Sigma Phi Society
Cornell University
Employment and Career Networking
Spring 2013
In 2012 the Epsilon Association initiated a new program to connect alumni and students in mentoring,
career advising, and networking. Part of the effort is aimed at connecting alumni with current students
interested in internships, summer, part-time and full-time employment.
Securing meaningful summer employment, especially for the younger students, can dramatically enhance
a student’s credentials for future employment and graduate school. We hope that the Sigma Phi alumni
network can provide these opportunities for these remarkable undergraduates.
The actives compiled the following document of students interested in connecting with alumni for
employment. Each year many of these connections take place informally. We are now embarking on a
more formal process to identify job opportunities among the alumni and qualified candidates among the
actives.
Look carefully at these bios. The Sigma Phi students are highly ranked academically, hold leadership
positions across campus, and are active in a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular activities.
Many students have already secured employment or entrance into graduate school. The Epsilon
Association hopes that you can assists in identifying opportunities for the balance of students.
Alumni, please review this list. If you know of an opportunity, can offer a position, or have some
suggestions for any of these actives, please contact the student directly.
Please provide feedback on this document and process, and suggestions for improving the program to
Michael Koby C’93, mkoby@palmventures.com.
As this project evolves we expect the take advantage of new technology and software to automate the data
collection, postings, and communications. If you are aware of the availability of such an app or webbased product, please contact Michael Koby. Finally, alumni who are seeking employment or networking
would also benefit from participating in this initiative and are encouraged to contact Michael as well.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Index
Recent Alumni
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) DiValerio III C’08 Cornell 2012
College of Architecture, Art & Planning: Major-Architecture, Minor-City Planning
Seeking: Full-time employment
Field: Architecture, Advertisement, Graphic Design
Matthew Vernon Henderson C'2010 (January 2013 Grad)
College/Major: Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Finance, Real Estate Finance
Seniors (Class of 2013)
Luke J. Namer C’2010
College of Arts and Science, Major: Government, Minor: Film and Spanish
Seeking: Internship or employment for next year.
Field: Film Production, Journalism & Media, and Government Lobbying & Advocacy
Mandela K. Steele-Dadzie C’2010
College of Human Ecology, Policy Analysis and Management
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Healthcare, Consulting, Financial Services Consulting, Research
Juniors (Class of 2014)
Jordan Vance Caines C'2011
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: summer employment (2013), permanent (2014)
Field: healthcare related marketing / finance; consulting
Sophomores (Class of 2015)
Daniel P. Cappetta C’2012
College of A&LS, Applied Economics & Management, Communication Double Major
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Sports Management, Talent Representation, Finance, Real Estate
Steven John Szafara Jr. C’2012
School of Hotel Administration
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Real estate development & acquisitions, asset management, consulting
Scott B Murphy C'2012
College of Arts & Sciences, Statistics and Economics double major
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance, Business Analytics
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Alec Michael Morris C'2012
School of Hotel Administration, Real Estate Finance Minor
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Real Estate/Hospitality Finance, Hotel/Casino Management
Taylor E Holland C’2012
CALS, Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: summer employment (2013).
Field: Finance, Consulting, Start-up Tech
J. Kofi Acquah C’2012
College of Engineering, Operations Research and Engineering
Seeking: summer employment (2013 and 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Technology, Consulting, Energy
Freshman (Class of 2016)
Robert Knox Linkens C'2013
College of Human Ecology, Design & Environmental Analysis – Human Factors & Ergonomics
Seeking: Summer Internship (2013)
Field: User Experience Design/User Interface Design
Brian N Bank C’2013
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Communications
Seeking: Summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance
Eric M. Bloom C’2013
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Seeking: summer internship (2013)
Field: Sports Management, Labor Law
Michael Aaron Wolkon C’2013
School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Industrial and Labor Relations
Seeking: Summer internship/employment (2013)
Field: Law, finance, sports management, business
Ryan E. Lane C’2013
College of Human Ecology
Seeking: Summer Employment/Internship (2013)
Field: Design and Facilities Planning and Management
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Student Biographies and Interests
Sigma Phi Recent Alumni
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) DiValerio III C’08
Alum Class of 2012, College of Architecture, Art & Planning: Major-Architecture, Minor-City Planning
Hometown: Philadelphia PA
Cell: 610.306.0108
Email: ajdivalerio@gmail.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ajdivalerio
Seeking: Full-time employment
Field: Architecture, Advertisement, Graphic Design
I am currently employed at Archer & Buchanan Architecture LTD, a smaller firm outside of
Philadelphia recognized for its exceptional design in residential projects. As a personal side project I do
freelance graphic design mainly gaining work through word of mouth. Some clients I’ve done work for
include restaurants, charities, music groups, and major financial institutions. My career interests at this
time are geared more towards gaining a full-time position at a larger more corporately oriented firm in
either the architectural or advertisement industries, preferably outside of Pennsylvania. I realize that these
two fields are very unrelated in nature, but I believe that my training as an architect at Cornell has given
me a unique set of skills to not only conceive, create and execute ideas in a concise and efficient manner,
but has also given me the skills necessary to convey these ideas in a way as to most effectively reach an
audience. It is for these reasons why I am also interested in a potential career in advertisement.
Architecturally speaking, I am intent on working for a firm that is not only recognized for its progressive
designs, but also prides itself in being at the forefront of architectural ingenuity. It is my goal in this
regard to obtain a full-time position at a firm that enhances the living and occupancy of buildings through
design.
At Cornell I was a four-year, varsity letter recipient member of the Men’s Lightweight Rowing
team. I was recruited out of high school where I was a two-time National Champion in the Men’s Varsity
Quad for Malvern Preparatory School. My junior year I bronzed at the EARC Sprints Championships in
the Second Varsity Boat and earned three consecutive placements on the Wall of Honor (’09-’11) having
broken and set many team records, standing still today. When I wasn’t rowing or focusing on my studies
I was the rowing team’s representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Council also serving as
University Team’s Relations Chair. Bi-monthly meetings were made with student representatives of every
varsity sports team to discus, coordinate and execute community service projects as well as philanthropic
events to raise money for various charities within the city of Ithaca. I was an avid participant in intramural
volleyball winning the intramural championship in 2011 with my co-ed non-Greek affiliated team.
Freshman year I became a member of the Solar Decathlon, and Design and Planning Group where I was
an active member until I graduated, and at Sigma Phi I was elected as pledge class president and served as
the Initiation Chair in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family, running,
drawing and meeting new people with whom I can share new ideas and experiences with. Some of my
fondest Cornell memories occurred when I stayed in Ithaca for a summer with a group of Sigma Phi
brothers as well as studying abroad in Istanbul, Turkey the next summer with 8 other architecture students
and a fantastic professor.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Matthew Vernon Henderson C'2010
Graduated January 2013, Applied Economics and Management
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
C: (770) 262-0392
E: MVH24@cornell.edu
Seeking: Permanent Employment (2013)
Field: Finance, Real Estate Finance
I'd like to pursue a career in finance. My aim has always been to work for a global financial institution
that can give me the opportunity to reach my full potential. The demanding and energetic environment of
finance will allow me to utilize my analytical, computational, and communication skills on a daily basis.
I was born in California but have lived a little outside of Atlanta for the last 15 years. Before coming to
Cornell I went to Clemson University in South Carolina. Since coming to Cornell the Sigma Phi Society
has been an extremely meaningful part of my life. I developed some lifelong relationships and coming
from a large family it has been nice to feel like I have a home away from home.
Seniors – C’2010
Luke J. Namer C’ 2010
Senior Class of 2013, College of Arts and Science, Major: Government, Minor: Film and Spanish
C: 917.648.7294
E. lukenamer@gmail.com
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=79758794&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Seeking: Internship or employment for next year.
Field: Film Production, Journalism & Media, and Government Lobbying & Advocacy.
As a Government major I initially began my undergraduate studies focused on global infrastructure
development and non-profit work. During my time as an intern for ‘Share Our Strength,’ I was partially
put in charge of organizing a citywide canvassing day to educate minors on government sponsored
summer meals programs. It was from this communication and organizing effort that I started to find a
passion for film as a means of telling a story. This passion led me to pursuit a Film minor at Cornell and
to production work with ‘GoodEye Video’ and with the ‘Cornell Daily Sun’ as an Executive Producer of
Multimedia. These experiences have motivated me to find a career in the fields of film production,
journalism and government policy as I strive to advocate for, through effective communication,
marginalized groups in the United States.
I grew up in New York City and went to high school at the United Nations International School where I
served as the President of the student body. I spent each summer playing baseball for local city teams and
working as a camp counselor. At Cornell, I have held e-board positions for the Cornell International
Affairs Review and the Microfinance Club. I have also benefited from the opportunities that the Sigma
Phi Society offers. Serving as Co-Oliphant Chair, I helped manage the extremely successful speaker
series events with Philippe Petit and Craig Venter. Additionally, while serving as Philanthropy Chair for
two semesters, I worked with our brothers to organize the Share Our Strength Charity Dinner and the
Bone Marrow Drive. These experiences have not only shown me the importance to get involved in
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
campus extracurricular activities, but to also take advantage of the amazing brotherhood, both with
actives and alumni, that the Sigma Phi Society offers.
Mandela K. Steele-Dadzie C’2010
Senior Class of 2013, College of Human Ecology, Policy Analysis and Management
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
C: (609) 784-3347
E: mks228@cornell.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=163602901&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Healthcare, Consulting, Financial Services Consulting, Research
I am a current senior studying Policy Analysis and Management here at Cornell. While studying different
policy realms in the country, I became particularly interested in the field of healthcare. Never really
seeing myself entering the industry from a clinical standpoint, the business/operational side of healthcare
provision has been my main focus. Hospital administration is where I see myself in the future, with
running my own hospital being the ultimate goal. Before that however, I would like to gain some more
professional and management experience, which is why I am so interested in consulting.
Over the course of my four years at Cornell I have been quite involved in the Sigma Phi Society as well
as other organizations on campus. Within Sigma Phi, I have been Secretary, Social Chair, and Rush
Chair. Each of these positions has allowed me to establish myself as a leader within the house and as
someone my brothers can look to for responsibility. Outside of the house, I am also a very active member
of the Cornell United Men’s Soccer Club. Furthermore, volunteering is a very big part of my life and I am
a member of the Cornell Tradition Fellowship which rewards students for volunteering and work
experience.
Juniors – C’2011
Jordan Vance Caines C'2011
Junior Class of 2014, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
Applied Economics and Management
Hometown: Granite Bay, CA
C: 916.367.9779
E: jvc42@cornell.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jordan-caines/56/353/2bb
Seeking: summer employment (2013), permanent (2014)
Field: healthcare related marketing / finance; consulting
I began my education at Cornell majoring in Biological Sciences and had planned on attending medical
school after graduation. Yet after studying and gaining experience in the clinical side of healthcare, I
ultimately decided that a career in practicing medicine was not something I still felt passionately about.
My interest in becoming a physician was a result of my passion for healthcare. I transferred to the study
of Applied Economics and Management and I began to discover the connection between the business
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
world and the life science industry. My interests in the area continued to expand as I took courses such as
Pharmaceutical Management and Policy and International Technology Marketing of Biotechnology. This
past summer, I further explored this interest while working with a company in the Biotechnology
industry. However, I found myself wanting to return to the healthcare industry. I desire an opportunity to
combine my passion for the medical field with my keen interest in business.
I was born and raised in Northern California. I was recruited to swim on the Men’s Varsity Swim Team at
Cornell. I swam for the Big Red for the last two years. Recently, I was forced to retire due to a shoulder
injury. I am an active member of the Sigma Phi Society and currently the Historian for the house. My
interests include skiing, hiking, squash and photography.
Sophomores – C’2012
Daniel P. Cappetta C’2012
Sophomore, Class of 2015, College of Agriculture & Life Science, Applied Economics & Management,
Communication Double Major
Hometown: Syosset, NY
C: 516.376.5506
E: dpc66@cornell.edu
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Sports Management, Talent Representation, Finance, Real Estate
Here at Cornell, I have recently been accepted to the Dyson School of Business Applied Economics &
Management. I will be double majoring in the AEM program and Communication. In AEM, I plan on
focusing on Finance, while in Communication I plan on focusing on Communication and Information
Technologies. I have a wide variety of interests, such as finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship, but
with this business background, I hope to one day work in sports. Sports have always been a passion of
mine, and the sports entertainment industry is a huge one. The thought of being able to contribute to a
sports franchise or league that I have grown up idolizing is extremely exciting to me. I am also interested
in going to graduate school to pursue my JD and/or MBA degrees. This would be a great stepping-stone
on the path to becoming a Sports Agent, if that is the career that I decide to pursue.
I am involved in a variety of extracurricular activities on Cornell’s campus. As an active member of the
Sigma Phi Society, I have been elected as Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair, and also held the position of
Social Chair. Philanthropy is a passion of mine, as I believe that individuals who are fortunate enough to
not need assistance should give back. Sigma Phi’s current philanthropy endeavors include support of
Cornell’s Share Our Strength chapter, of which I am the VP of Operations. Share Our Strength aims to
eliminate childhood hunger on a national level, however our chapter focuses on the greater Ithaca area.
While contributing to combatting childhood hunger has been a goal of our house for years now, I am also
developing new philanthropy initiatives, such as working with the local Special Olympics. We are
currently organizing the regional Bowl-a-thon, which should be a successful and rewarding experience. I
am the Red Bull Student Brand manager—a job that I thoroughly enjoy and has exposed me to many new
and inventive marketing techniques. I am heavily involved in the ILR Sports Business Society. As the
club’s Director of Finance, I create and maintain our budget, manage funding of our activities and
initiatives, and plan logistics for travel events throughout the semester. I also love sports and have been
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
skiing, and playing basketball and lacrosse for as long as I can remember. At Cornell, I am a member of
the Club Basketball team, which won the Ivy League Championship and NIRSA Regional Championship
this year.
Steven John Szafara Jr. C’2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, School of Hotel Administration
Hometown: Berwyn, PA
C: 610-308-8530 E: sjs335@cornell.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=228474229&trk=tab_pro
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Real estate development & acquisitions, asset management, consulting
Career Interests:
As a Sophomore in the School of Hotel Administration, I have become very interested in the Real
Estate/Finance side of the hotel industry. I am currently pursuing the Real Estate Minor within the Hotel
School and hoping to work at a real estate investment firm this upcoming summer to gain experience and
determine where, specifically, in the field I want to focus.
About Me:
At Cornell, outside of the classroom and Sigma Phi, I participate in two main extracurricular activities.
First, I play on the club soccer team at outside midfield and outside back. I am very involved in the team
both on and off the field, currently serving my second term as the social chairman in charge of organizing
all off-field events and travel to away games and tournaments. Second, I am a member of the Cornell
Hospitality Consulting club (CHC). Our mission is to apply the concepts we learn in the classroom to real
world projects by offering our services to companies pro bono. As an analyst, I am currently working on a
project pitching a personal safety smart phone application to be purchased in bulk by Cornell University
and integrated into the campus safety program.
Within the Sigma Phi Society, I have held various positions in the house so far, currently I am the Social
Chairman and Formal Chairman. I am in charge of scheduling and managing all social events sponsored
Sigma Phi or hosted at 1 Forest Park Lane.
Outside of Cornell, I am an avid skier, visiting Colorado each winter break to ski Beaver Creek and Vail.
In the summer I enjoy hiking, especially along the Appalachian Trail where I have currently hiked over
200 miles and plan on finishing in my lifetime. Finally, I love traveling to all corners of the world and
country experiencing different lifestyles and foods.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Scott B Murphy C'2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, College of Arts & Sciences, Statistics and Economics double major
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
C: 781-439-4816
E: sbm86@cornell.edu
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance, Business Analytics
Beginning my Cornell career in the College of Engineering, I have always been a quantitatively oriented
student. I gravitated to math and science early on in my education; however, as I grew older and matured
I also found myself also interested with the analysis involved with more qualitative subjects, such as
analysis of social and economic trends of history. These two passions are what have brought me to my
current double major of Statistics and Economics and also to my growing interest in the analytics
involved in finance and business. Professionally, I am looking for work that combines my quantitative
and analytical skills. Thus far, I have been pursuing work in finance related areas, including banking,
asset management, and corporate finance, as well as web and business analytics.
I am a native of the Boston area and a huge Bruins fan. I was a member of my high school’s Varsity
Tennis and Cross Country teams, serving as the Captain of the Cross Country team my senior year. After
my initiation into the Sigma Phi in 2012, I have served on our internal house judicial board, aiding in the
establishment of the relatively new board and ruling on peer infractions. I am also one of the Oliphant
Chairs and very proud to have Patrick Kennedy as this semesters speaker. At Cornell I am a member of
the Microfinance Club and the Behavioral Economics and Financial Organization Club (BEFO). The
Microfinance Club takes a more alternative and socially conscious look at finance in third world
countries, and we are currently teamed up with an NGO to help with their daily operations as well as
provide financing for the distribution of LED lights in parts of Kenya. In the Behavioral Economics club
I have had the experience of putting together my first paper portfolio, as well as learning how to pitch
stocks for the club’s actual fund. Lastly, I have a great interest in China and the Mandarin language. I
began studying Mandarin in high school and have spent a total of three months abroad there on a cultural
and language immersion program.
Alec Michael Morris C'2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, School of Hotel Administration, Real Estate Finance Minor
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
C: 941.330.7385
E: amm367@cornell.edu
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Real Estate/Hospitality Finance, Hotel/Casino Management
My name is Alec Morris, and I am currently a sophomore at Cornell University in the School of Hotel
Administration. I am strongly interested in applying for a summer internship with a Real Estate Finance
Firm. I have a strong affinity for finance as well as investment banking and would love the opportunity to
learn more about corporate finance while developing my career though hands-on work experience.
Academically, I have extensive course work in hotel and restaurant operations, which has driven my
interest in gaining a better understanding of hospitality, and, more broadly, business. The past semester
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
was my first semester taking a finance class. The class sparked my interest in investing and financial
management and motivated me to currently undertake the Real Estate Finance minor offered at The Hotel
School. The class also proved to be my academic strong suit as I finished with the highest grade of my
college career.
Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, I primarily play Varsity Football and Tennis for my high school. Outside
of athletics, I participated in the production of our school's monthly news show. My participation in the
making of the show was based on my interest and affinity for AV production. We were fortunate enough
to win an award my Senior year at the Sarasota Film Festival.
I decided to rush a fraternity in the winter of 2012. Soon after joining Sigma Phi, I learned I had made one
of the best decisions of my life. I now do everything I can to get involved with the day to day activities of
the house. More specifically, I hold the positions of Assistant House Manager and Philanthropy Chair.
My ultimate goal is to become the treasurer in the coming Fall. Additionally, I am a member of the
Energy Club through the Engineering school. I am part of this club to keep up to date on the current crises
in the energy world. The club also yields me the opportunity to travel to major cities to partake in
Finance/Energy conferences (the most recent of which was at Colombia University).
I can be very flexible on where I am willing to work and am primarily focused on getting any level of
experience in the finance industry.
Taylor E Holland C’2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, CALS, Applied Economics and Management
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
C: 914 844 4188
E: teh68@cornell.edu
Seeking: summer employment (2013).
Field: Finance, Consulting, Start-up Tech
My ultimate career aspiration is to go into venture capitalism. With that said, I understand the difficulty to
enter this field immediately out of college, so many of my interests have been geared towards both
entrepreneurship and finance. I would have to say that my strongest interest is in startup tech at the
moment, but I believe developing core financial skills that can be found both through coursework and
internships in the finance field is imperative. For that reason, within my major of Applied Economics and
Management, my concentration is Finance and Accounting.
Within the illustrious Sigma Phi Society, I have held the position of Oliphant Chair, working under two of
the older brothers in the house in order to learn the ropes. With that said, I hope to take on possible larger
roles next year in the continuation of the Oliphant Speaker Series. In terms of my extracurricular
endeavors, I am a member of the Cornell Men’s Club Soccer Team, Cornell University Sustainable
Design (CUSD), Cornell Financial Management Group, and a frequented visitor of the newly established,
but also renowned Pop Shop in college town.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
J. Kofi Acquah C’2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, College of Engineering, Operations Research and Engineering
Hometown: Washington D.C.
C: 607.279.0825
E: jka56@cornell.edu
Seeking: summer employment (2013 and 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Technology, Consulting, Energy
My main interest lies in the technology field. I have always been interested in the newest innovations,
whether they be in the computer industry, automotive industry or elsewhere. Professionally, I would like
to pursue a career that allows me to work in a stimulating environment and solve problems in creative
ways. Although the tech industry is of great appeal to me, I know that there are many other fields that
would allow me to be creative and solve problems. As a sophomore, I am very open to looking into a
variety of career opportunities in which my skills could be put to good use.
My family and I moved to the United States from Germany when I was still very young. I spent most of
my years in the Washington D.C. area before moving up here to Ithaca. On campus I am involved in
several organizations, but my main involvement is with the Cornell Energy Club. The club focuses on the
education of its members by inviting guest speakers and attending different conferences. The discussed
topics cover everything from oil and gas to up-and-coming energies, investment opportunities and
international relations.
Freshman – C’2013
Robert Knox Linkens C'2013
Freshman Class of 2016, College of Human Ecology, Design and Environmental Analysis-Human
Factors and Ergonomics
Hometown: Warwick, NY
C: 845-549-4453
E: rkl63@cornell.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=214890369&trk=tab_pro
Seeking: Summer Internship (2013)
Field: User Experience Design/User Interface Design
In high school, I was a very strong math and science student; however, I have natural artistic talent that I
did not want to abandon during my years in college. I found that Option III (Human Factors and
Ergonomics) in Design and Environmental Analysis was a unique field that merged the two. I am
especially interested in any job that involves User Interface/User Experience design (Abbreviated as UED
or UxD). I hope to find a career in either the medical field, more specifically hospital design, or mobile
tech development.
I am a very active musician. Throughout my life I have played four different instruments, but currently
play the guitar. I am looking for venues to play in the Ithaca area. I am a member of the Cornell Concert
Commission and hold an on-campus job as an Intramural Sports referee. I am in multiple design clubs
including Design for America and CUxD (User Experience Design club). I have contributed several
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
creative projects to Sigma Phi including a mural of McGraw Tower on the stairs leading down to the
basement, cabinets for the music speakers, and multiple decorated tables.
Brian N Bank C’2013
Freshman Class of 2016, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Communications
Hometown: Potomac MD
C: 301.802.0575
E: bnb27@cornell.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-bank/50/204/a14
Seeking: Summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance
As an applicant to Cornell, I felt as though Communications was the most fitting and logical
major in which to apply due to my work as Editor-In-Chief of my high school’s newspaper and my
passion for writing. In addition to Communications, my position as CEO/Founder of NAKD Apparel,
LLC has solidified my sincere interest in business. Thus, I am hoping to gain acceptance into the Dyson
School of Business upon the conclusion of my first semester sophomore year, double majoring in
Communications and Applied Economics and Management. The two fields of study seem to compliment
one another, for many facets that comprise the business world revolve around communicating in some
shape or form. Within the broad genre of business, I am interested in finance (specifically, Investment
Banking and Sales & Trade). While lacking professional experience in this realm, I have gathered much
knowledge through personal research and from the Cornell Wall Street Club that I have joined this year.
Throughout high school, I had the chance to hone my leadership skills with positions such as
Class President, Editor-In-Chief, Head of the Conduct Review Board, and Leader of the Peer Mentor
Program. As Cornell marked a new era in my life, I felt more obliged and willing to try new things. I
began to teach myself the piano first semester and I am now a member of the Cornell Piano Society. I also
joined the Club Squash Team, which is a sport that I had not played before coming to Cornell. The most
significant commitment that I have made at Cornell was pledging the Sigma Phi Society. It was a decision
that has paid off in all respects, as the society is now home to all my best friends and it will be a part of
me for the rest of my life.
Eric M. Bloom C’2013
Freshman Class of 2016, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Hometown: Sharon, MA
C: 339-364-4094
E: emb358@gmail.com
Seeking: summer internship (2013)
Field: Sports Management, Labor Law
Out of high school I applied to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell because I
loved the variety of opportunities it provides for its students. I have always maintained a strong interest in
the field of law and I knew ILR would fulfill this passion, yet I am eager to pursue other fields in order to
gain as much experience as I can. I have always excelled in classes that rely heavily on creative thinking,
writing, and discussion, and I believe these skills will translate well into the fields of sports management.
I am specifically interested in the sports industry, for I have always been extremely passionate about
sports and have grown quite knowledgeable about the business side of the industry through the Cornell
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Sports Business Society and my position within the Cornell Athletic Department. Through the Sports
Business Society I have learned about negotiations, marketing, and development, and hope to pursue
these interests professionally this summer. Furthermore, this semester I began my job as an assistant in
the Alumni Affairs and Development Department of Cornell Athletics. My main responsibility as an
assistant is to aid in fund raising efforts for the entire Cornell Athletic Department. By developing alumni
outreach programs and events I have been quite involved in the fund raising process and have thoroughly
enjoyed my experience.
Throughout high school I prided myself on being involved within the school community and I
hope to follow the same path here at Cornell. In high school I was a captain of the Mock Trial, soccer, and
tennis teams, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of my school’s newspaper. I love to take a leadership role
within my activities, for I believe that having a strong voice is essential to the success of any group.
Outside of the Sports Business Society and my job within the Athletic Department I am also a member of
the Cornell Mundial Club Soccer team and a new member of the Sigma Phi society. I am ecstatic about
joining Sigma Phi. I learned a lot as one of my pledge classes’ pledge captains and have learned even
more from just being around the house. Within Sigma Phi, club soccer, and the Sports Business Society I
hope to take on a leadership position in the future and make an impact on the community around me.
Michael Aaron Wolkon C’2013
Freshman Class of 2016, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Industrial and Labor Relations
Hometown: Sudbury, MA
C: 978-609-2472
E: maw354@cornell.edu
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=230894436&trk=tab_pro
Seeking: Summer internship/employment (2013)
Field: Law, finance, sports management, business
As an Industrial and Labor Relations major, I am currently taking classes in economics and labor history,
focused primarily on the study of labor and employment law. I have always been a strong math and
economics student, and also intend to minor in business to focus on the intersection of law, business and
finance in the workplace. Outside of my major, I have taken classes in both International Relations and
Modern Political Theory, and have enjoyed the studies of both contemporary and historical governments
as they relate to legal and business issues. I am hoping to gain practical experience in the fields of labor
and employment law, business and finance to enhance my academic studies, and guide my career path in
these areas.
I have always been an active participant in a variety of school activities and organizations. I am currently
a member of the Cornell ILR Sports Business Society, an organization focused on education and career
opportunities in the business side of sports through journalism, management and finance. As an avid
Boston sports fan who has sulked through a number of professional sports strikes, I have a strong interest
in studying player contracts, and how negotiations work between the league administrators and the
players. This year, I participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which I have helped
organize and raise money for the past five years. I am also one of the three students responsible for
organizing the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament at Cornell, continuing my work with the Special
Olympics that I began during high school. I also take part in intramural soccer, football, basketball and
softball with Sigma Phi.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013
Ryan E. Lane C’2013
Freshman Class of 2012, College of Human Ecology
Hometown: New York, NY
C: 917.881.6145
E: rel254@cornell.edu
Seeking: Summer Employment/Internship (2013)
Field: Design and Facilities Planning and Management
Despite the fact that I am still unsure of what I want to do when I get older, after just one semester
at Cornell, I found myself very interested in design. Specifically, the Design and Environmental Analysis
major in Human Ecology. By the end of this year, I am planning on declaring myself a DEA major with a
concentration in Facilities Planning and Management. What is most intriguing to me is the sociological
aspect of this major and how it focuses on the reasons behind any given successful design. For instance,
we examined the design of Google Headquarters, the FedEx logo and many others and discussed why
they are so effective. In the future, I would love to work in the design department of any company like
Google, or Facebook or Yahoo, where the people take design extremely seriously and use it to not only
maximize the potential of their employees but also separate themselves from competing firms.
My name is Ryan Lane and I am from New York City, New York. I went to the Dalton School
from kindergarten through 12th grade where I participated in several different activities. For instance, I
played on the Varsity Soccer team on which I served as captain in my senior year. I was also a member of
the Varsity Wrestling team. In addition to athletics, I served as Vice President of my schools Habitat for
Humanity Chapter. As Vice President, I planned and supervised events, managed chapter funds and
worked with the administration and student body to spread awareness about the housing crisis. At
Cornell, I am planning on joining Design for America, which is a club that uses design in order to benefit
the faculty and student body. My biggest commitment at Cornell thus far has been joining the Sigma Phi
Society, a decision that has already paid off as I have made incredible friendships and have had many
unique opportunities.
Sigma Phi Alumni-Active Career Networking • April 2013