The members of Bryant’s Class of 2019 have made their way into the world, empowered by a transformative education that inspired them to excel. Through interviews, social media posts, and articles in Bryant’s Archway student newspaper, class members recently shared their appreciation for Bryant and everything they learned as they looked back at their four years at the University and ahead to their bright futures.

The graduates took away many lessons from their time at Bryant, lessons that will help them succeed in their chosen field. The real-world experience she gained from her Bryant coursework, including practicum courses where she developed real solutions for international companies, gave her an edge, says Alexandra Aubron ’19, who concentrated her International Business studies in Global Supply Chain Management and Applied Analytics and now works for Prysmian Group. “A course like the practicum, where we can actually apply what we’ve been learning in the classroom and see what we’re truly capable of, means a lot to us.”

“In my experience, current students and alumni alike are always willing to help out in any way and want to see fellow Bulldogs succeed, no matter where in their life’s journey they are.”

Marketing student William Tondo ’19, now a Product Manager with Collette, says the skills, experience, and business acumen he gained at Bryant have helped him become a “confident, more well-rounded individual who is ready to take on the world.” Challenging coursework and organizations such as Bryant’s chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization taught him about perseverance, collaboration, and integrative thinking. “I learned how to be a bulldog at Bryant. They never give in to fear or doubt. Bulldogs overcome challenges, and work for their goals,” Tondo reflects.

Home and away

Katherine Castillo’s Bryant education helped her expand her horizons and embark on an exciting path. The youngest student to ever be admitted to the Luxury Management MBA program at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s most prestigious business schools, she furthered her love of exploration, as well as her career, by learning about and traveling to Malaysia and Singapore through Bryant’s Sophomore International Experience (SIE) and studying abroad in Sicily.

“Traveling to different countries and learning the culture is so important,” she says. “You get to know the people, their way of life, their views on the world – and that expands your own knowledge,” she says. She’s grateful for the opportunities to develop her global perspective. “Studying abroad and SIE allow you to have experiences that may have once seemed impossible. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d have the chance to go Singapore at the age of 20.”

“Bryant provided me with endless resources for getting involved, but most importantly the Bryant community gave me the courage to get involved.”

But no matter how far they travel, the Class of 2019 knows they’ll always have a home at Bryant. “Being a Bulldog is something that has meant so much to me over these last four years,” says Finance major Christopher Sherman '19, currently a Credit Analyst at Freedom National Bank. “I am very fortunate to be a part of a community that is so concerned with the success of their peers. In my experience, current students and alumni alike are always willing to help out in any way and want to see fellow Bulldogs succeed, no matter where in their life’s journey they are.”

Education of the whole person

That supportive community helped the class grow, not just as professionals, but as people as well. Accounting major David Robinson '19, now an incoming Tax Associate at PwC, credits his time as a student senator with helping him become a leader of character. “Bryant provided me with endless resources for getting involved, but most importantly the Bryant community gave me the courage to get involved,” Robinson says. “No matter what my goal or aspiration was, I knew the Bryant community was there, fully supporting me.”

For Literary and Cultural Studies major Elana-Williams Leonard '19, who distinguished herself as a writer, tutor, and mentor at Bryant, the impression the University made on her extends far beyond graduation day.  “Bryant University has taught me strength, resilience, and passion,” says Leonard. “It has taught me how to follow my instincts and to trust the process. It has taught me how to be adaptable, prepared, and well-rounded in all situations. It has taught me how to find the strength and purpose in my voice.”