Whitman Scholars 2025

Whitman Scholars are chosen from the senior class each year through a competitive selection process. To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.65 and a demonstrated history of engagement and leadership at the Whitman School and Syracuse University. Here the 2025 Whitman Scholars share their thoughts on their experiences and the skills they gained at Syracuse University.

Adriana Albizu-Russe

Hometown: Morovis, Puerto Rico | Majors: Marketing Management, and Environment, Sustainability and Policy (MAX)

Future Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in marketing in Madrid

“Whitman has transformed me into a confident and secure individual over the past four years, allowing me to express the potential I once doubted. Every class, group project, networking event and connection with professors has given me opportunities I never saw as viable. From studying abroad in Madrid to helping create an honors society club for Latinos on campus and partaking in the creation of a premier Latinx magazine, Whitman has enabled me to proudly showcase my Puerto Rican culture, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Adam Best

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Majors: Accounting and Finance

Future Plans: Financial Services Office Audit & Business Intelligence staff at EY

“What’s more important, the journey or the destination? Neither. My time at Whitman has taught me that it’s the company. My incredible experience at Whitman has been defined by my dedicated professors, welcoming classmates and engaging alumni. Whether on the Kenya immersion trip, living abroad in Sydney or sitting in a classroom, it was the lifelong connections I’ve made with the Whitman community that made it special. This community has forged me into a capable individual, and I can’t wait to enter the professional world and showcase what it means to bleed Orange.”

Isabella Chavez Miranda

Hometown: El Paso, Texas | Majors: Management and Medicinal Chemistry (A&S)

Future Plans: Pursuing a master’s in health care administration

“Whitman has been a transformative part of my journey here at Syracuse, and I am truly thankful for the incredible professors and staff who have inspired me with their wisdom, compassion and belief in my potential. Their dedication has fueled my passion for learning and leadership, pushing me to grow beyond what I thought was possible. The lessons and relationships I have built through this community will always hold a special place in my heart and have shaped not just my career, but who I am as a person. It will always be, “Go Orange.”

James Crane

Hometown: Buffalo, New York | Majors: Accounting and Business Analytics

Future Plans: Master’s program in professional accounting at the Whitman School

“The Whitman School is a community of students, faculty, staff and alumni dedicated to fostering transformative growth inside and outside the classroom, working together to help students become the best versions of themselves. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had at the Whitman School and the invaluable support of mentors throughout my undergraduate career. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that embracing challenges, fostering meaningful collaboration and striving for excellence have propelled my growth far beyond what I once imagined possible.”

Cassandra Dasco

Hometown: Hingham, Massachusetts | Majors: Finance and Public Relations (NEW)

Future Plans: Pursuing opportunities in financial communications industry

“Whitman provided me with everything I was looking for and more with endless opportunities to learn and a community that instilled in me the confidence to challenge myself, to lead and to chase after my goals. Through experiences like the Kenya Immersion Program, engaging alumni and encouraging professors, lifelong friendships and being surrounded by motivated, supportive people, I grew immensely over the past four years. As I look to what’s next for me, I am exceedingly grateful for the strong foundation and family I found here. I am proud to say I’ll always bleed Orange.”

Gianna Davis

Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey | Majors: Accounting, and Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises

Future Plans: Audit associate in the Financial Services Organization at EY in New York City

“For me, what I find so remarkable about Whitman is our collective drive to be better. Everyone defines that differently, but for me, I have learned through the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have had, that being better means believing in your goals, empowering those around you and constantly raising the bar. When we better ourselves, we better those around us. Beautiful things happen when we choose to do better.”

Taylor Feiden

Hometown: Albany, New York | Majors: Supply Chain Management, Real Estate and Marketing Management

Future Plans: Supply chain consultant for EY in Boston

“My time at Whitman has been shaped by invaluable experiences, supportive mentorship and a dynamic learning environment. From engaging coursework to hands-on consulting projects, each opportunity has challenged me to growas a professional and as a leader. I am incredibly grateful for the professors, peers and experiences that have pushed me to think critically, embrace challenges and strive for excellence. As I prepare for the next chapter, I carry with me the lessons, relationships and confidence that Whitman has instilled in me. Go Orange.”

Joseph Justic

Hometown: Westchester, New York | Majors: Accounting and Finance

Future Plans: Master’s in professional accounting at the University of Texas

“I am grateful for the supportive and enriching experiences at Whitman that have shaped my academic journey. The combination of dedicated professors, collaborative learning, challenging coursework, a motivating academic environment and practical internship opportunities have equipped me with knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue my future career in accounting.”

Evan Kalish

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois | Majors: Business Analytics and Finance

Future Plans: Business technology solutions analyst at Deloitte Consulting

“My Whitman experience can be characterized by taking advantage of the incredible resources and transformational opportunities we’ve been provided. Through getting involved on campus, studying abroad, serving the local community and more, Whitman has broadened my worldview and shaped the person I am today. This holistic experience is invaluable, as it has equipped me with the skills, knowledge and perspectives necessary to succeed in my career and in life. I am immensely grateful for the supportive community and the lifelong connections I have made at Whitman.”

Emmy Njue, Whitman and University Scholar

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya | Majors: Business Analytics and Finance

Future Plans: Business consultant at EY

“Syracuse University has honored the hope I carried with me when I first arrived from Kenya—the hope of building a future beyond the limitations I knew, the hope my family had for me, and the hope my community placed in my success. Through the challenges, the guidance of mentors and the support of friends, I have seen those hopes transform into reality in ways that I couldn’t have anticipated. At Whitman, I found not just an academic home but a place that has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the world that awaits beyond these walls.”

Michael Paul Pellizzari

Hometown: Syracuse, New York | Majors: Accounting and Finance

Future Plans: Deal advisory and strategy associate at KPMG

“Whitman has provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow academically, professionally and personally. Through my experiences, I’ve evolved into both a scholar and a leader, taking on leadership roles within various organizations and working to drive meaningful improvements that benefit the entire Whitman community. In addition  I’ve had the chance to network with professionals across industries and gain hands-on experience. The opportunities I’ve had at Whitman have shaped me into who I am today.”

Ashley Rauch

Hometown: Reston, Virginia | Majors: Business Analytics and Finance

Future Plans: Master’s in applied data science at Syracuse University

“As I reflect on my time as a student, both Whitman and Syracuse University have provided me with ample resources, countless opportunities to grow, and challenged me in ways I didn’t think possible. Professors, peers and the community have encouraged me to embrace every moment and to not take the little things for granted. I am deeply grateful to have been part of a welcoming, professional, excellent and competitive program that has undoubtedly  prepared me for a successful future.”