in the Ģ����ý’s Latin Alumni Network, a group dedicated to fostering community among Latin and Hispanic alumni. Inspired by a desire to connect with fellow graduates and support the Latin community, Mendez has taken on leadership roles that leverage his expertise in finance and global investments to further the network’s mission.

“I believe the network offers meaningful opportunities for engagement, mentorship, and support,” he explains. His involvement has included mentoring students and helping organize events focused on professional development and career advancement. One of his most rewarding experiences has been participating in the , which connects alumni with current students.

Being part of the Latin Alumni Network has also enriched Mendez’s own professional and personal growth. “Engaging with diverse perspectives within the network has expanded my understanding of global opportunities,” he notes. Through events, mentorship, and collaboration, the network fosters community and cultural pride while creating academic and professional success opportunities.

Mendez emphasizes the importance of staying connected to one’s alma mater. “It allows us to give back, learn from each other, and create opportunities for the next generation,” he says. For Mendez, staying engaged is not just about maintaining ties—it’s about contributing to a supportive environment that encourages growth and belonging among students and alumni alike.

Looking to the future, Mendez is particularly excited about the Latin Alumni Network Scholarship, an initiative to support the next generation of student leaders. He encourages alumni to get involved with the Latin Alumni Network, whether through attending events, participating in mentorship programs, or exploring philanthropic and volunteer opportunities. “It’s a great way to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the growth of our Latin/Hispanic community,” he says.

When reflecting on his college years, Mendez has one piece of advice for his younger self: “Embrace opportunities to build connections early, as they can open doors and create valuable relationships for the future.” This mindset underscores his vision for the Latin Alumni Network’s future—a platform that not only connects alumni but also actively addresses social and environmental challenges through collaborative initiatives.

Meet George Eastman Circle and Young Alumni Council member Jackson R. Halebian ’18

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I majored in political science and after graduating started a career in advertising. I have a 9-5 job in advertising and own and manage two online businesses on the side, HPG Networks and The��Empire City Wire. This unique side hustle gives me a reason to continue to pursue making connections and staying connected with different volunteer and��philanthropic networks.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the URochester?��

My fraternity and playing tennis all 4 years with my freshman year roommate. My fraternity provided me with friends, connections, people to study with, and people I still stay in touch with. Tennis is my favorite sport and having an opportunity to have a partner to play with and courts at my disposal was a��major asset during my undergraduate career and kept me in shape. Living in New York City and trying to find tennis courts and people to play with is substantially harder.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

Being the treasurer and president of my fraternity taught me an immeasurable amount about working with a team and running a business in the real world. It gave me firsthand skills that I still use today in the workplace.

Did the University offer any resources or initiatives that helped you transition smoothly into the workforce?

The career center helped me perfect my resume which helped me land multiple internships and jobs. I still currently use the same template they provided me.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The��University is an essential staple in my life that I can always depend on. People change jobs, cities, hobbies, and careers,��but your university and degree will always stay with you. I genuinely believe my degree from the Ģ����ý��has not only helped me land multiple jobs but has also allowed me to stay employed during poor economic conditions as well as helped in getting promotions.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

It is very important to maintain a strong work-life balance and one of the ways of doing so is by volunteering or by doing philanthropic work. Your identity extends much beyond the job you have and being��able to stay involved with the things you care about is a very important part of life. I am a member of the George Eastman Circle and a member of the Young Alumni Council of NYC.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

There is no reason not to, whether you want to network, are looking for funding for research, want to start a business you think others would be interested in, or just want to make friends,��maintaining a positive and meaningful relationship with your alumni network is key.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Making friends and getting exposed to new and interesting people. You never know where your paths may cross whether at multiple networking events, a conference, or even a job interview!

This alumnus has set running records, earned career-related accolades, and was recently honored by her alma mater

Jackie Blackett ’81

For more than four decades, Jackie Blackett ’81—a Columbia University coach and athletics administrator—has been a driving force in women’s sports and athletics management. In recognition of her achievements, the Ģ����ý inducted Blackett into its Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2023.

“Throughout her life, Blackett has redefined excellence,” says Terry Gurnett, associate director of Athletics. “When she was a collegiate runner, she set records. As a Rochester cross country and track & field coach, she led the Yellowjackets to their best-ever NCAA track & field finish in 1989. Remarkably, seven of the eight women’s cross country and track & field members of the Rochester Hall of Fame competed under Blackett’s leadership.”

During her 30-year career at columbia, Blackett has played a pivotal role in the athletic department’s senior management, steering the success of more than 5,000 student athletes. Wearing multiple hats as deputy athletics director, senior woman administrator, and deputy Title IX coordinator, she oversees crucial programs and ensures compliance with University policies.

Blackett’s foray into sports started unexpectedly, when a friend invited her to a track and field meeting during the first few weeks of her first year on campus. “Much to my surprise, that meeting was held in the men’s locker room,” she recalls. “That’s the first time I met Coach Hale, who told us that if we were serious about running to come see him the next day.”

Blackett and her friends were serious and did go back to Coach Hale. Encouraged by him and the men’s team, they competed in as many events as they could. Over the years, the number of events increased and, then, in 1978 the women’s varsity team was officially established. “Coach Hale ended up paving the way for us,” she says. “His support truly marked the beginning of an unforeseen path for me and others.”

Here, Blackett talks about her life and career in sports.

What was it like being inducted into Rochester’s Athletics’ Hall of Fame?

It was humbling. Initially, I thought others were more deserving, but a former teammate reminded me that I represented a group of women who may not have the opportunity to be individually inducted into the Hall of Fame. I came to realize that this honor wasn’t just about me; it was about the early days of the sport and�� the women who sacrificed to build a women’s cross country and track & field program.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in Barbados, which was part of the British educational system. Students earned points for academics, community service, and athletics. That’s when I discovered I had some talent in running and netball. After emigrating to the US at 13, I attended an all-girls high school in Brooklyn, where I didn’t play sports—I did take up dancing though, which I still love.

Why Rochester?

I came to Rochester to be a teacher. I was on track to be one and then, immediately following my senior year, I received a call for the athletic director at RIT who was looking for a part-time coach for their women’s program. I took the job as an opportunity to give back to students what I had gained from the sport.

Did you know you were making history at Rochester?

Absolutely not. Back in the late 1970s, making history was far from my mind. Without a women’s varsity team, I was, along with my teammates, simply track & field athlete who entered several events. It wasn’t until senior year, qualifying for nationals, that I realized the significance of what I was doing.

What might surprise people to know about you?

I never really liked running, but I really loved competing. Ask any of my former coaches, training was never my forte. I did what was necessary to do well in an event.

What are some memories of your time at Rochester?

The lifelong friends that allowed me grow. On the track, I remember deliberately keeping one shoe slightly untied during our daily mile warm-up so I had to strategically stop to re-tie them. Coach would shout, “Can’t you keep your shoes tied?” There was also the perpetual struggle of being fashionably late to practice due to General Hospital ending at the same time that practice started. I remember the bubble chairs in Wilson Commons, too, which, by the way, aren’t there anymore. We spent a lot of time in those chairs solving the world’s problems.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in sports today?

In D1 collegiate sports, we’re at a turning point, grappling with questions about our identity, educational value, and the purpose of athletics. The recent spotlight on NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness—in televised congressional hearings caught my attention. This NCAA rule allows students to earn from their personal brand. Despite its complexity, one thing became clear to me: high school and collegiate sports mattered to every senator who spoke during those hearings. As someone deeply involved in NCAA and Division 1 governance issues, I know that these are conversations that will determine the future of sports.

What are you most proud of?

I take pride in two things. Firstly, the Hall of Fame ceremony, where my great nephews witnessed a different side of me and had the chance to glimpse the value of life’s work. Secondly, when former students bring their own children back to campus, it tells me that they had an experience that was so positive it’s worth sharing with their children.

What makes today’s generation of students and athletes stand out?

Their grit and determination to make a difference. This generation wants to be part of the decision-making process. Even if they don’t have all the info, they want to have a voice if it involves them. They want a say in the process.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading by James Kerr, which delves into the story of New Zealand’s All Blacks, the world’s most successful rugby team. I work long and late office hours, so my reading time is limited, but Kerr’s book always accompanies me in my bag. For a more leisurely escape, I turn to Walter Mosley, an American novelist who writes a lot of crime fiction revolving around a Black private investigator—I love his work.

Meet trailblazing Meliora Collective mentor Julie Shapiro ’83

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Ģ����ý had an impact on my life even before I was student there. The reason I applied to the University in the first place was because I had received the Bausch and Lomb science award from my high school, which put me in the running for a scholarship there. When I had my admissions interview, my interviewer asked why I wanted to major in biology. I said it was because I want to be a doctor, but in fact, it was not at all clear to me that was really the case. My interviewer pushed me to talk about what I really loved, which, as it turns out, was computer programming. Now remember, it’s 1978, so aside from a very few who had Commodore PETs, personal computers were not a thing, but there was a computer club at my high school which is where I fell in love with programming. By the time I left the interview, we had crossed off biology, and changed my major to electrical engineering (fun fact – at the time the University did not offer undergraduate degrees in computer science). This interview impacted the direction of my life before I even stepped on campus.

The opportunities that followed once I became a student at the University were no less significant. I worked in the lab of Professor Stancampiano, helping to build and test Josephson Junctions. I think that work was instrumental in my receipt of a General Motors scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to spend my summers interning at the Rochester Products division of GM. In my senior year, I joined Professor Voelcker and his team on the development of Constructive Solid Geometry, which became the foundation of many CAD/CAM systems. That research had relationships with both General Motors and McDonnell Douglas (McAuto), and upon graduation, I was able to continue this work at McAuto in sunny southern California. That was the beginning of what would be a thirty plus year career developing software, ultimately running large software development organizations, primarily in the finance/banking industry. I recently retired from UBS (a Swiss bank), where I was a Chief Digital and Information Officer, running a global organization of over 5000 technologists responsible for developing the systems supporting the bank’s Group Functions, which includes areas such as Finance and Treasury, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Data Management, Shared Operations, Legal and HR.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

If I recall correctly, in 1983 when I graduated, I was one of three women graduating with a bachelor of electrical engineering in a class of just under 60. I have navigated working in both a male-dominated profession, as well as male-dominated industries for my entire career. Recognizing the unique challenges this brings, I was very involved in spearheading efforts that created community and opportunities to help level the playing field for women in technology. I am recently retired, and while I look back with pride at the systems that my teams and I built, it is really my legacy of mentoring and being a role model for other women in technology that I am most proud of. And that is why it was such a natural transition for me to join the at the University. I have been on both sides of the mentoring table, sometimes as mentee, sometimes as mentor, and I have reaped great benefits from both! As a mentor, you get the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting your mentees. Beyond that, being a mentor provides the opportunity to meet new people and hear new perspectives and new ideas.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Many people ask me what I do with my time now that I am retired. The truth is there is no shortage of things to fill my time with, and like any other point in my life, I get to choose what I want to prioritize. As I settle into retirement, I have found myself drawn to increasing my involvement in alumni volunteer programs, starting with mentoring. It’s been a great opportunity to meet new people and join an incredible community. As much as I hope that my participation benefits the Rochester community, it’s not a selfless act! This volunteer work is incredibly rewarding and I appreciate the benefits it brings to me as well.

What are you looking forward to next?

I am told to be successful in retirement, you have to keep an open mind about what comes next, and I am definitely in exploratory mode. I continue to be passionate about DEI, and am doing a lot of writing on the topic. I am also starting to explore potential opportunities for a role as an advisor or board member, ideally for a small-to-midsize software company in growth mode. I also now have the bandwidth for more engagement with other University volunteer opportunities, and hope to make that a bigger part of my life. But the most surprising and impactful ‘next’ for me has definitely been becoming a grandmother! It’s an experience like no other, and I am incredibly grateful for it.

Michael Dymond ’13, the first student to become a George Eastman Circle member, leads the 2023 Senior Giving Campaign Challenge

Michael Dymond ’13

Michael Dymond ’13 felt so strongly about giving back to the Ģ����ý that he joined the George Eastman Circle when he was a student. He is grateful for his experience at Rochester and feels that it is particularly important to guide senior undergraduates through the transition from college to career. This year, Michael has offered to match all gifts made by members of the class of 2023, up to a total of $7,500, for the Senior Giving Campaign Challenge. By leading this challenge, which will also be part of the 2^nd annual Student Day of Giving, Michael hopes to inspire future generations to contribute to the unique institute of the URochester.

Q: Why did you decide to join the George Eastman Circle?

A: I joined as a reflection of the great experience I had at Rochester. I think that great experience is probably a result of three things. The first is that I almost ended up somewhere else, which would not have been a great fit for me. At a later point that became clear, and I was very grateful that I ultimately landed at Rochester. The second is that Rochester opened a tremendous number of opportunities that I otherwise would not have had. For example, when I was a freshman, I went to Spain for a one-month study abroad program. That happened because I was in my pre-major advisor’s office and said, “I want to travel more!” He asked me what languages I was studying and then called up the Spanish department right then and there. They soon found me a unique summer opportunity. The third, and probably most important part of the great experience I had at Rochester, was due to the investment and dedication of my mentors. I had a number of mentors at Rochester, and it made my college experience very rewarding and unique. I now do the same when I can for undergraduates. I have been able to recruit Rochester students to my past and current firms and have helped them out in their career paths.

Q: What did it mean to be a student and a member of the George Eastman Circle?

A: I hope it helped lead others to contribute to our class gift. My first George Eastman Circle gift went to the economics department and to the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections. It was a reflection of the great experience I had with both departments. I had an intense job search as a senior and ended up at exactly the right first employer. The Greene Center supported me the entire way. And I was very proud to be part of the economics department as they gave me a great education. It was funny when, after my gift was made, one of my professors found out and he, anonymously of course, used the exact gift and amount as an example in class to describe the implications of charitable giving in the tax code. I got a chuckle out of that one.

Q: What did you take with you from your time at the URochester that you still use today?

A: It taught me to think and solve problems. There are some other specific skills I still use, but the critical reasoning you develop in a great undergraduate education is probably the most important skill and is what I use daily now. I learned about perseverance too. Rochester is unique among the major private research universities in the United States. It’s an incredible school that commands a significant amount of respect in academia and among people who know it. Though, when I was a senior, I noticed that in my career field, it doesn’t carry the same visibility as compared to some other schools. So, I had to work just a bit harder. And I think that’s a good thing. When I interview people, one of the traits I look for is perseverance. I developed some of that at Rochester, and I think most Ģ����ý students develop perseverance as well.

Q: Why did you decide to lead this year’s Senior Giving Campaign Challenge?

A: I believe in leaving things better than I found them when I can. Universities are unique institutions in society, in part because they are perpetual. They’ve been around for centuries, and the majority will continue to be around for centuries to come. When I can help make Rochester better for future generations and, hopefully, motivate others to join in, I am always happy to do so. I find doing things that have resonance with and that are motivating to seniors at a unique juncture in their lives and careers particularly fun and appealing. I hope it will inspire someone, or hopefully several or many, current seniors at Rochester to do something similar very soon.

Meet passionate music educator and Metro NYC Network Leader Tanya Chanphanitpornkit ’15E

Tanya Chanphanitpornkit ’15E

Tell us about your time as a student.

I loved my time as a student at the Eastman School of Music. I learned so much from my professors, friends, and colleagues. To me, Eastman was a safe space for us to explore who we were and what was important to us, to take the good ideas, learn from the bad ideas, and decide how to make our mark on the world “for the enrichment of community life.”

One of my favorite memories from my time at Eastman was after every concert because there is only one exit from backstage, you would leave and there would be a sea of people celebrating your performance with applauses and warm hugs. It gave me great joy to able to support my friends and colleagues, and it also meant a lot to me that the artists of Eastman wholeheartedly supported each other. To me, this act of kindness has inspired me to continually support my friends and colleagues even after our time at Eastman.��

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?��

Growing up in public school after coming from Thailand at 10 years old, I saw how my music teachers changed my life. I started playing bass in high school, and I immediately fell in love with the instrument. In high school, at the end of a performance with the New Jersey Youth Symphony of Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 at Carnegie Hall, I felt like I was on top of the world. And I thought to myself: what an honor it would be to be able to impart the gift of music to others. That’s when I knew that my career needed to be the vehicle to carry out my mission: to provide music education for the coming generations. For me, I knew that if I could have anything in life, it would be for every single child to have an excellent music education.

Through teaching, I have learned that the greatest thing I can provide for a young mind is the opportunity to ask questions, offer thoughts, and expand their perception of our very complex world. All we need to do is empathize with one person, help them, and expect nothing in return. To me, that is what it means to be a humanitarian. What I learned at the URochester has propelled how I approach my professional and personal life.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I am honored to be on the Network Leadership Council (NLC), Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC), and Alumni Board! Each of these roles have challenged my own thinking and provides a safe space to problem-solve alongside other passionate alumni. The DAC’s mission, in particular, is very close to my heart. As a first-generation Thai woman, I have had unique experiences that I find difficult to grapple with. It has been a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor for the University to think critically about the intersectionality of these lenses of our students and how we can provide support for each and every student.

For the NLC, we get to host such fun events such as this year’s New Year’s Celebration at the Overlook in Bryant Park. I love connecting with people near me while providing the opportunity for other alumni to enjoy their city as well.

Other contexts in which I volunteer is through and . I love watching my mentees grow and knowing that I contributed to how they may have approached their experiences differently. I am grateful to be able to give feedback and provide insights, something I wish I had access to when I was in their shoes.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?��

In the scope of my involvement, I have had the pleasure of meeting prospect students, mentoring current students, and connecting with alumni. Hearing about people’s stories excites me, and it deeply moves me to be able to see how people of Ģ����ý are thriving in so many ways, in all walks of life. In my own career, it continually reminds and inspires me what an education can do for a person.

What are you looking forward to next?��

Currently, I am a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University. I hold positions teaching orchestra at the Nyack Public Schools and conducting at Manhattan School of Music Precollege and New York Youth Symphony. My current faculty positions in higher education include Columbia University, William Paterson University, and The College of New Jersey. I am also a founding member of a nonprofit called . Through these positions, I still live by our beloved motto, Meliora — and that will never change, I will always aspire for “ever better” in everything I do.��

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?��

After graduating, I immediately started involved and I was admittedly nervous about what I could contribute. The best advice I have been given when I first considered getting involved is, “an impact’s an impact, no matter how small, but you have to start somewhere.” We will be alumni of Ģ����ý much longer than we were students, so let’s continue our impact together.

Harold Lander ’13

Tell us about your time as a student.

Studying engineering, I spent a lot of time in the library. Working on problem sets in groups is one of the most present memories of school for me.

Outside of the classroom, I was involved in a few clubs on campus, including Meliora Capital, Mini Baja, and Hillel but most of my time was spent being involved with my fraternity Sigma Epsilon. I made many rewarding, lifelong friendships during my time on campus. I am still in touch with a lot of these friends; I am even going to Israel for one of their weddings next month.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?��

The University was an all-around great experience. Studying engineering was something I always wanted to do, and my time at Hajim opened my mind to thinking about and solving problems in new ways. The personalities of my classmates fit well with my personality and allowed me to open up. I was able to find a group of like-minded people and finally settle into myself.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

When I graduated, it was the first year of the Real Reader program — they reached out to me and I was happy to volunteer. This program pairs engineering and science students with professionals to help mentor them about networking, resumes, cover letters, and general professional development. I thought I could help in a meaningful way, and I have continued volunteering ever since.

In college, I didn’t know much about real estate and when I graduated I thought I was interested in finance. After starting my first job, I learned that real estate combines a lot of my interests and is a hiring pathway for engineers. I established the with my founding co-chairs Neda Levy ’00 and David Swidler ’05 to help current students learn more about this career path and create a new professional community focused on this industry.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?��

I have always found it helpful to network with other industry professionals to learn from a pool of people with diverse backgrounds. Staying connected through the Real Estate Network allows me to grow my network with likeminded professionals and since everyone shares being a Rochester alumni it becomes a lot easier to connect and build lasting relationships.

The Real Readers program is something I wish I had access to during my time as a student. It is rewarding to help students who are where I once was.

What are you looking forward to next?��

Growing the Real Estate Network and seeing where the group can go. We have been gearing up to offer robust programming, including a speakers series, site tours, happy hours, and more. We have received fantastic feedback both from the University and our members about our first formal event, so I can’t wait to make more progress on these offerings.