“Use all you learned during your time at Quinnipiac as you move forward in life. Face challenges as they come, but don’t sweat the small stuff. What’s meant to be will be. As you make big life decisions, always do what’s best for you and those you care about. Never forget where you came from and what shaped you into the person you are today.”

— Brooke Reilly ‘20

“Keep in touch with the faculty and staff you befriend during your time at Quinnipiac. They can be lifelong mentors if you allow them to be and it’s invaluable. It’s not networking, it’s making friends and staying in touch. Never stop working hard. Life only gets harder after college, but QU will prepare you well to stay strong and thrive in adulthood.”

— Rachel Davis ‘17

"Be kind to yourself. You are about to have a whole set of experiences that are new to you — whether graduate school or a full-time job (or both!), taking on greater responsibility, and making important decisions. As with anything new, you may have hiccups, such as realizing your first job after graduation is not a path to your dream career. Take heart, the same skills you honed to be a successful student — how to learn and how to be agile — are lifelong companions you can apply to what’s next, but it starts with being kind to yourself."

— Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business

“Learn to be present in the moment. We spend so much time needing to rush ahead and plan for the next turn in our lives that we forget to pay attention to where we are and what is happening all around us.”

— Renee Boucher '06

“Create opportunities; don't wait for them.”

— Jon Alba '15

“TRAVEL!! Explore new places and experience new cultures. Challenge your comfort zone! ✈️”

— Kelly Acevedo '06

"Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment, you made it! As you begin the next phase of your journey, I suggest you never forget your roots, you family, friends and your teachers/faculty who helped engage you, challenged and supported you, and cared enough to say 'You could do that better.' Now is your time to be your best person. Enjoy all of the opportunities that will come your way and remember Quinnipiac is proud of your accomplishments."

— Tom Ellett, chief experience officer

"You are entering a world in dire need of compassionate, equity-minded, humanistic, and team-based physicians. As you begin the next phase of your journey, remember that the very skills you honed during the pandemic — including your ability to meet chaos with calm, your agility in adapting to changing circumstances, and your steadfast compassion toward your patients and one another — will make you better interns and residents, and ultimately better doctors to your patients. No matter where your careers take you, you will always be part of our family. As members of the QU Netter family, I hope you will stay connected with us. Please share news of your successes and allow us to support you in times of challenges."

— Dr. Phillip M. Boiselle, dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

“Be agile and open-minded. Those willing to adapt and accept change will succeed and be an asset to their organization or in whatever they do in life. Life in all aspects is constantly changing. Learn to roll with it and you will succeed.”

— Amy Frisbie '05

“Make a savings account that you only deposit into, hold off withdrawals as long as possible. This is different than your retirement. Deposit monthly. Even if it’s $10 now, in 10 years you can put in more. When you HAVE to withdraw from that account, you’ll be grateful that you have that money available to you.”

— Audrey Foote '05

"You did it!! Congratulations! Understand the value of each moment of your time at Quinnipiac working to achieve and grow both in and out of the classroom. Each of these moments are important whether it was a triumph or failure because you navigated it distinctly as you learning valuable skills that will serve you well in life beyond Quinnipiac. It will be hard and know that it’s ok. Be confident and know that because of your Quinnipiac experience, you’re ready for the next set of triumphs or failures because you will navigate them distinctly as you."

— Cassie Turner, head coach of women's ice hockey

"Don’t be afraid to fail and take chances. Especially if you’re following your dream. Say 'YES' to opportunities, even when they may seem too challenging. Be comfortable being uncomfortable; that’s when you grow."

— John Arcangelo '02, director of alumni outreach and development communications

“Life right after college is hard, there’s so much to adapt to, and it’s totally OK to feel totally overwhelmed. Just keep swimming, and it does get easier!”

— Melissa Moynihan 17, MS '24

“Keep learning. Nearly everyone has something to teach. Trust your instincts; listen to your inner voice. If something doesn’t seem right, move on. Pursue your passion. Be fearless.”

— Lynn Schnier

“Spend more time in the real world, and less time looking at screens (large or small). Try and figure things out for yourself before calling your parents. You’ll need that in the aforementioned real world.”

— Tracy MacMath, MS '10

“I got out of the Q with a literature degree and had good careers as a journalist and then as a lawyer working in government administration. At 18 or 21, you don't have to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. It is perfectly fine to experiment.”

— Janet (Kipphut) Ainsworth '74, JD '84

“Be adaptable. You never know what the future will bring, so make sure you're ready.”

— Viktoria Sundqvist '03, MS '06

“Know your worth! You deserve more than you may think.”

— Allie Otlowski ‘18, MS '20

“The fact that you were given this opportunity and graduated is something to be proud of. Still, it is important to remember that you are no better than those who were never given the opportunity at all. Measuring someone’s worth by their job title or salary is flawed. Success is subjective. You should aspire to your goals because they are important to you, not because you want to impress your parents, your community, or your friends. Throughout college, especially, there is so much pressure to excel, to be special, to succeed — but the real values we should be embracing are: kindness, service, compassion, and gratitude for life as it is. Creating your own definition of success is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and it will help you feel more fulfilled.”

— Jacob Nadeau ‘15, MS ’17

“Prioritize one’s children. Listen to folk singer John Chapin’s immortal 1974 song 'Cat’s in the Cradle' and live accordingly: Babies need their parents while they are still children.”

— David Hutter ‘07

“Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity in an industry you never thought you’d be in. It could turn into the best decision and career journey!”

— Nicole Alfano ‘16

“Network with as many people as possible. That includes different industries, professions and titles. You never know who you will meet after you graduate. People always remember how you treated them, and they will recommend you if you made them feel important. Also I want to urge everyone no matter what job you have no matter how large or small to always have the right attitude because there is always someone watching. Everything you do in life is connected and one opportunity may lead to something larger.” 

— Hayden Nadler ‘18, MS ’21

“Research lots of different types of roles and industries; I’m in a job now that I didn’t even know existed when I was in college. The workforce is quickly changing and there are new, specialized roles that pop up every day. Also, don’t box yourself into an industry or job based on your major.”

— Kate McGrath ‘18

“Ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, the answer is already no. Use the networks you’re created. Someone often knows someone who is willing to connect. And find your constant. The thing or people in your life you can turn to when times get rough.”

— Allie Pearce ‘06

“Set goals and step outside your comfort zone. Challenging yourself results in growth!”

— Scott Pitz ‘19

"Do not ever allow the fear of failing rob you from achieving success. You are well-prepared for what comes next — whatever that may be. The successes you have already enjoyed coupled with the obstacles you have already overcome is the foundation on which your career has already begun to be built. Few have demonstrated the resiliency to overcome unknown obstacles, the empathy to support those around you and the skills to achieve the unprecedented success that you already have. As you prepare to write your own next chapter, know that you have made Quinnipiac a better place — and that you will always have a home here. Thank you for your unwavering passion to do not just well, but also good." 

— Jamie DeLoma '06, MS '11, director of live channels, adjunct professor of communications

“Embrace moments that bring adversity. It’s how you will build resilience, and ultimately improve as a person and professional.”

— Bryan Lipiner ‘15

“Find a role and organization that matches your values, never forget your worth, and always seek opportunities to learn, grow and develop. Most importantly, don’t forget to come back to your alma mater and share your experiences with your Bobcat family. We will miss you and can't wait to see you again.”

— Patricia Kelly ‘00, MS ’08, MS ’21, senior instructor of management

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, as shared by Professor Katie Reynolds Place, associate professor of strategic communication 

“Go do what you want to do and be who you want to be. You CAN do just about anything if you REALLY want it. Every day is another day of fresh possibilities.”

— Steven Kalb

“Doing good in school is important, but in the real-world grades don’t really matter. Relax about getting a C in that poetry class. No one asks or cares. What employers and co-workers want is someone reliable, friendly and collaborative. Be open to suggestion and training; be respectful, do every project you can even if it doesn’t fall into the small box you were already taught, get to know all aspects of your field. You can be trained in specific tasks; you cannot be trained to have a good attitude or to be someone your co-workers want to have around.”

— Noah Golden ’13

“Build your network; cultivate relationships; do what you're passionate about; and treat people with respect. Be open to new opportunities, even if you don't think it's exactly what you want - it could open different, and better doors in the future.”

— Bethany (Dionne) Allen ‘06

“Lean into and utilize your networks. Never turn down an opportunity to network or have a conversation, no matter how irrelevant you think it might be!”

— Nicole Keklik ‘16, MS ’17