The power of connection: How Rochester’s campus life shapes interpersonal and professional skills

Meet Chicago Network member David Becker ’95, P’28

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

I am in the Chicago area, where I grew up and where I have been since shortly after graduation. My wife Tracey and I have been married for 21 years and we have two daughters, Molly and Samantha. I am a Member with the international law firm of Dickinson Wright and work out of our Chicago office. My practice is focused on intellectual property litigation, with a significant amount of my caseload covering cases involving trademarks and advertising claims. Tracey and I are incredibly excited that Molly will be heading off to the University of Rochester as part of the Class of 2028.

What are your most cherished memories of the University of Rochester?

I most value the times I spent with great friends from my fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and from the rugby team. On campus, I had several memorable Dandelion Days and helped to organize a great Greek Week during my senior year. On a more academic level, I fondly recall winter afternoons spent studying in many different corners of Rush Rhees and, for the first time in my life, digging into some hefty and heady discussions in my junior-year history seminar. I also remember spectacular classes like “Politics and the Mass Media” with Peter Regenstreif, “National Security Policy” with John Mueller, and “British History to 1485” with Richard Kaeuper. That last one was a special opportunity to get into research from primary sources—a real pre-internet dive into doing historical research.

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

Living on campus, coping with fraternity brothers, and being part of an athletic club all helped me to develop problem-solving and interpersonal skills that I rely on to this day. In each setting, we were left to rely on each other to figure out the next step. Sure, we had examples from folks who came before us, but if we wanted to get a grill up and running out behind Gilbert Hall to have burgers, we tended to engage in some good-natured self-help. To this day, I credit those experiences with helping me develop the skills that have helped me to succeed at work and home. I even look for folks with similar experiences when I’m hiring because I know someone who has been on a team or part of an organization can usually get things done.

How did your experience at the University of Rochester influence your life?

I credit Rochester with sparking my interest in lifelong learning. As an attorney in litigation, each case I work on is an opportunity to learn a new industry or a new subject matter area. So, the quest for knowledge is a key to success in my work. I enjoyed being around bright and inquisitive people during my time at Rochester and valued the challenging and insightful faculty the school provided. All of that helped make me who I am today, and I am incredibly indebted to the University for the skills I’ve developed as a result.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What roles have you held?

My volunteer interest was very much related to the great experiences I have outlined above. It was something I’d always expected to do because I have such a strong affinity for the University. In the past, I have been part of the George Eastman Circle and different iterations of the Chicago Network. I have participated in interviewing prospective students and acted as a mentor to undergraduates.

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?

First, do it. Second, be curious. Events pop up all the time. As do opportunities to get involved that result in new friendships and special experiences you might not find on your own. One of the most stimulating events I’ve attended was one put on by the University at the University Club of Chicago where Rochester alum and then-University of Chicago President, Hugo Sonnenschein, had a fireside chat with Richard Thaler, Rochester alum and author of “Nudge.” Never would have been there if it were not for my involvement with the alumni network.

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

Getting a chance to meet new and interesting people and re-connect with old friends. For me, it continues to be those interpersonal connections.