A native of Dumont, N.J., Luke Gibbons is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance and financial planning and wealth management double major with a minor in trust management.
Gibbons was nominated for this series by Associate Instructor of Finance, Director, Financial Planning and Wealth Management major Richard C. Jakotowicz Jr. and Instructor of Business Law, Trusts, and Fiduciary Income Tax, Director – Trust Management Minor Jennifer McCloskey, who described Luke as “extraordinary” and an “example of the best Lerner has to offer.”
In this profile, Gibbons shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Gibbons: Through the past four years of college, I’ve grown academically, professionally, and personally. Thanks to the University of Delaware, I’ve been pushed by incredible professors, classmates, and mentors to work hard within the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and on myself. The biggest change from my very first semester to now is my ability to take a step back and understand that everything always works out.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Gibbons: During the spring semester of my sophomore year and into the fall semester of junior year, the biggest challenge I faced was managing a full course load, alongside three intensive extracurricular activities, two of which I held leadership positions for, while interviewing for internships and maintaining a healthy social life. Despite the many late nights and early mornings, I was able to effectively work through my busy schedule thanks to time management tips from mentors, an organized Google calendar, and the motivation at the end of the road.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Gibbons: UD has provided me with some of the best memories of my life. One in particular was my study abroad experience in Italy this past winter. I was fortunate enough to spend the month of January in Rome and Florence, learning about and experiencing some of the richest history in the world. My favorite part of the trip was the trek up the Duomo in Florence. Through the windy, tight staircase, and over 400 steps later I was able to see the city of Florence from above. I was hit with immense gratitude for the opportunity to even be on the trip and more grateful that UD continues to provide such opportunities for its students to create forever lasting memories.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Gibbons: A special thanks goes out to Professor Jennifer McCloskey and Professor Rich Jakotowicz. I was introduced to both professors early in my college career and am fortunate to have been able to look up to them both as role models. Both professors have embodied what it means to give back to the Lerner community and are constantly working for the best interest of their students. By creating a positive learning environment in their classrooms and sharing real life work experiences, I was continuously motivated by both professors. Thanks to Professor McCloskey I was able to land two internships during the summer entering my junior year and senior year. Thanks to Professor Jakotowicz, I was able to travel to Washington, D.C. for a weekend to expand my network with CFP professionals and other aspiring students from across the country at the CFP Conference. I owe much of my college success to them!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Gibbons: To be considered a “Lifelong Lerner” establishes a connection with myself to the school that has provided me so much over the last four years. Within our business school, students are set up to succeed thanks to the many professors, clubs, and motivating classmates that drive the culture at UD. It’s an honor to be considered a Lifelong Lerner and I cannot wait till I get to sit on the other side of the table, giving back to future Lerner students.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Gibbons: My advice for incoming freshmen is wherever your interests take you, wherever you find yourself on this campus, you’ll only get out the amount you put in. There is a home for everyone here at UD and you can make the most of it by getting involved and giving back to the community.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Gibbons: Following graduation I will be working for BNY as a wealth management analyst in New York City. I’m excited for what’s to come and cannot thank the University of Delaware enough.