Former Career Champions

“For me, being a career champion is as simple as caring about and investing in my students to support their personal and professional growth. Each student is on a scary and confusing journey to discover who they are and find their way in the world as an individual. How do I know this, because I was once there. I was scared and confused trying to figure out my identity and decide what I wanted to do next with my life. It wasn’t my classes and coursework that helped me figure things out, it was my mentors that helped to listen and guide me. It is because of my own experiences that I am so passionate about not just teaching and sharing my research knowledge, but getting to know my students on a deep level and building a relationship of trust so that they can come to me for guidance and support as they navigate their journey. It isn’t difficult, it is actually the best and most rewarding part of my job, and I look at mentorship as a responsibility and honor. It is such a privilege to walk with my students and to share my experiences so they can help figure out their future and discover their passions.”

“Dr. Light has been such a great mentor throughout my internship. She’s given me so many opportunities to grow, whether it’s taking on big projects or building my networking skills. She always encourages me to step outside my comfort zone while making sure I have the support I need. Her guidance has greatly impacted my confidence and professional development, and I’m really grateful for everything she’s taught me!”

“To be nominated as a Career Champion by our students is honestly one of the best forms of recognition I could think of to receive! In my professional role here at Binghamton I strive to get to know my students’ individual interests, goals, and future career aspirations. I am very honored to know that our students’ see me as someone with whom they can have these important post-academic conversations.”

“Tyler is a career champion for many students despite his busy schedule. He always makes the time to check in to see how my own career development progress/graduate school progress is going. He has also trusted me in my graduate assistant role to supervise undergraduate students independently- hugely successful in gaining professional experience as a future Student Affairs professional.”

– Christina C.

“I look forward to award season each year because I deeply enjoy reading student reflections on the nomination forms for the Career Champions. This award makes me so proud, I post each letter on my office door and scan them for my website. These unsolicited appreciations let me know I’m on the right track as an educator.”

“Professor Zilvinskis and I connected through a mutual colleague after I expressed interest in pursuing a graduate degree in student affairs. He took me out for coffee and answered all of my questions about the graduate school application process and offered a lot of wisdom about different programs and tips he has gained through his years of working as a professor of student affairs. Professor Zilvinskis has continued to be there for me as a mentor, providing support and guidance in an area where I have little experience. I am lucky that he is only an email away, always happy to offer advice and guide me through the process of applying to graduate school.”

– Elijah E.

“For me, being a Career Champion is about empowering students to realize their potential and encouraging them to access the amazing resources we have on campus that support the development of career goals and professional skills. Making connections and supporting students as they work towards their professional goals is one of the best parts of my job and it is always incredibly humbling to be nominated as a Career Champion.”

“Anne has had the most helpful and meaningful impact on my self-esteem throughout my time at Binghamton University. As a member of the SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities), Anne has always shown me both with her words and actions that she truly cares about supporting people like myself to the greatest extent possible. Long after I had simply accepted that things would continue to be as difficult as my experience had been in class and on rotations, Anne refused to accept my decision to stop pushing for assistance. She went out of her way to contact my preceptors directly to share with them (at my behest, of course) the conditions of my issue in order to best create accurate, personalized goals and expectations for me. It allowed me to step into my rotations with my head held high, with the confidence necessary that I could achieve that which was set in front of me, and not be continuously compared to non-disabled people. Anne has singlehandedly changed my entire view of my final years of my degree and I cannot express my appreciation to her enough. She is by far my career champion and she absolutely deserves notice for her honest, thorough, and empathetic efforts.”

– Joseph D.

“Consistently, the part of the job that brings me the most satisfaction is mentoring students. I’m always thrilled when I get to be part of helping them find their path and navigate what comes after college. Being nominated as a Career Champion means a lot to me because it shows that my mentees found my advice and guidance to be valuable and important to them. I really hold on to that and use it as motivation to try and help the next generation of students that walk through my door!”

“For the past year Dr. Swierk has been an inspiration and mentor to me every single day. Last year when I was a first year, Dr. Swierk gave me the opportunity to join his lab, an offer very little first years are presented. This opportunity has allowed me to jumpstart my career in research and be nominated for awards such as Goldwater and have the opportunity to be a co-author on several papers. Without the support of Dr. Swierk I would be no where near the student I am today. Aside from being an amazing PI, Dr. Swierk is very caring and is always there to support students and offer advice. Dr. Swierk has helped me solidify my decision to attend graduate school and has inspired me to become a professor after I graduate.”

– Eric T.