As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, John Koehler from Quakertown, Pennsylvania has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. He, and his entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Koehler was nominated for this series by UD Professor of finance Paul Laux, who said, “John is a smart and thoughtful student, insightful and caring about other people. He has a strong business career ahead, and will make Lerner proud.“
In this profile, Koehler, a master’s in finance graduate, shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Koehler: I’ve learned a lot about myself both in and out of the classroom. I’ve learned to be more organized and diligent while gaining the tools to further my career.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Koehler: My favorite places on campus were the grad lounge in the library, where I was able to focus and complete my studies, followed by Deer Park, where I could do the opposite.
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Koehler: One of the courses that was most memorable was the Workshop in Finance Seminar; I was lucky enough to be a student and later a TA for this course. As a student, I got the chance to work with great classmates and a professor who taught us the skills needed to continually adapt with the field as we advance through our careers.
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Koehler: I’ll always have a community to support me in my personal and work life.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Koehler: I hope to take the knowledge that I’ve gained with my newfound tenacity and apply it to my career.