As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2022, Caitlyn Tobio, a management information systems and entrepreneurship double major from Staten Island, New York, has not had the typical student experience at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tobio, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered as students. Each installment of this series will profile an outstanding member of this class, showcasing their achievements, experiences at UD and what it means to be a Blue Hen.
Tobio was nominated for this series by UD MIS Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Andrea Everard, who said, “Caitlyn Tobio is a perfect example of an engaged Lerner student. Aside from her outstanding academic achievements, she has served Lerner in many capacities and is always willing to take on more responsibilities. Starting in her freshman year, Cailtyn has served as a Horn Ambassador. Since September 2020, she has been a Horn Lead Ambassador. She also serves as a Lerner Ambassador. We often work events together and she is an invaluable resource. Caitlyn is also a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, where she fundraises for the ‘Read, Lead, Achieve Philanthropy,’ an organization that inspires a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive life.”
For four years, she has participated in Ignite! Early Move in program, where she assisted freshmen in move-in and held workshops for new students to get adjusted to campus and college. Her passion for entrepreneurship shines through her participation in VentureOn 2019 which is a program that provides students with resources, funds, and support to start your own startup. She was also a World Changers LLC peer mentor, where she served as a mentor for first year students in the entrepreneurship major and Delaware Innovation Fellows to interact with like-minded students who are passionate about entrepreneurship. What an inspirational role model! Lerner is lucky to count Caitlyn as one of its own!! I really cannot say enough good things!”
In this profile, Tobio shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How have you grown from your freshman year at UD to now?
Tobio: From freshman year to now, I have become much more confident in myself, both personally and professionally. I have learned so much about myself and where I want to go, what I want to do and who I want to be in the future.
Lerner: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? If so, how did they shape your experience at UD?
Tobio: I am involved in Pi Beta Phi, a social sorority, and it shaped my experience at UD in every way. Being a part of Pi Beta Phi has given me so many opportunities to become a better person, in a both personal and professional sense.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Tobio: Being a lifelong Lerner to me means always staying in contact and remembering all of the amazing things Lerner has done for me, and being able to pay it back in the future. It means to always be proud to be a Lerner and continue to support and be proud of Lerner’s who come after us.
Lerner: What was the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Tobio: The most memorable course I have taken at Lerner is management of information systems. It has shaped me into a leader I knew I could always be in the IT management space. This class has paved my way for the future and given me countless opportunities that I didn’t even know I needed.
Lerner: What was your favorite UD experience?
Tobio: My favorite experience at UD has been being a part of Horn Entrepreneurship. Since I was a freshman Horn has been my home away from home and has given me countless opportunities, a sense of community and a ton of lifelong memories!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Tobio: After graduation I am completing the 4+1 program in Business Analytics and Information Management. I will complete my masters in one year and after that I will be prepared to get a job in business analytics in whichever industry I choose.