campus news and events

Bright Futures Await Colby-Sawyer Graduates

On May 10, the 219 members of the Colby-Sawyer Class of 2014 will be released into what is called “the real world” to begin their professional careers and adult lives. Here is a glimpse at just a few examples of what comes next for these graduating seniors.

Biology major Kara Loiselle of Pembroke, N.H., will attend the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in the fall. While Loiselle is excited to begin exploring the many career paths veterinary medicine has to offer, she already looks back on her undergraduate experience at Colby-Sawyer with nostalgia. “Colby-Sawyer College provided a great community environment where students and faculty were extremely friendly and really got to know you on a personal level,” she said. “Colby-Sawyer really helped me to grow as an individual, become more confident in my abilities, and form long-lasting relationships with staff and students.”

Media Studies major Ella Tucan from Romania has been accepted to Georgia State University to pursue a master's degree in film, video and digital imaging, the next step toward her goal of earning a Ph.D. and entering a career in academia. Tucan's advice to undergrad students is to connect with faculty. “Find a professor in your major who shares your interests and can act as a mentor,” she said. “Having close relationships with the faculty is one of the perks of going to a small school, and students should definitely take advantage of it.”

Post-commencement plans extend beyond graduate school. English major Pradipti Bhatta, from Kathmandu, plans to return to Nepal and work for the United Nations (U.N.) as a communications specialist. “Colby-Sawyer has prepared me for post-graduation life by shaping me into the person I am today,” she said. “When I reflect on my four years here, I see a great change in myself.” Aside from working for the U.N., Bhatta also plans to volunteer her time teaching children from rural Nepal.

Lindsey St. Louis, a Healthcare Management major from New London, N.H., will travel for a month before pursuing opportunities in healthcare administration in the Boston area. St. Louis has been involved with the dance program and was president of the Colby-Sawyer players. A transfer student, she believes that Colby-Sawyer has provided her with the necessary networks, caring mentors and extra-curricular activities to get the most out of her college education. She urges undergraduates to make the most of their time at Colby-Sawyer. “Your time in college is short, so do everything you possibly can so long as it doesn't negatively impact your health or your grades,” she said. “Get involved in clubs and activities your first semester, plan to travel abroad, try a new activity. The only experiences you'll take nothing from are the ones you never have.”

Nursing Major Nanci Rotatori from Enfield, Conn., landed a full-time nursing position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Rotatori believes that Colby-Sawyer prepared her for her career better than other nursing schools could have because she was able to gain hands-on experience in the facility she planned on working for all along. “I got to familiarize myself with the people, computer system and the patient population,” Rotatori said. “My site supervisor even wrote me the recommendation when I was applying.”

Business Administration Major Michael Laskowski, from Fremont, N.H., said, “Colby-Sawyer has done a great job giving me the confidence I need to transition into the corporate world this fall.” Laskowski is considering which of three full-time employment offers to accept from companies located around the Northeast. “I'm looking forward to applying the skills I have learned at Colby-Sawyer to the real-life environment coming after graduation,” he said.

- Jacqueline Susmann '14

Jacqueline Susmann is a Creative Writing major at Colby-Sawyer College and an intern for College Communications. She also has a job waiting for her upon graduation.


Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.

Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000