A native of Ambler, Pa., Gracelyn Miller is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a marketing and business analytics double major with a minor in management information systems.
Miller was nominated for this series by Academic Advisor II Claire O’Neal.
In this profile, Miller 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?
Miller: Since my first semester at UD, I’ve grown both personally and professionally in ways I’m really proud of. Personally, I’ve made it a priority to branch out beyond my comfort zone. I joined clubs and organizations like Delta Sigma Pi, Women in Business, and UDress Magazine, which helped me meet people with different backgrounds and interests. Through these experiences, I built strong friendships both inside and outside my major, which made my college experience much more fulfilling and well-rounded.
Professionally, I’ve gained confidence in areas like networking, public speaking, and professionalism. Whether it was presenting during group projects, speaking at events, or connecting with professionals at career fairs and internships, I’ve learned how to carry myself in a more polished and confident way. These experiences have prepared me to enter the workforce with strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to adapt to new environments.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Miller: One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my college experience was not branching out enough. During my first semester, I mostly stuck to what was familiar and didn’t take advantage of all the opportunities around me. I realized I wanted to be more involved, so in the spring of my freshman year, I decided to join Delta Sigma Pi – and that decision completely changed my college experience. Through DSP, I met like-minded, driven individuals who pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I have met some of my best friends in DSP, and can see our friendship continuing post-grad. I became more confident in networking, developed leadership skills, and even joined the executive board, eventually serving as vice president. Taking on that role helped me strengthen my communication, organization, and ability to lead a team. That challenge taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to great things.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Miller: My favorite signature UD experience was studying abroad in London for a theater program. I went into it not knowing anyone in the group, which was a little intimidating at first – but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I quickly bonded with the other students, and we shared unforgettable memories, like visiting Paris and Amsterdam together. The experience pushed me to become more independent and open-minded. Living in a different country helped me appreciate new cultures, try foods I never thought I would, and see some of the beautiful sights in Europe. It was a perfect mix of learning, exploring, and personal growth, and it gave me a whole new perspective on the world.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Miller: Professor Rodulanas had a big impact on my UD experience. He was both my MISY capstone professor and the faculty advisor for Delta Sigma Pi, which gave me the opportunity to work with him closely in multiple settings. Over the past year, I’ve built a great relationship with him – he’s been a consistent source of guidance and support. As our chapter advisor for DSP, he helped me navigate leadership decisions and provided advice on how to best serve our members and grow the organization. In the classroom, he was equally impactful, offering thoughtful feedback and direction throughout our capstone project, where my team built a website for our client. His mentorship helped me develop both professionally and academically, and I’m really grateful for the role he’s played in my journey at Lerner.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Miller: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means always striving to grow – both personally and professionally – no matter where I am in life. It’s about staying curious, asking questions, and being open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. My time at Lerner College has shown me the value of continuous learning, whether it’s through coursework, hands-on projects, internships, or even just conversations with peers and professors. It also means using what I’ve learned to make an impact – not just in my career, but in my community. Lerner has given me the foundation to think critically, lead confidently, and adapt to change, and I plan to carry those values with me long after graduation.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Miller: To make the most out of your college experience, prioritize getting involved and actively stepping out of your comfort zone. College is the perfect time to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, so don’t let the discomfort deter you as it can lead to the most meaningful friendships. Additionally, challenge yourself by taking on leadership roles, even if you don’t feel fully ready at first. Whether it’s leading a group project, running for a club position, or organizing an event, stepping into leadership builds confidence, strengthens your communication skills, and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Growth comes from doing things that scare you a little, and in college those opportunities are everywhere if you’re willing to take them.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Miller: After graduation, I am pursuing a role in data analytics – my main field of interest is within the tech industry. I’m interested in opportunities that allow me to work with data to uncover insights, support strategic decisions, and drive innovation. I’m excited about the direction things are heading and looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to real-world projects. It’s an area where I see a lot of opportunity for growth and impact, especially since I also enjoy the strategic side of marketing and how data can shape it.