"One of the best decisions that I have ever made"
What career advisors tell people about St. Lawrence
By Danielle LaCourse

St. Lawrence University has set admissions records for two years in a row. What is it that we’re doing right?  We asked several alumni career advisors why they think St. Lawrence is “hot” right now and discovered that a well-rounded curriculum and the encouragement to work hard top the list. 

Jim Nealy ’70, chief operating officer with the American Cancer Society: “The socialization around academic study, athletics, residence life, clubs and campus activities, along with international exposure and internships, gives students an opportunity to mature and learn interpersonal skills that are often critical but always helpful in the world we live in.” 

Hilary Martin ’92, communications consultant and former vice president of corporate communications, Robert Mondavi Corp.: “International programming is a tremendous way to prepare students.  Gaining global perspective and participating as a global citizen for a semester or more really sets SLU students apart.  I graduated 15 years ago and still feel my Vienna semester was one of the most outstanding experiences of my life.  It helped to instill a sense of adventure and courage that has led me to take risks throughout my career.” 

Katherine Lord Keshavan ’89, vice president of marketing, Chittenden Insurance Group:  “What separates St. Lawrence from other private liberal arts colleges is the focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think. St. Lawrence provides not only the essentials, but also teaches students how to network, which is a skill that will give them a life-long advantage.  The University is truly a community where student opinions matter.” 

John Marino ’83, vice president, Actelion (a biopharmaceutical company):  “An appreciation and awareness of our environment, a framework in philosophy, a solid foundation in learning the sciences, with opportunities for leadership and team development through extensive sports programs, extracurricular activities like the Outing Club, or even gaining military experience via ROTC [through Clarkson], playing hard, working hard, and learning to think.  That is what the St. Lawrence University undergraduate experience is all about.”