Meet Rochester’s Leadership Committee Member of the Women’s Network, Member of the Simon Women’s Alliance, and Co-Chair of the Women’s Summit Alliance Rose Cooper ’10S (MBA)

What Rose is up to now and reflecting on her time at the University

Share a bit about yourself and your current endeavors. What excites you most about your work or personal projects?

After graduating from Simon, I began my career in advertising and integrated marketing. Six months ago, I transitioned into Revenue Operations at Paychex as a Sales Acceleration Manager within the Sales Acceleration Center of Excellence (COE). Our COE develops innovative, data-driven strategies to drive revenue and transform our go-to-market strategy.

In my current role, I combine my passion for operations, project management, and data with relationship building. By leveraging automation, AI, and 360° problem-solving, we are revolutionizing how our sales teams engage with clients and prospects. I’m proud to contribute to initiatives that are transforming Paychex, especially knowing that our solutions empower businesses to grow. What makes this journey even more meaningful is that my parents were once Paychex clients, leveraging payroll solutions for their contracting firm.

Reflecting on your time at the URochester in Simon, what are your most cherished memories?

Can I say all of them?
If I must choose, three experiences at Simon stand out for me.

1. Finals Week at Elmwood Inn
   Gathering with classmates and professors in an informal setting during finals week showed me how much our professors were invested in our success—not just as students, but as individuals.
2. Serving as a TA
   Working as a teaching assistant for Professor Ron Schmidt’s business strategy class deepened my understanding of the material and reshaped my perspective on “leading with influence.”
3. Entrepreneurship Class – “Shark Tank” Style
   Developing and pitching a product concept challenged me to take a 360° approach to product development and marketing—skills I use daily in my career. My team pitched “datesmartpeople.com,” a dating site for those with advanced degrees. Despite initial skepticism, we secured the majority of the investment, proving that with a solid strategy and market analysis, any idea can succeed. This experience taught me the value of taking calculated risks and backing intuition with data.

How did your involvement with campus activities and the Simon Business School shape your personal and professional development?

Being a student at Simon was both academically challenging and personally fulfilling—I’d go home exhausted but inspired! The rigorous coursework and collaborative environment allowed me to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, boosting my confidence and relationship-building skills.

My involvement in Simon Volunteers fueled my passion for community service and led me to join the Junior League of Rochester (JLR), where I later served as President. During my tenure, the JLR launched the region’s only diaper bank, which has distributed over 1 million diapers—a testament to the coalition-building skills I gained at Simon.

Through the Marketing Club, I attended a talk by Sharon Napier, head of Partners+Napier. A simple thank-you card (shoutout to Career Services for the advice!) led to an internship that launched my career in advertising—proving that small actions can have a lasting impact.”

Giving back and making an impact

What inspired you to get involved with the Women’s Network and Simon Women’s Alliance?

I strive to live the “lift as you climb” philosophy, and University volunteering allows me to do that. As a young professional, it was challenging to find professional development opportunities. I was looking for new and creative ways to grow and flex my leadership skills, plus build my network. Joining (SWA) allowed me to find those opportunities and build connections, leading to me joining the leadership committee for the Women’s Network and co-chairing our upcoming Women’s Summit in March. I was also able to use my University volunteer leadership to build my professional profile and showcase leadership to my management team.

Can you share some of your most rewarding experiences or impactful moments from your leadership and volunteer roles?

Joining the Women’s Network from the ground up has been an incredible experience. Seeing the University’s dedication to empowering women and addressing important issues has been truly rewarding. We’re creating a network for women (and allies!), by women. As a leadership committee member, I have the opportunity to help shape the future of this impactful organization.

In SWA, our biggest impact is supporting women scholars, with a scholarship, at the Simon School. Each year, 100% of our membership dues support at least two women attending the school. Last year, I had the opportunity to meet our current SWA scholars at the fall SWA conference. Hearing about their experience and learning more about the impact the scholarship was having on these talented women was a game-changer! It brought the meaning of “ever better” to life.

What are some of your favorite events or initiatives you’ve participated in as part of the Women’s Network or Simon Women’s Alliance?

My favorite event is always the SWA conference, which is why I’m so excited to co-chair the Women’s Summit! The SWA conference focuses on collaboration, connection, and learning. I always leave the event with a new approach or strategy, be it one for my personal development or professional career. Some of the most impactful lectures and development sessions I have attended have been at the SWA conference.

How has staying connected with the University and Simon impacted your personal and professional networks?

Engaging with the University and Simon community has connected me to a variety of talented alums that I would not have crossed paths with ordinarily. Through SWA, I have reconnected with former classmates, as well as developed relationships with alums from different class years. I now have connections for career brainstorming, networking advice, and support as a parent of young children.

How you can get involved like Rose

What advice would you give to fellow alumni considering leadership or volunteer roles within the University or Simon community?

Don’t wait for “one day”—make today “DAY ONE” of your leadership and volunteer journey. As we look ahead, it’s time to bet on ourselves, take risks, and silence self-doubt. Too often, we ask, “What if I don’t have enough time, skills, or what if I fail?” But what if we succeed? What if we just try and learn from the experience? Take the leap—send the email, ask for the promotion, get involved, and bet on yourself. Make today day one.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet Latin Alumni Network member Sean Dozier ’21S (MBA)

We’re kicking off our Latin Alumni Network Spotlight series, featuring a new alumnus every month, to highlight the professional achievements of our members and their connection to the University.

Name: Sean Dozier
Class Year: 2021
Job Title: Project Manager
Industry: Technology Consulting

Who is someone that inspired you during your time on campus?
All of my fellow MBA students inspired me during my time on campus; they were accomplished and motivated to succeed. Whenever I needed a boost in my morale, I only had to look around the room for examples to draw upon for strength.

What are you most proud of about your Ģ����ý education?
Honestly, I’m proud to simply have been admitted and graduated from the URochester. This is a level of personal success that I never could have believed possible based on my starting point in life.

What advice would you give a current or incoming student?
Be bold enough to ask for help. Ask early. Ask often. The Ģ����ý is an amazing place filled with some of the world’s top minds. They want you to succeed and help is available from a plethora of sources.

Gifts from Ron Fielding ’73 (MA), ’76S (MBA), ’18 (Honorary) and University Trustee Juan Jones ’88S (MBA) will support education and career success.

Ron Fielding ’73 (MA), ’76S (MBA), ’18 (Honorary) and Ģ����ý Trustee Juan Jones ’88S (MBA) have each made new $1 million gifts to support students at Simon Business School, advancing their ongoing commitment to education and student success.

“We are grateful for these exciting investments in Simon’s future and offer our sincere gratitude to Ron and Juan for their unwavering support over the years,” says Simon Dean Sevin Yeltekin. “Both have consistently expressed how impressed they are with our students and recognize the importance of nurturing the impact they will have on our future. Their generous contributions reflect their belief in our students’ potential and their dedication to fostering the next generation of business leaders and innovators.”

Ron Fielding ’73 (MA), ’76S (MBA), ’18 (Honorary) has committed $1 million to the Ronald H. Fielding Scholarship, which complements the he established in 1996—a program that provides full tuition to qualified MBA candidates. Fielding’s new gift builds upon the growing list of Simon students who become successful alumni in the Rochester community and around the world.

“Simon taught me to connect economic concepts with business realities,” says Fielding. “That knowledge proved crucial throughout my career, so I’m happy to give back to the institution that laid such an important foundation.”

Yeltekin adds, “Simon alumni have long been recognized for their outstanding academic and professional credentials and, like Ron, are interested in making a significant impact in the world. We are grateful to him for providing such important additional support.”

Juan Jones ’88S (MBA) has committed $1 million to Simon in support of various initiatives that will contribute to the school’s success. His gift will establish the Juan C. Jones Scholarship Challenge, a matching gift fund that Simon will use to create new scholarships for qualified students, with a preference for those with financial need. The Jones Challenge is designed to encourage others to establish up to 10 new George Eastman Circle (GEC) scholarships and up to 13 new endowed scholarships. Regarding the Jones Challenge, Yeltekin says that it is a “great example of how philanthropy can be directed to address and support some of Simon’s biggest priorities—accessibility and education innovation—while inspiring others to get involved.”

Jones’ gift will also establish the Juan C. Jones Innovation Fund to provide unrestricted, immediate support of innovative programs that Simon leadership deem crucial to the school’s success. Additionally, Jones has designated part of his gift to his existing Juan C. Jones Endowed Scholarship. Established in 2020, this was Simon’s first endowed scholarship supporting students recruited to the school through the . Amending his original gift makes it possible for Simon to provide additional scholarships each year.

“As the first in my family to attend college and graduate school, and coming from a modest military background, I understand the transformative power of education,” says Jones. “The accessibility and affordability of my education at Simon and through the Consortium were life-changing and put me in a position to be successful. The rest was hard work, dedication, the support of my family, and some luck. I created this challenge to inspire others to give, ensuring students with limited means have the same opportunities I did.”

Meet Women’s Network leader and product manager Ashley Nevins ’16S (MS)

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

I am a New Yorker turned Californian with a business degree from Simon Business School and undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biology from Boston University.

Though I started my career in sales at Eli Lilly, I eventually found my way into product management and have worked for companies like WebMD and Ancestry. Last year, I launched my own product management consulting business! Now, I have the entrepreneurial bug and am looking into opening a tea shop – more to come on that soon.

I am incredibly passionate about supporting other women and helped found the Ģ����ý Bay Area Women’s Network in early 2020. We were lucky enough to hold our in-person inaugural event right before lockdown. I am also the co-chair of our Women’s Regional Networks across the country and am an active advisor of the Simon Product Management Club.

When I’m not working or volunteering, you can find me taking long walks with my two German Shepherds, wine tasting, traveling to new places, or working out on my Peloton. A dream day would combine all 4…though it’s proven difficult to fit my dogs and my bike in my suitcase.

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

I think many of us will agree that the people of the University are what make it so special. I met some of my best friends while studying at the University, and I married a fellow alumnus. For me, there is no single cherished memory of the University. Quite the opposite, I think about all the special experiences I have had and continue to have with the incredible people I met through the University. Rochester isn’t a moment in time for me…it’s more of a continued, special experience.

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

During graduate school, my cohort regularly went out for drinks and snacks after long days of class. Sometimes, professors would join us. I happened to be sitting across from our professor one day and he listened in as I spoke to another student about a business idea I had. The professor turned to me and said, “I’d invest if you were to pursue that idea.” At that time, I hadn’t seen myself as a business leader. I initially laughed at his comment but ended up using the idea in my final project at Simon. Though I ultimately decided not to pursue this business outside of academia, the professor’s validation of what I saw as a “crazy dream” is always in the back of my mind. In fact, it’s helped to give me the confidence to pursue my tea shop venture.

The casual nature of these after-class team get-togethers fostered a discussion I never thought I’d have, a discussion that serves to remind me again and again that I can make my dreams a reality if I choose.

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

My transition from the University was a unique whirlwind. I finished my graduate studies almost simultaneously with my move to California. Because I was already a working professional when I decided to get a graduate degree, my transition was less about entering the working world and more about moving from one chapter of my life in New York to another in California. California was wholly unknown to me – I had visited only once before and knew no one in the area besides my husband. I was introduced to the associate director of alumni relations in the Bay Area almost immediately after my move. She began introducing me to fellow alumni in the area right away. I shared my desire to develop a women’s alumnae network on the West Coast, and she helped me realize that vision. Before I knew it, I had a robust support network in the Bay Area, and I was leading the Women’s Network focused on providing that same support to other women in our area.

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

While living in New York, my mother-in-law (a fellow alumna) invited me to a NYC Metro Women’s event that she was helping lead. This was before my time in graduate school at the University, and I accepted the invitation primarily as a show of support for my family. The event featured a panel of women talking about their experiences connecting with other women at different stages of life, and it really resonated with me. The honesty of the panelists and the warmth of the audience were unlike anything I had previously experienced. The event was like a hug for the soul, and I was hooked on this amazing group.

When I eventually moved to California, I quickly realized that there was no similar alumnae network in the area, and I had to change that. In addition to my role as the founder of the Bay Area Women’s Network and now co-chair of the Women’s Regional Networks across the country, I am an advisor of the Simon Product Management Club and have also volunteered in the National Leadership Committee. I have even tried my hand at managing the Bay Area alumni social media accounts in partnership with a few other alumni.

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?

Jump in and participate your way! I’ve spoken to many people who want to be more involved but don’t think they have the time to commit at the level “required”. There is no minimum or maximum time requirement to get involved, and there is no single way to be active. You could help organize a single activity, help lead an affinity group, or simply attend a local event. You can increase or decrease your level of participation at any time based on the ebbs and flows of life. Get to know alumni relations teams at the University and work with them to find the engagement type and amount that works best for you.

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

As I look back on my life thus far, I feel incredibly grateful for the people who helped me become who I am today. I owe much of my career success to others who said “yes” to my requests for mentoring, “yes” to network intros, “yes” to informational interviews…These people were often strangers or loose connections.

It’s very important to me that I pass this generosity and kindness forward to the younger people of today. Staying connected with the University provides me with ongoing opportunities to support current students and recent graduates. Thank you, Ģ����ý!

Meet Strong and Simon community member Farrell Cooke ’14, ’19N

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

Since graduating in 2014, I decided one bachelor’s degree from the Ģ����ý was not enough. I came back to Rochester from NYC in 2018 to go to the Ģ����ý School of Nursing.  Currently, I am an assistant nurse manager in the surgical ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital and am also a part-time student at Simon Business School, finishing my MBA this May!

While much of my time is spent at the medical center or on the River Campus – I live in Fairport with my fiancé, Tyler (also a University alumnus), with our dog, Eastman.

What are your most cherished memories from the Ģ����ý?

Too many to count! The original Danforth and getting late-night paninis in Sue B are some of the most notable, but there are even more memories that are still relived when all our alumni friends get together.

From memories with the swim team, waking up for practice, trudging through the snow to get to Goergen (where we were once asked to bring a shovel with us to classes after a snowstorm), or the Sunday morning pancake breakfasts on the DG floor.

Of all these memories, what I am most grateful for are the relationships I’ve made during my years at the URochester because I still get to create new memories all the time with the friends I’ve made.

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

The involvement I had within athletics, various organizations, and my academic major were all huge reasons as to why I am who I am today. I owe so much of my personal and professional growth to the people who supported me through my time on campus.

What was most impactful has to be my four years on the swim team. Being a part of a team where your performance affects the larger group motivates you to aim higher and work harder – in the pool and the classroom. I learned to balance my practice schedule with an academic workload and how to make that work. You learn to surround yourself with people who encourage you, and my teammates and coaches were some of the best support systems I could have.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

My time at the URochester helped me come into my own as a friend, teammate, co-worker, and all around become the best version of myself.  To this day, my closest friends are the people that I have met while at school or while volunteering for the University.

Each aspect of my academic career has also led me to new educational experiences – from undergraduate degree to nursing school then business school. Every step of the way, I have gained not only more knowledge, but also increased my networking, critical thinking, and became aware of opportunities that I would not have known about otherwise. I can’t thank my mentors, coaches, and friends enough for the countless hours they spent helping me achieve my goals.

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

After graduating, I knew the University hosted events in New York City. I really enjoy getting to meet new people, especially when there are so many common areas of interest. I can’t remember my initial reasoning for getting involved but after almost 10 years of being a volunteer within the University, I am so happy that I chose to get involved! I have been a member of the Young Alumni Council (YAC) in two cities, a regional point of contact for NYC, and have also been the national co-chair for the YAC which allowed me an opportunity to be a member of the Alumni Board. I have also been able to volunteer with Simon being a member of the Part Time Advisory Council!

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?

It’s an amazing opportunity to do something a little different. What you get out of volunteering or participating is so much more than you think it could be. I have made so many friendships, created memories, and taken part in experiences that I would not have had otherwise. I think in a world post-Covid, looking for shared experiences and opportunities to socialize are more common. Becoming an active participant within the University community, I think would satisfy that need for a lot of people!

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

I have created so many friendships volunteering with the University and participating in events that I would not have otherwise. I think as an undergraduate student, you do not always get to see the scope of impact that the University can have not only for you but for the community.  Being able to see all aspects of how the University seeks to engage opportunities for prospective, current, and past students is really rewarding.  When speaking to students, I get to share these insights and also help them understand the value that they can get from this institution.

Meet career advisor and seasoned Meliora Collective mentor Bonnie Liu ’13S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

Life as an MBA student was busy but rewarding. I enjoyed the knowledge I gained from all my courses and getting to know my classmates. I was the vice president of Simon Asian Club (SAC), and I will never forget our trip to Japan in 2012, especially my memory of watching the fireworks together to ring in the first day of 2013. My other favorite memory was being the 2nd year student coach to 1st year students, that experience really helped build my confidence and was part of the reason that I was offered a job at the (CMC) at Simon and decided to switch my career path to international education.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

I came to Rochester hoping to jumpstart my career in finance but life at Simon gave me more than I expected. I made many great friends, got to explore different places, and even changed my career. I always remember the day when I went to the CMC to report my job offer, and then left the office with a new offer from Simon, asking if I would be interested in joining the CMC team to help with students’ career development. I made the choice to switch my career and I would not have begun my career in international education if I did not have the opportunities I did at Simon. This year I am celebrating 10 years since graduating from Simon and 10 years in education. I could not have imagined any of this happening 12 years ago when I was first applying for Simon.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I benefitted greatly from all that Simon had to offer and the encouragement they give to students to try out different things. As an alum, I feel responsible, and I am happy to bring my knowledge and expertise to contribute to the wider University community. I am the member of Simon China Advisory Committee and in our meetings I get the opportunity to learn what’s new at the University and exchange ideas with my peers. I also joined at its very inception and have had 1-2 mentees in each session since. The mentorship program is a great platform where I can connect with current students, learn what’s going on with them, and share my experiences and insights with them. Career coaching is my job, and I am happy to give back this way and help students with their career development.

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

The most rewarding part is seeing the continued development of the University. By joining committee meetings and talking to students, I can continue bringing value to my alma mater.

What are you looking forward to next?

I look forward to our next committee meeting to learn what’s new at the University, as well as the upcoming fall session of the mentorship program to meet my future mentees.

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

Follow the news from the University and attend an alumni event if you can, we have a really powerful alumni network. Also, sign up to be a mentor!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I can’t believe my time as a student in Rochester was already 12 years ago, and my class is celebrating our 10th reunion this year. I hope to visit Rochester in the near future!

Meet Simon EDI Alumni Council member Tayler Torry ’20S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

I decided to pursue my MBA at the Simon Business School after a career in the non-profit sector. I didn’t know anything about Rochester or the University, but after one visit, I knew I was going to have a great experience at Simon. And I did! I made incredible friends and was highly involved (maybe hyper involved) as a liaison for , admissions ambassador, and through SWiB (Simon Women in Business). I also participated in the immersion trips to Israel and South Africa.

After graduation, I completed a three-year MBA rotation program at Medtronic, the world’s largest healthcare technology company. I’m currently a market development program manager for the renal denervation business.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I started volunteering very soon after graduating and became a member of the Simon EDI Alumni Council. Although, I haven’t been back to campus since graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer through various virtual admissions programs.

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

The most rewarding part of staying connected has been learning and collaborating with the other alumni volunteers. We only get to connect with so many alumni during the MBA program, but volunteering alongside others who’ve helped me during my time at Simon is a really cool full-circle moment. It helps me keep in mind how much alumni involvement can impact the student experience.

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

My advice is to get involved however you can and to give back in a way that makes the most sense for you. There are a variety of ways to be involved and it’s important to find joy in it too. Life gets busy, so seek opportunities that are rewarding and mutually beneficial.

Meet new Metro NYC Network Leader Ibrahim Kaya ‘15S (MS)

Ibrahim Kaya ’15S (MS)

What was your time like as a student at Simon?

I attended Simon Business School in 2014 and graduated with an MS in Finance in 2015. Prior to attending Simon, I had already come across many academic papers of Ģ����ý faculty members, so it was exciting to meet many of the authors in person. I was equally excited about the curriculum of the MS Finance program, given the quantitative/analytical nature of it and the many subjects that were applicable to a career in investment banking. I’m still leveraging certain skills I gained from some of the fundamental classes such as Financial Statement Analysis and Cases in Finance in my day-to-day job. Those classes provided me with a strong set of tools to frame and analyze complex financial and business problems in an efficient manner.

I was actively involved in the Financial Management Association (“FMA”) as Class Representative and VP of Training & Events. The FMA leadership role provided me the opportunity to contribute to the development of my peers and gain leadership skills while getting ready for the job market. It was a wonderful experience to work with students from diverse backgrounds while learning from each other. Being a long-time soccer enthusiast, the Simon Soccer Club was a great opportunity to keep playing soccer while being in Business School. We even attended some tournaments and played against other American and International business schools.

Being part of the tight-knit Rochester community and being surrounded by ambitious individuals with diverse and unique backgrounds made the whole experience worth it from both an academic and personal perspective. I’m grateful for the support that I received during my time in Rochester from the staff, alumni, and my peers, whom I consider friends now. After graduating, many of us left Rochester and spread out around the world, but we are still in touch and speak regularly (even if that means that we have to bridge time zones between three continents).

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

Choosing to study at the URochester was one of the best decisions I have made thus far. I’m grateful for the time I spent at the URochester, the rigorous academic coursework I completed, and the strong relationships and many friendships I have developed.

The experience at the URochester was truly unique and valuable in many aspects. It was a great platform to learn, reflect and widen my horizon as a person. It was enriching to be part of the Rochester community and absorb the distinctive culture and shared values in a highly formative phase of my life, while being taught by some of the most distinguished finance professors out there. Experiencing new cultures on the campus has been one of the most valuable aspects of my personal development during my time in Rochester.

What made you want to become part of the NYC Network Leadership Council?

After my graduation, I moved to London and subsequently spent a couple of year in Amsterdam before moving to New York. Being back in the U.S., I felt the desire to reconnect with the Ģ����ý community and engage with fellow alumni and students in the NYC area. The University is close to my heart, and I enjoy sharing memories and experiences with fellow alumni and try to help young and ambitious Rochester students as much as I can. Being part of the Network Leadership Council will hopefully amplify those efforts in the future.

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

The strong community and international network have been instrumental for my career as I have received support and mentorship from various alumni during critical periods in my career, for which I’m grateful. I also enjoy speaking with young and ambitious students who are at the beginning of their careers and go through similar hurdles that I used to experience back in the days in Rochester. Helping those students out is one of the most fulfilling parts of staying connected to the alma mater.

There is a strong nostalgic aspect that I also find important and appreciate a lot. Whether it is with former classmates, alumni, or students, it’s always a special moment when we share our experiences about Rochester.

What are you looking forward to next?

I’m excited to be part of NLC and I look very much forward to meeting fellow Ģ����ý folks in the NYC area. I hope to contribute to the community building and events, as we have emerged from the pandemic and in-person events are picking up again.

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

I would encourage alumni to get involved in the NLC as it is a great way to stay connected and strengthen the network of the Rochester community in the area. It allows them to connect with fellow alumni from different backgrounds and years, which they otherwise might not have encountered in their respective disciplines. They will be amazed by the diverse and inclusive network that spans across various industries and regions.

Meet Nodi Bui ‘21S (MBA), a recent graduate now in the Chicago Network

Nodi Bui ’21S (MBA)

What was your time like as a student at Simon?

During my time at the URochester, I made many friends who I am still in touch with today. It was a tough year when in-person events were limited because of COVID. Thus, once it became more open, we went to every event and enjoyed all the talks and drinks. The school is very diverse I got to meet people from different cultures. I had a lot of fun going to potluck nights when each of us would bring our own cultural food.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life? 

The education and professional network lead to a great job after graduation. Moreover, being surrounded by intelligent and supportive peers at school, I became more confident in networking with people in my desired professional field.

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

Two things: Professional support and friendship. School officials still provide me with job and immigration resources when necessary, and classmates and alumni are always more than willing to help with career advice and opportunities. After graduation, I moved to Chicago by myself and thanks to my two Simon classmates, I didn’t feel lonely in the new city.

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

Don’t be afraid of reaching out to people around you with questions. You will learn a lot from those conversations. Participate in clubs, go to social events, and make friends – because those will the best memories on which you can reminisce in the future.

Meet co-chair of the Boston Network Leadership Council, Harsh Singh ’12S (MS), ’13S (MBA)

Harsh Singh ’12S (MS), ’13S (MBA)

What was your time like as a student at Simon?

Simon had its own little bubble, and I enjoyed trying to expand beyond my Simon circle of friends to explore the rest of the University and what it had to offer. I have a lot of good memories of student events, Yellowjacket basketball games, Eastman concerts, and other happenings around campus.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Simon education helped me round out my business education and many skills I learned at Simon became a part of my daily work life. “Meliora” has also become something of a credo in my life.

What made you want to become part of the Boston Network Leadership Council?

I wanted to see more Simon events in the Boston-area and was interested in collaborating with the council on events that have cross-appeal, such as volunteer events. I was added to the Network Leadership Council as a next step to bring the Simon perspective. Now I’m excited to represent the whole Ģ����ý alumni base!

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

I always thought we had such friendly and caring students when I attended, and I see those same characteristics reflected in the alumni community. Everyone is generally very kind and easy to talk to.

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

Just give it a try, you might be pleasantly surprised!