A Triple Major Trailblazer Combining Passion for Business and the Outdoors

The uncertainty of the pandemic during his senior year of high school made Will Rourke ’25 rethink his college plans. Following in his father’s footsteps by attending Syracuse University wasn’t something he had anticipated, but after learning about the exceptional resources in the Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (EEE) program at Whitman, Rourke was sold. 

Now, not only is he thriving in the classroom, but when in Whitman’s bustling Flaum Grand Hall, it’s hard to miss how well he fits in — constantly exchanging waves and “heys” as he balances the demands of a busy day. 

“Studying EEE, finance and supply chain at once was never the plan, but I feel they perfectly mesh together, intertwined in a way,” Rourke explains. 

As a senior, Rourke reflects on the many opportunities Whitman has provided. One of the most impactful experiences being the two case studies he completed with the supply chain management department. Under the mentorship of Professor Gary La Point and Associate Professor Julie Neiderhoff, he traveled to Colorado and Minnesota, partnering with local universities, to study the impact of electric vehicles on the transportation industry. 

“What’s neat about this industry is it’s flexible. There’s a lot of movement, and you’re never facing the same issue twice. Supply chain management is certainly a giving major. My professors are so supportive and eager to help me discover career paths,” he says.

Securing an internship with PepsiCo in Columbus, Ohio, this past summer was a significant milestone for Rourke. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he credits Whitman and his triple major for preparing him to succeed in such a unique environment. 

“This internship was real work with real stakes,” Rourke says. Tasked with redesigning the layout for product storage, he applied creative thinking to improve efficiency and address the issue of warehouse fatigue, bringing his classroom learnings to life.  

Rourke welcomes post-grad life with open arms and an open mind. “My ideal job is a crossroads between what I’m good at and having a passionate purpose. That last bit is crucial — it may sound cliché, but I hope to make the world a better place,” he says. 

His trail-blazing commitment to making a difference matches Rourke’s love for the outdoors. In the summer of 2023, he hiked the Tour de Mont Blanc, raising over $13,000 for charity along this 110-mile adventure. He aims to complete the USA 50 Summit Challenge after graduation, having already conquered three peaks. 

For his Capstone project, Rourke is merging this passion with innovation, creating an app that uses advanced pacing technology to help users plan hikes more accurately and making trails more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This idea perfectly blends his interest in nature and his desire to create a lasting impact, potentially paving the way for his graduate plans. 

Reflecting on his time at Whitman, Rourke confidently shares, "My different majors have taught me distinct lessons. I’ve learned to fail in the best possible way, making my time here a valuable foundation for this chapter, but, more importantly, a great teacher for life.” 

 By Margaret Brown