As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Grace Branscome, a marketing and global enterprise management double major from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Branscome, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Branscome was nominated for this series by UD Adjunct Faculty Ryan Sanders, who said, “I had Grace for two semesters (and we were supposed to do a study abroad trip until COVID-19 ruined that) and found her to be one of my favorite students in my time at UD. She is quiet so I suspect she gets overlooked sometimes. But her work was consistently good and what made her stand out is how much she improved when I challenged her. By the end of our two classes on international business, she was writing briefs that I would expect to see from my professional clients. An A+ in my grading rubric in part expects “potentially publishable quality” and I would regularly look at her work and see either that or something extremely close to it! More importantly, she didn’t do it in silence. In group projects I could see her sharing those same skills with her peers, making their work better as a result. I could rely on her to be a student expert in my class. She made teaching easier for me and better for her peers by being so engaged and effective at modeling what a good assignment should look like.”
In this profile, Branscome shared 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?
Branscome: My first semester at UD, I was really unsure of every decision I made and ultimately had no idea what I wanted to do. Now, I feel a lot more confident in myself and my abilities and feel prepared to take on life after UD!
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Branscome: My favorite place at UD is the Newark Reservoir. It’s the perfect place to go outside and get some fresh air, whether it be walking, running, biking, or even having a picnic with friends! I highly recommend going at sunrise/sunset for some pretty views.
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Branscome: The most memorable course I took at Lerner was BUAD477 – Digital Marketing. BUAD477 was memorable because it was the first time I learned about, or even heard of, the concept of digital marketing. I loved the way that it combined data with creativity, as those are two things I want in a future career. This course sparked my interest in digital marketing and introduced me to Professor Dee Muir, who has helped me so much throughout my time at UD.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Branscome: Honestly, living in the dorms and going to the dining halls (specifically Caesar Rodney). I met some of my closest friends because of dorm life and feel so grateful for that experience! I also loved the dining hall and being able to sit and eat with friends for every meal – and not have to cook!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Branscome: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means always remembering the great opportunities Lerner provided and finding a way to create new opportunities for the next generation of Lerner students.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Branscome: Currently, I’m looking for an entry-level digital marketing position at agencies in the Philadelphia area! Right after graduation, though, I plan to spend some time relaxing with family and friends.