Extending identity through philanthropy

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 periodicals 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 University of Rochester? 

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 University of Rochester 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 University of Rochester 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!