As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2024, Christian Ray, finance and accounting double major from Gap, Pennsylvania has thoroughly demonstrated his excellence and dedication during his time at UD. Ray was a member of the Delaware men’s basketball team during his time at UD.
In this profile, Ray shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Ray: I have changed a lot since my first semester at UD. I have become a lot more comfortable and confident within myself. Transferring to UD as a junior was difficult because everybody who was in my classes knew each other and I was the new student. But, with the help of the faculty and other students, I felt accepted and I was placed in a position to learn and succeed.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Ray: The biggest challenge that I faced during my college experience was the pandemic. COVID practically ended my freshman year of college and made my sophomore year asynchronous. This was difficult to navigate because there was so much uncertainty. Uncertainty about when things would go back to normal and how that would look. I overcame this difficulty by spending more time with my family that I hadn’t had before with my busy schedule.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Ray: My favorite UD experience was any of our home games. As a basketball player, the atmosphere in the stands of games can really impact your energy level. The Bob Carpenter Center always had great energy and fan/community support. I loved every game I got to play here.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Ray: Professor Coffin. Professor Coffin is the GOAT. He impacted me, and all of his other students, by just being himself. He is always high energy and he is most concerned about being there for us. He takes time every day to give us a second to breathe and give us some points of advice in different areas of life. He has also impacted me personally because he helped me find my passion for law. He is the reason that I decided that law school is something that I want to pursue. When I told him that I wanted to go to law school he was willing to help in any way he could to help me get there.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Ray: Being a Lifelong Lerner means to be a part of a family that is way bigger than ourselves. The Lerner School of Business is one big family that we are all lucky to be a part of.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Ray: Be as active in our community as you can be. Join clubs. Meet new people in your classes. Go to class. Value all the time that you have here and take full advantage of the wonderful faculty and resources that the University of Delaware gives us.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Ray: Play professional basketball for a year or two before going to law school.