A native of Stony Point, New York, Michael Eckerle graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance, operations management, and global enterprise management triple major and international business minor. Eckerle is also an Honors World Scholar, served as a Lerner Ambassador, was a member of Hens of Wall Street, and was the recipient of the Honor Enrichment Award trip to Paris, France, during his time at UD.
Eckerle was nominated for this series by Professor of Marketing, Associate Dean of Curriculum Julia Bayuk and Adjunct Faculty Ryan Sanders.
Sanders said, “Mike is smart and ambitious and learned how to take advantage of the opportunities that UD offers. He has helped me immensely in achieving my own goals too. That is something every faculty member dreams of; being a good educator while also achieving your own dreams. Mike has been important in helping me increase corporate engagement with my study abroad programs to increase the value for future generations of UD students on international programs.”
In this profile, Eckerle 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?
Eckerle: I have changed so much. I have spent about a collective year away from campus and abroad, having done three study abroad programs. My experience being abroad, but also being involved heavily in the international community here really has given me a different perspective on the college experience. I have learned so much about the value of an international education, even having an internship while abroad! I believe my experience being an Honors World Scholar shaped me into the person I am today. The greatest thing I have learned is: learning to be comfortable, being uncomfortable… that is how we truly find opportunities to grow and find our true selves.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Eckerle: One of the greatest challenges for me was time management, planning, and simply everything changing so much. First it was Covid, a semester at home, then a semester here at UD, then abroad, then back here, then abroad again, then back, then abroad again … you get the point. It is so tremendously hard going through change, and constant change can be difficult but also a place where you truly can grow and learn a lot about yourself. I think the biggest thing that helped me overcome these challenges was my support network. I learned to reach out to those around me … friends, family, professors, advisors, mentors, etc. Learning to network and then rely on that network when you need help or guidance … was crucial for my success here at UD.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Eckerle: Studying abroad, especially with World Scholars made my experience here the best. Each study abroad has its own unique experience, so it’s hard to give you one moment unless you ask for a specific one. Overall, I found my true self and passions while abroad, and it shaped me into the person I am through the skills I have gained, knowledge learned, and the people I have met.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Eckerle: Three people specifically: Julia Bayuk, Jennifer Gregan, and Ryan Sanders. Julia Bayuk was my BUAD 110 professor, but quickly turned into someone I could turn to and talk to whenever I needed. She became almost like a mentor, always reaching out for new opportunities for me, giving me advice, and answering any questions I had. Her ability to almost drop everything and support students is simply mind blowing. Jennifer Gregan has been the greatest advisor anyone could have asked for. She was great at dealing with my craziness of workload, hypotheticals, difficult schedule arrangements, etc. Her ability to support students and provide them with flexibility to chase their dreams is unmatched. I also want to point out her continuous efforts to make Lerner more and more international each day. Ryan Sanders really gave me lots of insights when I took his class BUAD 386. However, he truly provided me opportunities to succeed when I was a part of the pitch he started to the International Trade Council back in 2023. He even was the faculty who supported me on my Honors Enrichment Trip to Paris back in January. Overall, Ryan’s ability to push for experiential international programming, and allowing students opportunities to help grow programs and functions in the global space is really inspiring.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Eckerle: Lifelong Lerner simply means we are a network of Blue Hens who always challenge the norm and rely on our network to make it happen. There are Lerner alumni everywhere, and being a Lifelong Lerner means you rely on this network to grow and learn and reach new heights. Blue Hens are a part of a flock, and it’s important we rely on each other when needed. Lifelong Lerner is a representation of us relying on our flock to reach new heights, learn new things, build and grow, and most importantly, reach new parts of this globe. I will always vouch for international programming, and that is what makes me a Lifelong Lerner.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Eckerle: Network – simply have a conversation with each of your advisors and faculty you meet. People skills are needed and that is how you build them. Additionally, these faculty want the best for you and will often reach out to provide you with opportunities you never would have known about before unless you had that one conversation after class at the beginning of the semester. Networking opens doors, you can then choose what door to walk through.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Eckerle: I will be working full-time as a Financial Analyst – Financial Reporting for WL Gore & Associates.