Chengxi Tang '07

Major/Minor: Economics, Neuroscience and Behavior

Occupation: Global Business Development Lead - Google

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Women's Water-polo, Pangea, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Career Resource Center Peer Career Advisor, ITS helpdesk

Why Wes?  The breadth and quality of education, and the incredible community

Adam Berinsky '92

Major/Minor: Government

Current Location: Cambridge, MA

Occupation: I am the Mistsui Professor of Political Science at MIT. I have been here for 20 years. Before that I was an Assistant Professor of Politics at Princeton.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: I worked at the Wesleyan Argus for three years, including a semester as editor in chief. I was also a member of Alpha Delta Phi. I was a tour guide and senior year served on the President's advisory committee. I also worked at a variety of work study jobs (library, food service, film society, ....) all four years.

Why Wes? I wanted to get a broad liberal arts education at a small to mid-size school.

Dr. Sidra Smith '92

Major/Minor: English

Current Location: Virginia

Occupation: Administrator /faculty in independent schools; adjunct professor; executive coach

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Ujamaa, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Why Wes? I chose Wes because I saw lots of evidence of intellectual curiosity and social justice. I could imagine myself thriving there.

Philippe Bungabong '22

Major/Minor: Economics

Occupation: Business Development & Investor Relations, Hedge Fund

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan Sailing Team, Office of Admission, Gordon Career Center, and various TA positions in Economics and Physics.

Why Wes? The opportunity to combine my passions for economics, math, and the humanities, and the wonderful people I met before committing to Wes!

Alexandra Bacchus '17

Major/Minor: College of Social Studies

Occupation: Affiliate Partnerships at Bilt Rewards

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Track & Field, Wesleyan Media Project, admissions tour guide, Senior Interviewer, work study job

Why Wes? I got "that feeling" when I toured campus as a sophomore and never forgot it throughout all of the following tours I took. I wanted to be at a small school where I felt like I could meet everyone by the end of my senior year, I wanted to play a sport, but I also wanted to focus heavily on academics in small class settings.

Kofi Ofori-Darko '20

Major/Minor: Biology, Science in Society Program

Current Location: New York, NY

Occupation: Climate focused growth equity investing

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Club Tennis, African Students Association, Wesleyan Investment Group

Why Wes? I chose Wes because I truly felt like I would be valued as a member of the community and not just another student, the relatively flexible curriculum that would allow me to pursue academic interests outside of my majors, and its strong reputation for pushing back on the status quo and developing diverse thoughts and ideas.

Catherine Fitch '87

Major/Minor: Chemistry

Occupation: Law - Practicing Attorneys

Wes Extracurricular Activities: French House, ADP, Residential Life (RA), projectionist, work study (waitress at Downey, admissions, reserve room, chemistry TA), chemistry summer research,

Why Wes? I wanted a small, diverse learning environment. The specific reasons I chose Wes are a bit idiosyncratic.

Max Owen-Dunow '15

Major/Minor: Government, French Studies

Occupation: Speechwriter and executive communications professional

Wes Extracurriculars: Throw Culture (co-ed ultimate frisbee), Let's Get Ready (student-run SAT tutoring and college prep program for underserved local high school students), student theater, admissions office volunteering

Why Wes? I could tell from the first moment I stepped on campus that Wes was a place where people were passionate about what they did, in and out of the classroom. That passion was inspiring and contagious!

David Shopper '82

Major/Minor: English

Occupation: Advertising photographer

Wes Extracurriculars: The Argus photo editor, drama sets and lighting, volleyball, ultimate, water polo

Why Wes? Wes dovetailed nicely to my curiosity and wide variety of academic interests. I was challenged and surrounded by interesting and open-minded students. I felt supported by the university for whatever tangent I wanted to follow.

Livia Cox '22

Major/Minor: Neuroscience and Behavior, Science in Society

Current Location: New Haven, CT

Occupation: Persuing a graduate degree (MPH) in Health Policy at Yale School of Public Health

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Middletown Harm Reduction Initiative, WesEMT, Wesleyan Food Rescue, Wesleyan Refugee Project, Title IX Student Advisory Committee

Why Wes? At Wesleyan, I was captivated by the dynamic intellectual culture where discussions extend beyond the classroom, fostering creativity and practical engagement throughout the campus. As a premed student, I found a nurturing environment that values collaboration over competition, creating a supportive and community-oriented atmosphere. Wesleyan stood out for its commitment to civic engagement, seamlessly integrating theory with praxis, making it an ideal place for me to grow both academically and as a socially responsible individual.

Sarah Kang '18

Major/Minor: Molecular Biology/ Biochemistry, Science in Society Program, College of East Asian Studies

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: PhD candidate in policy analysis, policy analyst at RAND Corporation

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Korean Student Association, TA for Introduction to Biology

Charlotte Castillo '94

Major/Minor: American Studies

Occupation: Managing Director of a non profit organization.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: WESU, Ajua Campos, Student of Color Council, Spcial Committee, Student Government

Why Wes? Wesleyan is a wonderful place to explore all aspects of your interests. It provides the space to be both a scientist and an artist, both an athlete and a philosopher, both a dancer and an economist...

Spencer Boyer '91

Major/Minor: English

Occupation:  Partner in a major global strategic advisory and commercial diplomacy firm in Washington, D.C. I recently completed nearly 3 years of service in Biden administration as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: WESU 88.1 FM (news anchor); theater; acapella singing group; Ebony Singers (gospel choir)

Why Wes? It helped me to learn to think independently and to create a unique, custom made life.

Hannah Docter-Loeb '22

Major/Minor: Biology, Psychology, Education Studies

Current Location: Washington, DC

Occupation: Journalist

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan Argus, Wesleyan Jewish Community, Wesleyan Women in Science

Why Wes? I wanted a small close-knit liberal arts community

Sonja English '20*

Major/Minor: College of Letters, Medieval Studies

Current Location: Washington DC

Occupation: Management Consultant

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Debate, boxing, climbing

Why Wes? I wanted the luxury of choice! Wesleyan gave me the freedom to explore a wide variety of areas without imposed limitations. I got to continue to be a generalist, an explorer, a reader and take on plural identities. In the process, I took on new interests and shed existing ones. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to constantly evolve.

Ainsleigh Caldicott '21

Major/Minor: Government, Data Analysis

Current Location: Boston, MA

Occupation: Private Equity & Sustainability Consulting

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Women's Squash, theater, Alumni & Parent Relations Office intern

Why Wes? The rigorous, interdisciplinary academic opportunities, the wide-range of extra-curriculars, and the extraordinary people. When I toured, I got the sense that everyone was very driven, well-rounded, and most importantly to me, collaborative and kind. I found that to be true throughout my time on campus

Tnyetta Mitchell '93

Major/Minor: Government, Dance

Occupation: Managing Director, Private Banker

Wes Extracurricular Activities: RA, Senior Interviewer, Founded Women of Color Dance Troupe, Ujamaa, Wekupee, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

Why Wes? The culture, academic reputation, and diverse and welcoming student body.

Glen Sato '81

Major/Minor: College of Social Studies, Economics

Current Location: Palo Alto, CA

Occupation: Retired (3 yrs); Partner, Cooley LLP (Silicon Valley law firm); public company CFO and General Counsel; In House attorney

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Student Judiciary Board

Why Wes? Individuals I met were diverse, independent and interesting.

Doug Neuman '87

Major/Minor: Chemistry, Music

Occupation: High School Counselor/adjustment counselor

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Intramural soccer, ENCORE (student run musical theater group), accompanist to various singing groups & cabarets, first student soloist with the University Orchestra, Big Brother (Big Brother/Big Sister organization in Middletown), chem research lab

Why Wes? The people (smart, engaging, diverse... some of the closest people in my life today I met at Wes); the professors (interested in teaching undergrads, encouraging students to grow, explore and create); the programs (I was able to follow multiple passions and do deep dives into chem and music!); the place (I felt part of a vibrant community where I was exposed to new ideas, challenged to think and encouraged to engage when and where I wanted).

Boldsaikhan Boldbayar '23

Major/Minor: Molecular Biology and BioChemistry

Occupation: Research Technician

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan's Competitive Table Tennis Club, First Cardinals Mentorship Program, Wesleyan Mathematics and Science Scholar Program

Why Wes?  Wesleyan's Molecular Biology & Biochemistry department was big enough for a variety of research to choose from, and yet small enough for students to join a lab early on without intense competition.

Nalu Tripician '22

Major/Minor: Computer Science, Film

Current Location: Atlanta, GA

Occupation: Software Engineer

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan Sailing Team (Captain 2020-2022), Argus

Why Wes? I chose Wes because it seemed like the only place where I could pursue my varied interests in many fields.

Timothy Porter '04

Major/Minor: Economics, Government

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Attorney (General Counsel at Good Worldwide)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity swimming, theater

Why Wes? Active and diverse student body. Rigorous academics.

Darren Kapelus '87

Major/Minor: English

Current Location: New York City, NY

Occupation: I spent almost 30 years working in the advertising industry, mostly on global accounts like Dove, GAP and Hellmann's at Ogilvy, New York. As a leader in the Account Management Group, my role was to a) work as a liaison between the agency and the client; and b) collaborate with the agency's strategy, creative, production and media teams to deliver outstanding, effective campaigns for our clients. For me, the most exciting part of the work was developing marketing strategies based on deep consumer insights. Oh, and I got to travel the world!

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Squash, Argus newspaper

Why Wes? I chose Wes because, being a recent "transplant" from South Africa, I had a strong sense that the University would be a welcoming place. I knew that Wes embraced diversity and differences, versus rewarding uniformity. I was, of course, also attracted to the rigorous academic opportunities that Wesleyan would provide.

Samera Syeda Ludwig '94

Major/Minor: College of Social Studies, Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Occupation: Partner at law firm practicing labor and employment

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Teaching assistant, volunteered at soup kitchen

Why Wes? Sister went to Wes class of 90. Wanted small class size and wanted to be in CSS major

Anthony Mohr '69

Major/Minor: Government

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Retired Superior Court judge (still sitting part-time), memoir Every Other Weekend--Coming of Age With Two Different Dads (Koehler) published in February 2023, Senior Editor, Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Social Impact Review.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan Argus, WESU

Why Wes? Quality, course offerings, the zeitgeist

Carolyn Alvarez '11

Major/Minor: Government, American Politics

Current Location: New York City, NY

Occupation: Business Immigration Attorney

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Ski Team, Habitat for Humanity, Alumni & Parent Relations

Why Wes? It's cliche, but I visited during WesFest and I just immediately knew it was where I belonged. I had applied because it was a great school -- but there are many great schools, and only Wesleyan felt like home.

Pedro Dutra '23

Major/Minor: Economics, Data Analysis

Current Location: Connecticut

Occupation: Presidential Fellow in Advancement Business Intelligence at Wesleyan University

Wes Extracurricular Activities: In my time at Wesleyan, I took part in many intramural sports, such as basketball, soccer, and softball. I always made sure to go to various events around campus, such as football games, basketball games, dance performances, and other campus wide events.

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan when my stepdad, '92, convinced me to walk around campus on my way to Boston, where I was going to visit other colleges. Immediately after walking around through North College and hiking up Foss Hill, it became a no-brainer: this is where I wanted to be. A few months later, I applied Early Decision and the rest is history.

Sarah Tunik '92

Major/Minor: English

Current Location: CA

Occupation: English teacher; college counselor for first-gen low-income students.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Government

Why Wes? Weird is good! Collaboration, beauty, every department is superior, so much music/art/dance/movies! Single rooms. Diverse students.

Vivianne Swerdlow '13

Major/Minor: Sociology, English

Current Location: IL

Occupation: Therapist

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Queer life, music, political engagement, Jewish community, mental health peer support and advocacy

Why Wes? Wes was the perfect size - not too small but not too big. I loved the vibe of the campus and the level of student engagement within and outside of classes.

Blaise Noto '74

Major/Minor: Sociology

Current Location: NY

Occupation: Entertainment Marketing & PR

Wes Extracurricular Activities: President, Class of 1974; DEKE Fraternity; Javanese Gamelan orchestra; Resident Advisor; semester abroad in London and the Sir John Cass School of Art; internship at the BBC in Audience Research; Stanford University Summer Film & Broadcatimg Imstitute.

Why Wes? Open curriculum; diverse student body; opportunities to broaden my experiences, academics and forward thinking administration and professors.

Nikolas Ortega '19*

Major/Minor: Latin American Studies, Economics, International Relations

Current Location: San Francisco, CA

Occupation: Digital Growth Strategy @ Google

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Patricelli Center Fellow, Investment Group, Catholic Student Organization

Why Wes? I truly decided on Wesleyan after visiting during WesFest, the annual admitted student event. Although I was only there for a day, there was something distinct about Wesleyan. Despite being in the middle of preparations for finals and the end of the semester, faculty, staff, and most importantly the students I met that day proactively went out of their way to make me feel welcome.

Aside from that in person gut feeling, I was drawn to the multidisciplinary academic paths students could pursue, the university’s history of activism, and the eclectic student body that is hard to describe in any other word.

The Wesleyan community is quite extensive and you can find Wes alums changing the world or being leaders in their domains, all whilst pursuing their passions. I knew this would be a place that would make me challenge conventions, expose me to a plethora of new perspectives, and teach me how to think more critically—both inside and outside of the classroom.

Robert Seiler '82

Major/Minor: Physics, Math/Computer Science

Current Location: Somerville, MA

Occupation: I was a software engineering and project manager mainly focusing on communications networks and videoconferencing.  In retirement, I volunteered with local middle and high school students in computer science and math. 

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Science Fiction Club and a bunch of informal activities such as pick-up games of ultimate

Why Wes? It's a community where learning is valued. Students are given freedom to explore their interests. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of interests. Professors want to teach, interact with students. And, things clicked when I visited campus.

Josh Davidoff '18

Major/Minor: Music, Sociology

Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Manager at Hollyhock Foundation

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Playing and producing concerts through Sound Co-op and Concert Committee; Orchestra, Laptop Ensemble, & Gamelan; music and sound design for Second Stage and Burlesque; WestCo president; 8-to-8 peer listening service; Center for the Arts internship Wesleying blog; Vespers & Shabbat

Why Wes? As soon as I set foot on campus for a tour, I could tell that Wesleyan was a remarkably creative and open-minded place. The students I met seemed to be deeply involved in campus life yet invested in becoming citizens of the world. It was easy to see myself growing and thriving there, and I did!

James Fleming '81

Major/Minor: Biology, Government

Current Location: Wisconsin

Occupation: Communications Director - City Government

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Freshman crew, College radio station

Janine Mileaf '89

Major/Minor: College of Letters, Studio Arts

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Occupation: Museum Director and Curator 

 

Jessica Aronoff '93

Major/Minor: English

Current Location: Santa Monica, CA

Occupation: Nonprofit CEO (Children's Museum)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Volunteer tutor for local kids, (briefly) women's rugby, and a lot of hanging out with friends.

Why Wes? Wes immediately felt like home for me. It was big enough to have endless opportunity, but small enough to feel intimate and friendly. I was attracted to the open curriculum and the welcoming access to professors and administration.

Caitlin Priest '97

Major/Minor: Psychology

Current Location: Indianapolis, IN

Occupation: I'm Associate Vice President of Government Relations for a nonprofit multi-state Medicaid health plan. I've done a lot of work in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act advocacy - particularly in red states.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Sexual assault crisis counselor

Why Wes? I loved the culture of social justice and activism as well as the intellectual curiosity and passion of the student body.

Maggie Eames '23

Major/Minor: American Studies, Government

Current Location: Washington, DC

Occupation: Federal Advisory Associate (public sector consulting)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Arcadia Political Review, Government Research, Dance, Orientation Leader

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan because of the open curriculum, small classes, and I felt very comfortable on campus when I first visited.

Paul Colburn '79

Major/Minor: Sociology

Current Location: Connecticut

Occupation: Retired and giving back -- I had a long and rewarding career in Enterprise technology sales. I was fortunate to experience and ride the wave of several evolutionary leaps in technology. I'm happy to answer any questions folks considering a similar path may have.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: intramural sports, acting, work/study

Why Wes? I was attracted to the diversity of thought, rigorous academics, range of studies, opportunities for independent work, and high academic standards. I was a first generation college student and very appreciative of Wesleyan's commitment to that group. I was also a late bloomer and thrilled that Wesleyan saw my potential and offered me the opportunity to realize it.

Ari Wolfe '03

Major/Minor: Religion, Music

Current Location: Minneapolis, MN

Occupation: Client Strategy at The Trade Desk (adtech company)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field; Wesleyan Spirits a cappella group

Why Wes? Chose Wesleyan for the people, the culture, the campus, the track team, and the opportunities

Michelle Katz '09

Major/Minor: Sociology, Jewish Studies

Current Location: Philadelphia, PA

Occupation: Rabbinical Student; Former Nonprofit Director of Membership and Conference Content

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Fusion (Dance Crew); Peer Health Advocates (WesWell); Havurah/Jewish Community; Alpha Delta Phi Society

Why Wes? The people! Students, the faculty, and the staff alike are all wonderful, insightful, and really excellent at building a really special learning community.

Terry McClenahan '85

Major/Minor: Studio Art, Photography

Current Location: Buffalo, NY

Occupation: I love what I do. I’m an architect working within a development company near Buffalo. I write technical specifications, do CAD/ Computer Aided Drafting on plans & details, answer contractor questions and review shop drawings (product submittals). Currently, our main project is a delivery warehouse under construction in Westchester County, NY for a Fortune 100 company (that I can’t identify…).

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Men's Lightweight Crew, Wesleyan Argus (newspaper), Human Rights House

Why Wes? I wanted to go to a small liberal arts school on the East Coast that had an excellent photography program as well as a rowing team. (I rowed all 4 years.) Also I loved that Wes is culturally, politically and economically diverse, and was not too far from Manhattan, where I grew up. And our son is currently a junior majoring in Computer Science and Government.

Stella Ginsberg '21

Major/Minor: Film Studies

Current Location: Santa Monica, CA

Occupation: Film Department, United Talent Agency

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Club Tennis, Wesleyan Argus, Active participant in the film major/film theses

Why Wes? To describe my attraction to Wesleyan in one fell swoop would be next to impossible. Beyond the culture of passion that was undeniable, I was enamored with the idea of studying film while simultaneously being able to engage in a variety of other disciplines. Wesleyan is a rara avis when it comes to liberal arts schools with a lasting camaraderie, and there’s a reason why (or maybe a few reasons).

Zoe Genden '23

Major/Minor: Government, Psychology

Current Location: London, England

Occupation: Asset Management Risk Associate

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Arcadia Political Review, Study Abroad, Research Assistant, Consulting Pathways, Wesleyan Investment Group, Wesleyan Women's Crew (coxswain)

Why Wes? The intellectual campus culture, its dedication to the undergraduate experience, and its impressive alumni!

Kate Nattrass '03

Major/Minor: College of Social Studies

Current Location: Washington, DC

Occupation: Chief of Staff at the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), USAID

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Women's crew, Student Judicial Board, Residential Life (RA, Head Resident for Program Housing)

Why Wes? It felt like home the minute I stepped on campus.

Susanna Zwerling '85

Major/Minor: History

Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Senior Vice President Legal NBCUniversal Direct-to-Consumer (Digital)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Wesleyan Student Assembly, Argus

Why Wes? Excellent humanities and social sciences, flexible curriculum, socially progressive

Joan Goldfeder '77

Major/Minor: English

Current Location: Santa Monica, CA

Occupation: Consulting - Marketing

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Intermural coed softball. Studied abroad one semester in Paris on the Wesleyan program.

Why Wes? Looking for a good, small, liberal arts university that wasn't in a big city. Attracted to Wesleyan's non-conservative attitude and reputation. Liked the idea of independent, creative thinkers.

Dr. Jeffrey Green '80

Major/Minor: Neuroscience and Behavior

Current Location: Milwaukee, WI

Occupation: Musician/Composer/Conductor/Singer, I am also an emergency physician.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Music

Why Wes? Open curriculum and great music department

Dr. Eric Altneu '07

Major/Minor: Biology

Current Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

Occupation: Infectious Diseases Physician

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Swimming & Diving, RA, Senior Interviewer

Why Wes? Amazing liberal arts education that also had a strong science program. Ability to balance school and varsity sports.

Laura Dine Million '96

Major/Minor: American Studies

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Journalist, Producer, Writer

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Editor of the Wesleyan Argus

Why Wes? Intellectual curiosity, progressive thinking, motivated, high academic standards. Beautiful campus. Small-ish school.

Zachary Ngyuen '12

Major/Minor: Math, Economics

Occupation: Attorney (Counsel at DoorDash)

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Senior Interview at Admissions Office; Alumni and Parent Relations

Why Wes?  I loved Wes for its open curriculum, academic rigor and intensity, and cohesive community. I learned so much in terms of academics during my four years, including researching for and writing a senior thesis. But the thing I cherish the most are the friendships that I created and have cultivated long after my four years. (Two of my closest Wes friends and I recently came back from a trip together in Scotland!). Wes is truly such a special place!

Noah Schlessinger '23

Major/Minor: Physics/Astronomy

Current Location: Madison, WI

Occupation: Client Systems Administrator at Epic

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Dean's Peer Tutoring Program, Physics Course Assistant Program, Intramural Soccer, Basketball, and Softball

Why Wes? The reasons are virtually endless in scope and number-the academic and social cultures at Wesleyan attracted me in their remarkable exuberance and spirit, as I absolutely loved the people and opportunities presented to me. I could major in STEM while deeply furthering my education in the humanities and Music, in which I was even more passionate. To put it simply, I could do what I wanted and become the best, most unique possible version of myself!

Christa Ishimwe '23*

Major/Minor: Mathematics/College of Letters

Current Location: Middletown, CT/Bujumbura, Burundi

Occupation: Master Student

Karina Eileraas Karakus '93

Major/Minor: Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies/Government

Current Location: Houston, TX

Occupation: Education - College/Univ. Teacher/Prof.

Why Wes? Intellectual passion, creativity, intensity, political activism, and flexibility of mapping out course pathways

Allison Lamson '09

Major/Minor: Psychology

Current Location: Philadelphia, PA

Occupation: Insurance Broker

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Volleyball, Club Water Polo, Burlesque, Psychology Labs

Why Wes? The vibe and sentiment of the people I met when touring: I felt like everyone there was really passionate about whatever they were doing and I wanted to be a part of that community!

Abby Nicholson '23

Major/Minor: English/Government

Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Legal Assistant

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Vicious Circles Ultimate Frisbee; Wesleyan Reproductive Advocacy & Legislation

Why Wes? I chose Wes because I was looking for a place that was lively, tight-knit, and engaging both socially and academically. I was also looking for a liberal arts education that would allow me to deeply explore and make connections between my various interests.

Aldrean Alogon '23*

Major/Minor: Astronomy/Economics

Current Location: Capiz, Philippines

Occupation: Change Management Analyst

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Map the System, PCSE Seed Grant project, Actor for two plays, Korean Dance Crew, Burlesque, PINOY

Why Wes? The people are the coolest, smartest, and kindest!

Kelly Fenton-Samuels '23

Major/Minor: Earth & Environmental Science/Chemistry

Current Location: Middletown, CT

Occupation: BA/MA Candidate in Earth & Environmental Sciences at Wesleyan

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Founder of WesEdge (Wesleyan's club figure skating team), member of Outing Club and the Free Radicals, TA for Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Honors General Chemistry II, Dean's Program Peer Tutor, member of Phi Beta Kappa

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan for the opportunity to pursue science whilst gaining a broader liberal arts education, as well as for the BA/MA program.

Debra Neuman '76

Major/Minor: Film Studies/English

Current Location: Mystic, CT

Occupation: Non-Profit - Program Development Staff

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Film, also was on work study so held jobs all four years

Why Wes? Flexible majors, no GERs, reputation for innovation, loved the branding

Sophie Ross '23

Major/Minor: Biology/Economics

Current Location: Cambridge, MA

Occupation: Research Technician studying Alzheimer's disease

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Academic Peer Advisor, Dean's Tutoring Program, WesRugby, Wesleyan Science Outreach

Why Wes? By the end of high school, I felt confident that I wanted to pursue both a social science and a hard science as my major in college and the open curriculum allowed me to do that, as well as take classes on various other subjects.

Brad Karsh '87

Major/Minor: History

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Occupation: Founder/CEO JB Training Solutions.

Why Wes? As a relatively sheltered Midwestern kid, I wanted to move to a new part of the country and meet a broad selection of students

Aidan Jones '23

Major/Minor: Molecular Biology and BioChem/College of Integrative Sciences

Current Location: N. Plainfield, NJ

Occupation: Columbia University PhD Graduate Student

Wes Extracurricular Activities: ALS Researcher, President of Space and Astronomy Club, MB&B Major Groove Officer, Prometheus Fire Spinner, K-pop dancer (KDC), Wesleyan Student Assembly Senator, Neuroscience Basal Gang Officer, Science Library Worker, Tutor

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan because of the academic freedom they offer. Coming into college, my main academic interests were STEM-focused, but I had always been curious about other fields! Wesleyan allowed me to let my curiosity run wild. While at Wesleyan, I found the faculty and students here to be genuinely passionate and supportive. I appreciated and felt accepted by the collaborative and welcoming Wesleyan environment.

Megan Harrington '07

Major/Minor: Art History

Current Location: Cambridge, NY

Occupation: Freelance writer and social media manager

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Cross-Country and Track & Field, Wesleyan Democrats, Staff Writer for the Argus

Why Wes? I was looking for a school with a diverse student body, a place that would be different from my homogenous high school and hometown. As a first generation college student and daughter to a single mom, I was also seeking a school that prioritized need-based financial aid.

Caroline Shadle '16

Major/Minor: American Studies/English

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Occupation: PhD student at Northwestern University studying 20th-century Chicago dance history and writing a dissertation on 1930s Chicago dance funded by the WPA's Federal Theatre Project.

Wes Extracurricular Activities: I was very active in Wesleyan's student-run dance community. I directed Precision Dance Ensemble and was a member of Terpsichore and Collective Motion. I also was a tour guide through the admissions office, served on the American Studies Majors Committee, and co-ran the Unitarian Universalist Campus Ministry.

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan because of the open curriculum, the opportunity to continue dance training in tandem with my other academic interests, and the highly engaged student body.

Juan Carlos Perez '92

Major/Minor: College of Letters

Current Location: Altadena, CA

Occupation: Director of Marketing

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Crew, intramural soccer, climbing club, literary magazine, zazen teaching assistant.

Why Wes? I wanted a rigorous liberal arts education. Wesleyan became my first choice after my campus visit, when I had the opportunity to sit in on a few classes. I was impressed, not just with the professors, but with the students as well. Wesleyan offered everything I was looking for academically and I also just loved the campus and the energy of the students.

James Rosenblatt '90

Major/Minor: Economics

Current Location: San Antonio, TX

Occupation: Law - Practicing Attorneys

Julian Silver '12

Major/Minor: Psychology/Film

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Screenwriter/Actor

 

Derrick Lin '92

Major/Minor: Molecular Biology and BioChem

Current Location: Lexington, MA

Occupation: Health Prof. - Head and Neck Surgeon, Medical Reseach, Medical School Teaching

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity tennis

Why Wes? For its diversity and broad educational opportunities.

Steve Chasey '03

Major/Minor: English

Occupation: Global Contracts Lead - Google Cloud

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Argus, Water Polo

Why Wes?  I transferred out of an engineering program and into Wes with the goal of attending a school that focused on broad-based education with a strong English program. It was everything I hoped it would be.

Yihan Lin '21*

Major/Minor: Anthropology, Philosophy

Current Location: Greater DC Area (DMV)

Occupation: Start-up company, Restaurant SaaS

Why Wes? Small class size, political culture, student body

Carol Sherwin '91

Major/Minor: Chemistry, Government

Current Location: Northeast and Southern Florida

Occupation: Private sector consulting

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Lab research, greek life, volunteering

Why Wes? Ability to do undergraduate research while still able to take art and french classes outside my major.

Maurice Willoughby '88

Major/Minor: Government

Current Location: New Jersey

Occupation: Non Profit Executive

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Ujamaa, Career Placement Center

Why Wes? Excellent academics coupled with a curious and diverse study body.

Raymond Fusci '73

Major/Minor: Mathematics

Current Location: New Hampshire

Occupation: Sales/Mktg. - Manager/Executive

 

Beth Connors '06

Major/Minor: Psychology

Current Location: NY

Occupation: Attorney

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Softball, Onomatopoeia a cappella, Ebony singers

Why Wes? Academic reputation and curious, engaged, well-rounded students who all seemed to love being there

Alex Sarkowsky '14

Major/Minor: Anthropology, Jewish & Israel Studies

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Head of Product at a Startup

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Softball, SAAC, Orientation Leaders, Sound Tech

Robert Wrubel '88

Major/Minor: Religion

Current Location: Colorado

Occupation: Banking/Fin. - Investment Advisor

Wes Extracurricular Activities: Karate

Melissa Miller '07

Major/Minor: History

Current Location: NY

Occupation: Education - College/Univ. Administrator

Why Wes? The flexibility of the curriculum, the energy and welcoming nature of the people on campus, and the array of extracurricular activities.