Balsara, Salerno Serve as Class Marshals

This year, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management selected Rehan Balsara and Justine Salerno as the 2023 Whitman Class Marshals, representing their senior class during this academic school year. 

Both students went through a highly selective process to receive this honorable title. During their time at the Whitman School, Balsara and Salerno have been involved in numerous organizations and leadership roles and have received several awards.  

As marshals, Balsara and Salerno strive to achieve specific goals as they lead their class towards graduation. The two hope to serve as liaisons between faculty, staff and students to ensure that all graduation events flow smoothly, while also being role models and resources for underclassmen students.  

Rehan Balsara 

Rehan “Reh” Balsara ’23 came from Mumbai, India, to study at the Whitman School. His father, Zal Balsara ’92 (WSM/MAX), instilled a sense of Orange legacy pride at a young age as a graduate of Syracuse University. 

The Orange spirit has motivated Balsara through his studies, and now also as Class Marshal. “The Syracuse motto, ‘Knowledge crowns those who seek her,’ inspires me to excel in my leadership role,” he says. 

During this time leading his senior class, Balsara hopes to encourage Whitman students to contribute their skills and challenge real world business projects. 

The business analytics, finance and management triple major has been involved in the Goodman IMPRESS Star program, Invest in Success, Whitman Undergraduate board and received the Dean’s Inclusive Excellence award.

Over the summer, Balsara interned as a business analytics intern with EY. During his experience, he contributed to EY’s strategy and transactions team driving the global industry to reimagine and reinvent itself.

After graduation, Balsara plans to gain a few years of work experience before pursuing postgraduate studies in finance and business analytics. 

Justine Salerno

As a dual major in supply chain and business analytics, Salerno always knew she wanted to pursue business in college. She was amazed by the Whitman School when she visited, as well as the ample opportunities and variety of classes offered. 

Over the last four years, Salerno says, “Whitman has become my second home and one of the best decisions that I have made in my life, and I wanted to be able to give back and show my appreciation for the school,” she says. 

Since being at Syracuse University, Salerno’s favorite experience is the number of connections she has made throughout the last four years between the students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

“I have made so many amazing friendships, and I cannot forget about my wonderful roommates that I met through Whitman that I know will be lifelong friends,” she says. 

As Class Marshal, Salerno has set personal goals for this role. She strives to ensure that everyone in her graduating class feels their voices are heard, to represent the Whitman School to the best of her ability with the utmost passion and to be a resource for students if they need anything, no matter the circumstance. 

“Overall, I want to help close a wonderful chapter of four years and start the beginning of an amazing journey for my peers,” she says. 

For the most up-to-date Syracuse University commencement information, visit the commencement 2023 webpage here.