A native of Long Island, N.Y., Emma Morandi graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with a degree in hospitality and event management with a concentration in event management, and minors in beverage management and culinary & gastronomy studies.
Morandi was nominated for this series by Gretchen Sianni, chef instructor at Vita Nova, who said, “Emma’s drive to succeed while helping others has shown time and again throughout her classes and extra-curriculars at UD. She is an exemplary student and will continue to excel in whatever she chooses to do.”
In this profile, Morandi shares her favorite UD memories, advice for incoming students and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Morandi: When I think about who I was during my first semester at the University of Delaware compared to who I am now, the biggest change is that I truly found myself. I came to college on a path toward the medical field because I thought that was what I was supposed to do. While I respected that path, I quickly realized my passion lay elsewhere. I learned that success does not come from following what looks right on paper, but from having the courage to chase what genuinely excites you. Choosing to pursue hospitality, events, and culinary was one of the most important decisions I made. It taught me to trust myself, take risks and believe that my dreams were worth pursuing. Since then, I have grown into someone who is confident in my voice, my leadership and my ability to create opportunities rather than wait for them.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Morandi: One of the biggest challenges I faced during my college experience was learning how to balance everything and realizing that I did not need to do it all. When I first came to UD, I wanted to say yes to every opportunity, be involved in everything, succeed academically, work, and still maintain a social life. While that ambition came from a good place, it quickly taught me that constantly overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout. Over time, I learned that being busy is not the same as being successful. I had to become more intentional with my time and energy, focusing on opportunities that truly aligned with my goals and brought me joy. I learned how to prioritize, set boundaries, and understand that it is okay to say no.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Morandi: My favorite signature experience at the University of Delaware was studying abroad in Australia. It was an experience that challenged me, excited me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. Learning in a new environment while exploring another part of the world pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more independent and adaptable. What made it especially meaningful was seeing hospitality and daily life through a different cultural lens. I was able to experience new places, meet new people and gain a broader perspective on how people live, work and connect around the world. Those moments reminded me how important curiosity and openness are, both personally and professionally. It was also one of the most unforgettable memories of my college experience because it brought me some of my best friends and helped me build connections with my professors.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Morandi: Several faculty and staff members in the University of Delaware Lerner community had a significant impact on my experience, especially during my time at Vita Nova. Chef Alison, Chef Gretchen, Nick Waller and Lacy Leatherwood became so much more than instructors or mentors to me; they became some of the people who made campus feel like home. I spent so much time with them through long classes, busy services, stressful moments and so many laughs in between, and those everyday moments are what made such a difference. They taught me skills in hospitality, service and professionalism, but they also taught me through their energy, support and genuine care for students. They pushed me when they knew I was capable of more, celebrated my growth and helped me build my confidence. They saw me not just as a student, but as a person with potential. Some of my favorite college memories came from the time I spent with them at Vita Nova. Whether it was during service, preparing for class or just talking and laughing together, they made such a lasting impact on my UD experience. I will always be grateful for the lessons they taught me and the relationships we built along the way.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Morandi: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means staying connected to the community, experiences and lessons that shaped me during my time at the University of Delaware. It means carrying the pride of being part of Lerner long after graduation and always appreciating the people and opportunities that helped me grow into who I am today. To me, it is about remembering that my college experience does not end when I leave campus. The friendships, mentors, memories and hands-on experiences I gained will continue to influence the way I lead, work and move through life. Being a Lifelong Lerner means giving back, staying involved, supporting future students and remaining connected to a community that gave me so much. Most importantly, it means being grateful. Grateful for the challenges that helped me grow, the experiences that pushed me outside my comfort zone and the people who believed in me along the way. No matter where life takes me, I will always carry those experiences with me and be proud to call myself a Lerner.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Morandi: My biggest advice to incoming students would be to say yes to opportunities and not take everything so seriously. College is important, but it is also meant to be fun, exciting and a time to grow. Do your best, work hard, but remember that not every moment has to be perfect and not everything will go exactly as planned. Some of the best memories come from the unexpected moments. I would also encourage students to put themselves out there and make genuine connections. The friendships, mentors, classmates and professors you meet can have such a lasting impact on your experience and your future. Sometimes the people you meet become the biggest part of what makes college so special. Most importantly, enjoy the experience while you have it. Say yes to new things, be open to meeting people, and allow yourself to have fun along the way. The years go by faster than you think, so make the most of every moment.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Morandi: I will be working for Goldman Sachs this summer as an event intern and then returning to UD in the fall to get my MBA in public relations.