A native of Rockland County, New York, Gabriella Cipriano graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an operations management and marketing double major.
Cipriano was nominated for this series by Professor of Marketing Meryl Gardner, who said, “Gabby is exceptionally hardworking and motivated to succeed in and out of the classroom. She has thrived in all her courses and extracurriculars while still having multiple on campus jobs (teaching assistant, enrollment services, and Lerner research assistant). She is self-motivated, especially when things get tough, or she has a lot on her plate. She is the student who shares her insights in class when no one else will, and the team member who pulls things together throughout the semester. I’m proud of her and excited to see what she will do next.”
In this profile, Cipriano shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Cipriano: Being a student at UD has allowed me to grow astronomically. Compared to myself just four years ago, I have gained immense confidence in areas such as public speaking, time management, and dedication. When starting college you are faced with so many challenges and UD fostered an environment for me to overcome and flourish from these obstacles. I could not be more proud of the person I am that is currently graduating from UD.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Cipriano: Joining college as a freshman during the COVID-19 pandemic was definitely one of the hardest challenges I have faced as a student. Going from a structured high school environment to a completely online learning schedule was difficult for me and I am sure many others. I have always been a student who prioritized success in school, and online learning made that very difficult for me. I am glad to say although I struggled in classes during my freshman year, I persevered with the help of faculty and UD resources. I now am proud of my GPA and my performance throughout my final years of college.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Cipriano: One of my favorite UD experiences was Parents Weekend both my junior and senior years. I was able to attend the UD football game with family and all of my friends. I especially enjoyed these weekends because I was able to share my college experience with family. These will be memories I have forever.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience? If so, who and how?
Cipriano: All of my professors throughout the past four years have made a great impact on myself and my education. Just to highlight a few, Meryl Gardner was my professor during my first ever marketing class taken at UD. This was an amazing experience for me and she is the reason I was able to succeed in all marketing classes following BUAD301. I then went on to TA for Professor Gardner during my senior year. I would also like to highlight Professor Caroline Swift. Caroline was a huge reason why I have enjoyed my time as an operations management major at UD. Her class was relatable to the industry and real life experiences. I am thankful for all Lerner faculty that have impacted my education.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Cipriano: Graduating from Lerner will forever be something I will be proud of. This business school will continue to be a part of my success throughout my entire career. Lifelong Lerner in my opinion means I will always be a part of the Lerner community. This college is filled with people who are there to help you grow and succeed. I am happy that after graduation, and for many years following I will always have meaningful connections and mentors that I can reach out to thanks to Lerner.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Cipriano: I would recommend that incoming freshmen should take every chance possible to meet new people, get involved, and savor every moment of being in college. I know it sounds cliche saying that time in college goes fast, but I can now attest to the fact that every person who told me that when I entered college was not lying. I would also recommend for an incoming Lerner student to add a double major! With the help of faculty and advisors, my transition to a double major was amazing and opened so many more doors for me.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Cipriano: I have accepted a full-time offer extended from my internship this past summer with PepsiCo. I will be joining as a sales management associate located in New Jersey. I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity.