A native of Livingston, New Jersey, Lance Lenchner graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance and business analytics double major.
Lenchner was nominated for this series by UD Associate Professor of Finance Jack Bao and Assistant Professor of Accounting and Management Information Systems Jared Sharpe.
Bao said, “I had Lance in a course in both his junior and senior year (plus as a TA in my junior-level course when he was a senior). He was an excellent student, asked good questions, and was uber professional. I think Lance really exemplifies how students should approach college.”
In this profile Lenchner shares his favorite UD memories, his advice to younger students, and his future plans.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Lenchner: When I started as a freshman at UD, I was overwhelmed by the new environment and very unsure of what to expect, especially because my first semester began during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was trying my best to adjust to online learning, but seeking help from my professors was often challenging because I was unable to meet them in person. While at the same time, I was attempting to socialize in a safe and healthy way, as I was eager to meet new people. My freshman year started off as a struggle, but as I moved through my undergraduate career, I quickly became acclimated to life at UD. I sought out many new and exciting opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, especially by taking on new challenges like joining Greek Life, managing a double major, and attending UD student events.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Lenchner: I started my first-semester freshman year during the Covid-19 pandemic; therefore the UD dorms were not open, and all academic classes were held online. I felt isolated, anxious and extremely uncertain about my UD future. In-person contact was very limited, so it was challenging to meet other freshmen and connect with professors. Fortunately, fraternity Greek Life was permitted via zoom, allowing me to connect with other students facing the same situation as myself. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to meet these other students in a small and safe environment. I eventually joined a Greek organization, and found some of my lifelong friends.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Lenchner: My favorite signature UD experience was the time I spent studying abroad in Italy over the winter session. I was lucky to learn a lot about Italian culture, enjoy the cuisine, meet other students in the Lerner school and pick up a few Italian words. Traveling abroad was an extraordinary experience, and I would highly recommend it for any student at UD.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Lenchner: My academic journey has been impacted by so many outstanding professors that I’ve had throughout my four years at UD. One professor in particular that had a tremendous impact on my educational experiences in Lerner was Professor Jack Bao. I was very fortunate to have been in Professor Bao’s Investments and Fixed Income Securities classes. During my senior year at UD, I was even more fortunate to be Professor Bao’s Teaching Assistant for his Investments class. He is a wonderful professor, and a great mentor. He has been an inspiration to me as a student, and has also been extremely helpful in providing thoughtful guidance regarding my career plans post graduation. Professor Bao promotes a positive learning environment and has a true love for teaching and care for his students.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Lenchner: In my opinion, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means I will always have unconditional support and networking resources from the Lerner professors and Lerner alumni. Although I am graduating from UD, I know that Lerner at UD will still always be called home.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Lenchner: An important piece of advice I would give to the incoming freshmen is to enter college with an open mind. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are provided for you at UD, like participating in Greek life, joining a club, or trying out a new sport in an intramural league. Savor all the special moments, work hard, meet all kinds of new people, and don’t blink – because it moves quickly.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Lenchner: After graduation, I plan to move back home to New Jersey, and spend some time with my family and friends. I will continue to focus my attention on what UD has prepared me for; the opportunity to launch my career in finance and business analytics, which I am very excited about.