As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Brett Tielman-Fenelus from Washington, D.C. has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. He, and his entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Tielman-Fenelus was nominated for this series by Jennifer Gregan who said, “Brett entered UD as a freshman in Fall 2012 and enjoyed a typical college experience, including a full semester abroad in Buenos Aires fall of his senior year. Having fallen slightly behind, Brett didn’t finish in four.”
Brett has never given up on his goal of graduating with his international business studies degree,” Gregan continued. “He’s been chipping away at his remaining requirements, despite facing serious financial hurdles, among other challenges. I was therefore thrilled when I received an email from him this week announcing that he just completed his last course! He is graduating this semester! I knew he could do it. I’m so incredibly proud of him for persevering and getting it done.”
In this profile, Tielman-Fenelus, an international business studies major with a Spanish minor, shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Tielman-Fenelus: I hold a greater understanding of my impact on others and the community around me.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Tielman-Fenelus: The ISCE (Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering) classrooms because they have the highest views over campus.
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Tielman-Fenelus: BUAD 477, Digital Marketing, with David Muir. It’s what I am now starting a career in.
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Tielman-Fenelus: Destination Delaware admissions program. Being able to share your experiences with prospective students and to see them return as Blue Hens was great.
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Tielman-Fenelus: Giving back opportunities.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Tielman-Fenelus: Continue to manage my brand, move to Pittsburgh, secure a job in a digital marketing firm and continue to grow residual income off of online marketing sales.