Jason Buitrago ’07, ’14W (MS), Vice Chair
Which faculty member influenced you the most?
Dr. Naomi Jochnowitz, associate professor of mathematics. She connected the importance of perseverance, determination, and proving to the world our ability and passion to the science and art of mathematics. I carry her words of wisdom with me every day.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
The Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation located within Rush Rhees Library is by far my favorite place on campus. Aside from its quiet and spectacular place, it is home to incredible institutional artifacts, unique collection of stories, and surprising histories. Both the space and the content continue to amaze me, and I always visit when I'm on campus.
What was your favorite Rochester experience?
Volunteering as a commencement usher for three years, and then participating in my own commencement was a major highlight. Seeing the community come together to celebrate not just the culmination of degree pursuit, but to champion the start of the next chapter—hence commencement—is a feeling unlike any other.
How do you live the Meliora values everyday?
The philosophy of ever better truly has permeated my daily life. I consistently practice and preach the notion that no matter where we are in life, we can always strive to make ourselves, our communities, our immediate world, a little bit better. Whether small acts, or large instances, positive impact on others comes from within, and the Meliora value is a core tenet for me.