Alumni advice

Get to know your professors personally — they can become your greatest mentors and champions. At Rochester, I was a first-gen student from a rural farming community. I was inspired by my professor Dr. Signe M. Kastberg PhD LMHC who had been a first-gen student from a similar background. Signe helped me believe in myself and I was proud to earn a Fulbright — like she had — with her guidance. A strong connection with a professor can make all the difference. Meliora!

—Caurie Putnam ’97, ’98W (MS)

Go to as many Eastman concerts as you can – amazing opportunity to hear/see great musicians.

—Usha Rao ’94 (MS), ’97 (PhD)

I’m not sure I would have said this so emphatically forty years ago, but seek out people who are bright and strongly disagree with you, especially on “political” issues, and talk to them with an open mind. Be open to the possibility of being wrong, particularly as to those things you believe with the greatest certainty. You will emerge more informed, with a better command of nuance, and hopefully with a greater recognition of our common good willand humanity — even in disagreement. Intellectual modesty happens to be the common thread in the most brilliant people I’ve come to know since graduating from the University of Rochester in 1984. Aspire to it.

—David Bertoni ’84

Resilience.

—Edward Chafart ’88

Try to find a semester abroad opportunity especially in Europe. In the summer, travel with a friend, as there is safety in numbers and explore the world. Best wishes. I learned a lot at U of R. When I was a sophomore I went to Barcelona, Rome, Naples and North Africa and in between traveling by rail and boat.

—Brian Frank ’81, 81S (MBA)

Study hard but don’t forget to enjoy the great area of Rochester, NY. 🙂

—Didier Zurwerra ’22S (MBA)

Take advantage of UR’s greatest perk — customized tracks, minors and double majors. If you are clever and persuasive, every class could count towards one. Make a list of classes you might find interesting, and meld a new degree.

—Laurie Geodakov ’97

Never stop trying your very best, even when things get tough. And be kind to yourself!

—Emma Cordes ’20

Take advantage of Eastman concerts, Memorial Art Gallery, and career services when the time comes. Also, have FUN!

—Mary-Frances Garber ’86

Your time at Rochester is your opportunity to explore all the facets of who you are; take full advantage of the wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings.

—Bruce Epstein ’78

Have so much fun!!!!

—Kim Gorode ’05

Join as many clubs as you may be interested in. It’s harder to find random hobbies the older you get. You have so many opportunities to try new things at this stage of your life, so put yourself out there and try something new.

—David Messenheimer ’03

Don’t blink or the best four years of your life will be over!

—Amy Zelazny ’83

Suggestions: go to every Yellowjacket and Dandelion Day. Go to class — there’s nothing like being there in person. Take in at least one concert per year at Eastman. Walk along the Genesee regularly. Invest in a warm coat and dry boots. And remember that you can get a 15 on an organic chemistry test and still live a happy and successful life! (I am proof.)

—Rosie Zaloum Foster ’83

Be kind to everyone you meet.

—Jim Green ’74

Welcome — remember that the return on investment in college is your HAPPINESS first and not your grades, research, or resume.

—Josh McGough ’17

If you are pursuing a profession outside of MD, lawyer, accountant, teacher, nurse, etc. who can find jobs anywhere in the world think about where you would have to live to pursue your profession before committing to graduate school. For example, college professors have to go where the job openings are. Job candidates may not want to move to those parts of the world.

—Ronald Shapiro ’75

Establish and maintain healthy connections with all variety of classmates. You’ll be surprised to discover how much alike you all really are. Your college classmates will likely become your lifelong friends and professional associates. Do not limit the possibilities.

—Rochelle Watson Payne ’77

Go to more Eastman Concerts! Wish I had been to more.

—Laurie Geodakov

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, say hello or smile at everyone you see and hold doors open for others. You never know how much a simple gesture can go a long way. Go to the Greene Center even as a first year student. Go to tutoring if you feel like the grade you get on your first test is not indicative of how you thought you would do. Have fun! Meliora!

—Paula Lehrberger ’89

And be a mentor too. Adopt/help a freshman every year!

—Anita T. Acre ’91

Check out the garbage plate at Nick Tahou Hots.

—Akhil Shah ’04

Explore your interests. Keep an open mind.

—Dave Czerniawski ’93

Keep your mind open to all people and opinions. Don’t be afraid to decide for yourself.

—Carol Feeney ’76N

S. T. R. E. T. C. H. Try it all. Join clubs. Volunteer. Attend guest lectures and speeches. Play intramurals. You will not likely ever be in such a diverse and inquisitive environment or with such intelligent peers. Drink it all in while you have this opportunity!

—John Hickey ’85, ’85S (MS)

Enjoy the educational/academic experience. Get to know the people around you, some may decide to study abroad—study abroad will broaden your horizons and perspectives. And remember the spirit of Meliora: strive to make the world ever-better through your contributions.

—Christine Stoelting ’05, ’07 (MS), ’08S (MBA)

While getting an education, also take the time to know yourself. What are the things that motivate you? What are you truly passionate about? What kind of people make you comfortable enough to be yourself? What are your fears when you think about future career? Waiting until you graduate or you are job hunting to start thinking about these things may not allow enough time.

—Joanne Lim ’11M (MS), ’14M (PhD)

Study abroad. I never did and always wish I had. Class of ‘92. Go Yellowjackets!

—Leah Hughes ’92

Go check out the Rare Books collection in the library 💕

—Jill Tominosky ’01

Stay focused on WHY you are at UofR.

—Loraine Huchler ’83

Try the Golden Rule — live it and you will be living the positive social message of every age.

—John Baker ’59M (MS)

Have fun learning at a great place, Jackets!

—Samuel Tasker ’01

If you are a matriculated River Campus student, take the time to visit your fellow students at the Eastman School of Music… they are cool cats who would enjoy some cross-pollination between campuses… I know I did.

—Paul Sherman Stryker ’81

Involve yourself in the wider community.

—Lisa Keen ’65

Slow down and enjoy every minute of these years at UR. You will remember these times and fellow classmates for the rest of your days.

—Thomas Collins ’64

Don’t neglect your health. Eat properly exercise, and try to get enough sleep.

—Lauren Inker ’84

Explore the city of Rochester! See the Museum of Play and the Butterfly Garden, go to the Public Market on a Saturday morning, or just take a stroll down Park Avenue. There is so much to see and experience, don’t limit yourself to just staying on campus!

—Ethan Burnham-Fay ’10, ’11 (MS), ’18 (PhD)

4 years is a blink of an eye. Enjoy growth, form lasting friendships, and reach for the stars.

—Immanuel Ho ’84, ’88M (MD)

Take a wide range of elective courses to broaden your horizons. Don’t live your UR life in the library and hold on to the friends you make — they will last your entire lifetime. Go out and explore all the beauty of Western NY. Finally shop at Wegmans. Best grocery chain in America!

—Jeffrey B. Cohen ’81

Find a mentor.

—Derek Gordon ’85

Find the most renowned professors and take their classes, whatever their discipline. While I was there as an engineering student, I enjoyed two poli sci classes from the late Peter Regenstreif; a wonderful English class on robots with the fantastic Sarah Higley, and special relativity with — a bit ahead of his top quark renown — Paul Tipton.

—Stewart Bushman ’95

Go to more concerts at Eastman.

—Steve Thurston ’88

Enjoy yourselves and make connections. Especially with your professors. Study something that fills your heart.

—Jacob Hart ’99, ’03 (MS), ’19 (MS)

Doug>>Danforth

—Emory Jenkins ’22

Seek advice!!! And… while it may appear like everyone else knows exactly what they are doing, they don’t! It just feels that way because this is so new. Just understand that this is a process and everyone will have to forge their own path and you will be fine. (But again, seek advice along the way!)

—Sean Hanna ’03W (MS), ’13W (EdD)

Be consistent. Study a reasonable amount every day. Don’t save it all for the last minute. Stay relaxed and avoid substance abuse.

—Mark Grange ’79

Explore as much as you can, learn what is fun & interesting to you! I majored in Philosophy and learning to read critically, write effectively, and research has led me to places in my life & career I couldn’t have guessed when I was in college.

—Audrey Donaldson ’92

Learn the tunnels now before winter sets in!

—Rose Holmes-Minton ’79

1.Make a deliberate effort to get out of your comfort zone every day. 2.Strive to be healthy and fit — mentally, physically and spiritually. 3.Make your bed every morning!

—Scott Asack ’93

Learn time management skills to stay on top of classes and extracurriculars!

—Ayiana Crabtree ’22

Meet as many new students every year! Get involved in student life and activities. Go abroad to study for a semester. Know when to study hard and have fun!

—Cheryl La Monica ’82

I’m not an alumnus yet, but one piece of advice will be to have fun in the process.

—Shubham Jha

Always pursue excellence. Even if you don’t necessarily achieve it every time — but never stop seeking it. Meliora and welcome to the UR!

—Forrest Strauss ’85

Volunteer often — it’s a solid way to make quality friends and partnerships.

—Russell H. Tobias ’13

Go traying on the hill behind Danforth. Enjoy learning.

—Jill Gross ’96

Take an accounting and statistics class.

—Paul Nicandri ’89

Try new things.

—Jon Potter ’85

Visit Letchworth Park 🙂

—Vivien Goh ’69E

Get off campus and explore Rochester neighborhoods, enjoy performances at Eastman, and study abroad. If you are lucky, soon enough, you will look back at your college years as the good old days.

—Tim Kephart ’91

Surprises will come your way. Adapt to the changes and challenges.

—Herman Bernhardt ’61