A native of Annandale, New Jersey, Kristin Wolf graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance major and fashion management minor. Wolf was also a member of the UD women’s soccer team.
Wolf was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Finance Howland Redding, who said, “Kristin has been a pleasure to have as a student, both in Principles of Finance and Real Estate Finance. She is also on the women’s soccer team and does an amazing job of balancing academics with sports. When I first met Kristin, she was not a finance major. During the Principles of Finance semester, Kristin began to enjoy the financial course content, so much so that she switched her major to finance. Prior to changing her major, she and I discussed how majoring in finance would make her college career more academically challenging, but that job prospects would likely be better than other majors. What I like most about Kristin is that she doesn’t back down from a challenge. She is also very resilient. Every exam score is better than the previous. Every assignment is turned in early. As on the sports field, Kristin is determined to succeed in the classroom. She earns her success through hard work, and I am very proud of her efforts.”
In this profile, Wolf 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?
Wolf: Over the past four years, I have undergone significant growth both inside and outside the classroom. I have developed leadership skills, enhanced my professional capabilities, and strengthened my interpersonal abilities. As a student-athlete at the University of Delaware, I learned to prioritize time management, improve organization, and value relationships when making important decisions. The challenges presented by my peers, staff, and coaches have prepared me to tackle whatever obstacles come my way in the future.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Wolf: During my sophomore year of college, I tore my ACL for the second time in my athletic career and underwent a double knee surgery. Hanging up my cleats seemed like the easiest option; however, I was determined to rehab and return to the field again. After a 15-month-long recovery, I am proud to say that I was able to compete athletically at a high level again. This adversity taught me that I am mentally and physically capable of overcoming just about anything that comes my way.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Wolf: My favorite signature UD experience was studying abroad during the winter session of 2024. I applied to a highly competitive program and was accepted to participate in a four-week creative writing program in Florence, Italy. During this trip, I formed lasting friendships and made memories that will stay with me forever. I learned the extent of my independence, the richness of experiencing new cultures, and the value of forming connections with unfamiliar people. I am especially grateful to my parents for supporting me on this amazing journey that has impacted my time at UD greatly.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Wolf: Professor Howland Redding has had a significant impact on my experience in the Lerner College and on my decision to pursue a finance degree. When I entered college, I was uncertain about my career path. However, after transferring into the business school during my sophomore year, I was required to take Principles of Finance. This course helped me realize my ability to engage deeply in rewarding learning experiences. Professor Redding’s approach challenged and encouraged all of his students to improve. The educational growth I experienced allowed me to recognize my genuine passion for the material and confirmed that finance was the career path I wanted to pursue.
In my final semester at UD, I chose to enroll in one more finance elective, taught by Professor Redding. I knew this course would be challenging, and I anticipated having to push myself one last time to graduate. Ultimately, this experience helped me better understand my strengths as both a student and a person beyond the classroom.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Wolf: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” embodies the growth and development of a member within the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. It signifies having a lasting community at UD that I can always return to. Continuously challenging myself in the business world and maintaining connections with past, present, and future Lerner students are vital aspects that can greatly benefit networking within the business field.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Wolf: One piece of advice that I would urge incoming freshmen to follow is to get involved as much as possible. Joining clubs, attending school-sponsored trips, participating in athletic competitions, and placing yourself in vulnerable situations are the best ways to truly develop as a person. Utilizing all the resources provided by UD will ultimately enable you to gain the full experience of independence and prepare you for the future ahead!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Wolf: Following graduation, I am excited to announce that I have accepted a full-time role as a wealth management analyst at Simon Quick Advisors LLC. I look forward to launching my career in the finance industry at its headquarters located in Morristown, New Jersey!