As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Max Grozovsky from Pound Ridge, New York 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.
Grozovsky was nominated for this series by UD associate professor of economics and chair of the Department of Economics Michael Arnold, who said, “Max has a passion for learning and understanding economic policy that is truly exceptional and is unlike almost any student I have taught in 28 years at UD. I would name Max ‘The most likely of any UD grad to advise a future U.S. president on significant policy issues in a well-informed, sophisticated and understandable way. And, that president will listen to and value Max’s perspective.’ He’s also the only student I’ve ever had sing an Arabic rap song during office hours!“
In this profile, Grozovsky, an economics major with minors in disability studies, Arabic, Islamic studies and public policy, 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?
Grozovsky: I am more confident in myself, academically and socially, and more aware of how much I’ve yet to learn. I am far more conscious of the opportunities this country has granted my family as Soviet Jewish refugees and my work has become more meaningful in terms of our debt to its most vulnerable.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Grozovsky: Dr. Gorbachev’s office (revealed preference).
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Grozovsky: Public Economics (ECON 436) with Dr. Tobacman, whose idealism and passion for economics inspired students to learn in every class and whose humility, kindness and interest in each student demonstrated what really distinguishes “good” economists.
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Grozovsky: I have been enriched by my friendships with so many international students, particularly from the Middle East and South Asia, formed at Perkins Live, International Coffee Hours, the graduate MSA and chance encounters at Snap Pizza. I am grateful for our many conversations about family, music, metaphysics, identity and cheating at Pakistani card games.
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Grozovsky: My grandmother uses this phrase often. Attending two of her guest lectures on Soviet Jewish history after watching her marathon nine hours of audited courses the previous day on campus. Molodetz! [Well done!]
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Grozovsky: Moving to Boston and assisting Dr. Bruce Sacerdote with research on labor economics and interventions to help more kids go to college.