As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Baylee Ryan from Flemington, New Jersey has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. She, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Ryan was nominated for this series by UD professor of hospitality business management and Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality Business management Srikanth Beldona, who said, “Baylee is a force among her peers. She knows how to motivate and get the job done. Baylee has served as an Aramark Scholar in Vita Nova for the last two years, where she is a mentor and leader to many of her peers in the major. She does it with grace and elegance. Sure to be a superstar in the hospitality industry!“
In this profile, Ryan, a hospitality business management major, shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Ryan: During my first semester at UD, I was hesitant to meet new people and get involved. Looking back, I am glad that I decided to break out of my shell and join so many clubs and organizations. This has helped me meet so many amazing people, network and grow into the confident senior that I am today.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Ryan: My favorite place at UD is Vita Nova because I had my best college experiences there. I learned so much about restaurant service, met the most amazing mentors and got to learn alongside some of my best friends.
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Ryan: The most memorable course I took at Lerner was HOSP 489, which is the Dinner Lab course. I have always had an interest in food service, and this course taught me exactly how a restaurant is run in a fun and interactive way. Vita Nova has given me a hands-on education experience that I could have never gotten in a typical classroom.
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Ryan: My favorite signature UD experience was AirBand. It is such an exciting day for the Greek community on campus and it’s a lot of fun to see what dance each organization comes up with!
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Ryan: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means that I will always have a network of Blue Hens in the hospitality industry to look up to and reach out to whenever I need. Lerner will always feel like home!
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Ryan: My plan following graduation is to move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and work as a manager in training for Compass Group at the Comcast Center. I will be learning all aspects of the front of house in corporate dining.