Meet a selection of standout students from the Grossman School of Business Class of 2026, whose journeys reflects the many ways growth, ambition, and community come together at UVM. From leadership and entrepreneurship to athletics, analytics, storytelling, and global experience, these seniors have made the most of their time at Grossman by stepping into opportunities that challenged them, expanded their perspectives, and prepared them for what comes next.

Dahabo Abukar
Concentration in Business Analytics & Marketing, Theme in Entrepreneurship 

"My journey at the Grossman School of Business has been defined by growth and finding the right fit. I initially came in interested in analytics and finance, but quickly realized that path wasn’t where I thrived. Over time, I found my place in marketing and analytics, where I was drawn to the combination of people and strategy, and the ability to connect data with real human behavior.

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience has been the community at Grossman. That support pushed me to step into leadership roles I never would have seen myself taking on as a freshman. Through those experiences, I built confidence and developed skills that shaped both my personal and professional growth.

Becoming a Grossman Ambassador has been a full-circle moment for me. I now get to support students in the same way I was once supported, helping them navigate their own paths and find their place within the school.

Looking back, Grossman helped me realize that I am a leader and that I thrive in environments where I can connect with people while thinking strategically. I look forward to finding roles in industries where those skills are highlighted."

Casey Baker
Concentration in Finance, Theme in Entrepreneurship 

"My journey at the Grossman School of Business has been defined by hands-on experiences that brought the classroom to life. Concentrating in finance with an entrepreneurship theme, I had the opportunity to work directly with Queen City Dry Goods through my consulting skills class, a reminder of why Vermont's tight-knit business community is such a special place to learn. One of my most memorable experiences was presenting a real estate finance project at Newmark's New York City office and spending the day in the city with my classmates.

Internships at Northwestern Mutual and National Life Group deepened my understanding of financial services and client-focused advising, and helped inspire my Honors College thesis, The Special Needs Planning Gap: Barriers to Financial Decision-Making. That research exploring how advisors can better serve families of children with special needs by pairing technical expertise with empathy led me to my post-grad role at Rockwood Wealth Management, where I'll continue putting those ideas into practice as a Financial Planning Associate.

My biggest piece of advice is to talk to people. Talk to alumni, fellow students, professors, and professionals on LinkedIn. Attend the panels and Board of Advisors events that GSB puts on and use the career resources GSB offers. Especially if you're unsure of your path, those conversations will point out the way"

Karl Daly
Concentration in Finance, Theme in Entrepreneurship

"My journey at the Grossman School of Business has been shaped by discipline, balance, and a strong connection to the Burlington community. As a Division I student-athlete on the University of Vermont men’s soccer team, I’ve learned how to manage the demands of high-level competition while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence. That experience has pushed me to stay consistent, resilient, and focused in everything I do.

Beyond the field, Grossman has helped me develop both a financial and entrepreneurial mindset. As a finance student, I’ve learned to approach decisions through tradeoffs, accountability, and long-term thinking. At the same time, my experience as a NIL ambassador allowed me to apply those concepts in real-world settings, building partnerships with local businesses and creating value through my personal brand.

Being from Vermont has made my experience even more meaningful. Representing my team, my school, and my community has always carried responsibility. As I look ahead, I’m excited to build on what I’ve learned at Grossman and continue creating value in whatever path I pursue."

Kate Kelly
Concentration in Finance, Theme in Global Business

"As a student-athlete on the Varsity Track & Field team, I’m incredibly grateful for the wide range of experiences I gained both in and out of the classroom while balancing athletics.

At Grossman, I found myself drawn to moments where students needed greater access, clarity, or connection. That led me to the Grossman Student Advisory Committee, where I worked on initiatives ranging from case competitions to professional business attire sales. Seeing how motivated Grossman students are, I used my time as President to restructure the committee and give members greater ownership over their work.

My passion for finance led me to the Finance and Investment Club, where, as President, I expanded the club’s mission beyond portfolio management to include financial literacy and recruiting transparency—areas that felt inaccessible to me early on. We introduced technical interview prep, hosted LinkedIn workshops, and raised funds for our annual New York City trip.

I believe my experiences in student organizations, the foundation I built through my finance and accounting coursework, and my internships in private credit and investment banking have prepared me to begin my career in finance in New York City following graduation."

Allison Kingsley
Concentration in Marketing & Business Analytics, Theme in Global Business

"During my time at the Grossman School of Business, I found myself drawn to the intersection of data and design in global markets and hospitality. This curiosity ultimately led me to pursue a dual concentration in Business Analytics and Marketing, a theme in Global Business, and a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. 

Throughout my college experience, I gained hands-on experience as a Hospitality Management Intern at The Essex Resort and Spa and as a Data Analytics and Paid Media Intern at Karen Fahey Advertising. On campus, I served as a peer tutor, teaching assistant, GSB Ambassador, and as the senior lead for the Website, Media, and Communications Committee of the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition. Each of these roles strengthened my curiosity, deepened my love of learning, and helped me build confidence and professional skills. 

My advice to new students is to try new things, challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the most meaningful parts of my college experience came from stepping outside my comfort zone, such as trying ultimate frisbee. What started as something entirely new became a welcoming community and grew into lifelong friendships."

Roman Legere
Concentration in Fiance, Theme in Global Business

"I came to the Grossman School of Business a bit later than most after transferring from the Rubenstein School but quickly found a strong sense of direction through my coursework, faculty relationships, and peers. As a business administration major, I discovered a passion for finance and paired it with a global business theme to reflect my interest in travel and exploring new perspectives.

During my time at GSB, I built a foundation by taking advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. I gained hands-on experience as a tax intern at McSoley McCoy & Co., served as a teaching assistant, and became a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. I also pursued leadership roles as treasurer and president of the UVM Rugby team, which pushed me to grow both on and off the field.

As I prepare to graduate, I’m grateful for the culture at GSB that encouraged me to challenge myself. From studying abroad to becoming a rugby national champion and all-star, these experiences have shaped my path. I’m excited to continue that journey as a graduate assistant at Nichols College, pursuing my MBA in data analytics."

Maddie Priestly
Concentration in Global Business, Theme in Finance & Business Analytics 

"My journey at the Grossman School of Business has been inspiring, fulfilling, and genuinely transformative. From the curriculum to the professors and the endless resources available, GSB creates an environment where growth feels both challenging and rewarding. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience has been learning to embrace discomfort and push beyond my comfort zone. The wide range of business specializations allowed me to explore different interests, and through that process, I found my passion in Business Communications and Marketing. These experiences not only strengthened my skillset but also opened doors to internships and career opportunities that continue to shape my future.

Balancing life as a student-athlete added another layer to my journey, and at times it was quite demanding. However, the support I received from GSB professors made a lasting impact and is something I will be forever grateful for. Their flexibility and willingness to help me stay on track, even while traveling, demonstrated a deep commitment to student success. That support reflects what GSB truly stands for– empowering students to thrive both personally and professionally."

Marley St.Pierre
Concentration in Finance, Theme in Global Business

"I believe that the university experience is not only about achieving academic success, but about lifting others up along the way. During my time at the Grossman School of Business, I turned excellence into lasting impact through leadership, mentorship, and genuine community building. Alongside honors such as selection to the Wall Street Seminar, induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, and securing a full-time role at UBS, I devoted myself to creating opportunities for others through positions including Vice President of GSAC, Grossman Student Ambassador, Senior Lead Coordinator for SG-FECC, Head Teaching Assistant for Business Communication, and one of the youngest TAs in the Professional Development Series.

My most meaningful accomplishment was co-founding the Grossman Case Competition Association, which I helped grow from just five founding members into a thriving organization of more than forty students. Through this work, I created a space where students could strengthen their analytical thinking, presentation abilities, leadership skills, and, most importantly, their confidence to step onto bigger stages. More than any individual recognition, my legacy at Grossman is the culture of excellence, mentorship, and empowerment I built—one that will continue to shape future generations of students.

This year, I have expanded that same mission of service beyond UVM by stepping deeper into the nonprofit space to create an even broader impact. Through GiftDrive, a free online platform that helps nonprofits run digital donation drives through customized wishlists, track donations, collect donor information, and automate tax receipts, I am helping make generosity easier and more accessible for communities in need. My impact is defined not simply by what I have achieved for myself, but by the lasting difference I continue to make for others—at UVM, across Vermont, and far beyond."

Dakota Swart
Concentration in Finance & Marketing, Theme in Global Business

"Blending my creativity, analytical mindset, and love for travel, I knew early on that pursuing concentrations in finance and marketing, alongside a theme in global business, was the perfect fit. Throughout my time at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business, I intentionally sought out experiences that challenged me to think broadly, lead confidently, and engage deeply with the community around me.

As President of Women in Business, I led one of Grossman’s largest student organizations, expanding access to professional opportunities through large-scale events, and national conferences. I also spearheaded the club’s inaugural networking trip to Chicago, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative for Grossman. My leadership centered on building meaningful, lasting connections and creating spaces where students felt empowered to explore diverse career paths with support and direction.

Beyond Women in Business, I distinguished myself across campus as an avid case competitor, student admissions representative, and study abroad advisor, representing UVM to thousands of prospective students, peers, and broader audiences while guiding them through their own academic journeys. My semester studying abroad in Barcelona further expanded my global perspective and strengthened my appreciation for new adventures. Complemented by internships spanning life sciences consulting, equity options trading, and sports marketing, I leave Grossman with a dynamic, well-rounded foundation and a clear sense of purpose.

Grossman has provided me with opportunities I never would have imagined. Through those experiences, I’ve learned how much I value surrounding myself with driven, collaborative people and doing work that creates real impact. The people here truly make the place, and I’m incredibly grateful to be graduating with memories that will last a lifetime."

Oliver Uchitelle
Concentration in Business Analytics, Theme in Global Business

"When I arrived at UVM’s Grossman School of Business, I was already passionate about business, markets, and technology, with experience running a sneaker reselling business and investing independently. At Grossman, I was able to turn those personal interests into a more structured, academic focus by combining finance with business analytics and a computer science minor.

Through coursework and hands-on projects, I developed a deeper understanding of valuation, financial modeling, and data-driven decision-making. One of the most impactful experiences was completing an equity research project on Dutch Bros (BROS) for Wall Street Seminar, where my team and I developed a stock pitch and presented our findings to professionals at Morgan Stanley in NYC. Experiences like that helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Outside the classroom, I made an effort to build relationships with professors and alumni, whogave me insight into different career paths and ultimately helped lead to my role as a Strategic Equity Solutions Analyst at JPMorgan in NYC after graduation.

My advice to other students is to be proactive about connecting with professors and alumni in fields related to your interests. There are a lot of jobs out there that you’ve never heard of, and you never know what conversations will lead you to the right opportunity."

Josh Wallace
Concentration in Finance, Theme in Global Business

"I first came to Vermont in 2022 during a gap year, when I began working with Vermont Green FC. In that role, I developed my skills behind the camera, capturing trainings, matches, community events, and the club’s USL2 national championship run. “That experience showed me how powerful visual storytelling can be in bringing people and communities together,” I said, a lesson that shaped my path ahead.

When I arrived at the Grossman School of Business, that interest quickly found support. A conversation with advisor Angela Erdmann led to a connection with Amanda Anderson in the Center for Student Success, opening the door to new opportunities to grow my craft. Through that introduction, I began working with the Grossman School of Business communications team, photographing speaker panels, alumni features, and employer engagement programs.

Building on that foundation, I continued expanding my professional experience through an opportunity with Hula Lakeside. There, I produce photo and video content for conferences and speaker panels, supporting Hula’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this work, I have helped elevate the stories of Vermont small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Alongside my creative work, I have held leadership roles with UVM’s Entrepreneurship Club and the Grossman Student Advisory Committee, strengthening connections between students and Burlington’s business community. Whether on campus or beyond, I approach storytelling as a way to build connection and highlight the people shaping Vermont’s future."

Lasting Impact Beyond Graduation
 

As they prepare to graduate, these students leave behind more than resumes filled with accomplishments, they leave a lasting impact on the communities, organizations, and peers they’ve supported along the way. Their stories reflect not only what they’ve achieved, but how they’ve grown, adapted, and helped shape the Grossman experience for those who follow. While their next chapters will take them across industries and cities, the connections, lessons, and sense of purpose built at Grossman will continue to guide them long after they leave Burlington.

About the Author

Sophie Ball-Dolan is a Junior at the University of Vermont's Grossman School of Business, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a theme in Entrepreneurship and a concentration in Marketing. Complementing her business studies, she is also minoring in Writing. Her professional experience includes leadership and associate roles at a local grocery store, serving as Vice President of Communications for the UVM Marketing Club, and her current position as a Marketing and Communications Assistant at the Grossman School of Business. A native of Hinesburg, Vermont, her interests include reading, art, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.