Off and Running

This fall, Wyatt Deihl ’21 will be attending Yale University on Truman and Jack Kent Cooke scholarships to earn his master’s in public health and behavioral science. Although the move comes a year later than originally planned—COVID-19 had a way of disrupting everyone’s best intentions—it was just an advantageous detour on Deihl’s personalized pathway to purpose.

“I was able to apply the knowledge gleaned from my Rollins education to support local public health initiatives and communication strategies,” says Deihl, who worked with Tobacco Free Florida in Orange County on everything from educating youth advocates to implementing community engagement strategies in support of ending nicotine addiction and improving health equity.

Like Deihl, Rollins Class of 2021 graduates far and wide are embarking on a variety of productive careers thanks to an education built on relationships with mentors, applied learning opportunities, and a future-proof skill set that includes creative problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

“Rollins’ holistic approach to a relevant liberal arts education immerses students in integrated learning, research, mentoring, and opportunities to learn in the community and globally,” says Susan Singer, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Faculty and mentors across the College challenge and guide students in making meaning of their time at Rollins, encouraging them to reach for their dreams. Our alums are proof of the value of a Rollins education.”

From crafting persuasive communications to developing proposals for global clients, these Class of 2021 graduates are well on their way to making meaningful contributions across industries and effecting real change in our ever-evolving world.

The Marketer: Molly von Eschenbach ’21

Molly von Eschenbach, a defensive leader on the women’s soccer team, followed her sporting dreams to land a role with Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. As a performance marketing coordinator, the communication studies major handles the team’s email campaigns, paid media ads, and copywriting initiatives.

“My writing minor really helped me prepare for all the writing responsibilities with my role,” she says. “I edit and oversee almost all communication before it goes out, so being able to check for grammar and tone is a huge part of what I do. Thank you, Dr. Forsythe, for all the grammar lessons!”

While at Rollins, Eschenbach held digital media and marketing internships at the Golf Channel and New York City-based Brilliant PR & Marketing while serving as a peer mentor and vice president of recruitment for Rollins’ Panhellenic Council.

The Advocate: Wyatt Deihl ’21

A self-designed major in health, medicine, and society, with a minor in global health, Deihl built close connections with mentors like anthropology professor Shan-Estelle Brown, who helped him ace the graduate school application process and prepare to enter the workforce.

Recently, as a community engagement manager at CivCom, Deihl addressed tobacco and nicotine disparities, advocated for local policy change, and coordinated Orange County’s Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) club programs.

“Rollins prepared me for success in both the workforce and my upcoming graduate studies by allowing me to create a major designed to meet my interest in public health,” says Deihl. “Through the self-designed major process, I had the ability to specifically curate a wide range of classes that supported my interdisciplinary understanding of health disparities in both a global and local context. Additionally, having the opportunity to conduct independent research honed the skills necessary for success in competitive graduate programs.”

The Analytical Diplomat: Raul Tavarez Ramirez ’21

An international relations major, Raul Tavarez Ramirez recently joined the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company in the Dominican Republic as a location analyst. He works with clients to identify problems, gather and analyze data, and design solutions.

Previously, Tavarez Ramirez coordinated trade efforts between the Dominican Republic and the European Union, overseeing free trade agreements, educating import/export businesses, and supporting financial initiatives funded by the EU.

“Rollins prepared me for success in many ways,” he says, mentioning close relationships with professors and mentors as well as student-employment opportunities that helped him navigate the workforce. “The academic structure at Rollins is one that, no matter what major you choose, you end up getting a holistic education with knowledge in several areas and a plethora of soft skills.”

The Artist: Madison Spence ’21

Post-graduation, Madison Spence, a freelance theater artist, has worked as a stage manager, electrician, audio engineer, and dresser at venues that include The Orlando Shakes, Virgin Voyages, Theater West End, and the Garden Theatre, to name a few.

“I love working on all things backstage, and Rollins definitely prepared me to be a multifaceted artist,” says the theatre arts major, pointing to technical skills that gave her the basic understanding to excel in multiple capacities. “During my time at Rollins, I worked on almost every crew, which taught me the stamina needed to be a freelancer.”

Spence also credits Rollins’ study abroad program for allowing her to intern at Off West End in London, where she learned firsthand about the production and administrative sides of theater.

The Investment Advisor: Giovanni Figueiredo ’21

Giovanni Figueiredo, who worked as a student fundraiser and analyst in Rollins’ Office of Institutional Advancement, is now an investments associate at Marcus & Millichap, North America’s top commercial real estate investment sales brokerage and capital markets advisory.

He specializes in advising clients on the sale and acquisition of single-tenant new lease investment properties in the automotive industry, such as nationally recognized tire dealerships and collision businesses.

“Rollins allowed for an interactive environment that stimulated creativity and learning through conventional teaching methods and experience outside of the classroom,” says Figueiredo, an economics major. “The campus exposed me to students and alumni from all over the world who have become great leaders in their respective fields.”