Our passionate alumni believe in our students’ potential to Do Great Work and lead lives of meaning and consequence after graduation.
As an undergraduate majoring in psychology, Michelle Fox Kelley ’16 took part in an externship at Mars, Incorporated, and shadowed Corey Huber ’06 to learn more about human resources. Speaking to Kelley and other Gettysburg students, Huber shared his career path and a few important lessons he had learned along the way.
“He introduced the idea of the pillow test or parking lot test,” recalled Kelley, who works as the national campus talent acquisition manager at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services. “If in your life/career you are ever lying awake at night with your head on the pillow unable to fall asleep because work is taking a toll on you, you are not in the right place. Similarly, if you ever are in your car, parked at work, and hesitate going inside, you are not in the right place.
“I have used these specific tests to make two large career choices. Both decisions led to me being in a better environment, more challenged at work, and able to progress in my career as desired.”
The Gettysburg Network is comprised of more than 32,000 alumni spanning the world. It’s an expansive and powerful asset for students and alumni to utilize as they seek career advice and professional opportunities.
These meaningful interactions with alumni are impactful, setting students on their path through college and providing the foundation for A Consequential Education.
While looking for graduate school, Brooke Gutschick ’17 turned to Joseph Gurreri ’08, director of leadership giving, who inspired her to “dream big” in her roles as class president and event organizer for the 100 Days Party and Senior Brunch. With his support, she sought a master’s in high education administration at Gurreri’s graduate alma mater, Vanderbilt University.
“Joe went out of his way to reach out to his connections at Vanderbilt to support me as I looked for graduate assistant positions,” noted Gutschick, who majored in organization and management studies. “I had a wonderful experience at Vanderbilt inside and outside the classroom, and I don’t know if I ever would have considered it without Joe’s guidance.”
Last spring, Bailey Ytterdahl ’22 returned to her alma mater as the Garthwait Leadership Center’s (GLC) assistant director of outdoor leadership, looking to develop her professional mindset. Through the GLC’s Young Alumni Skills-Based Leadership Coaching Program, the former environmental studies major connected with career coach Kelly Archer ’14, Secureworks’ senior manager of corporate communications.
Meeting with Archer regularly from May through October, Ytterdahl gained confidence in her capabilities as a professional leader and discovered new ways she can play a valuable role in the development of the students she works with at Gettysburg.
“Being part of the program with Kelly helped me recognize my full potential, gain more confidence in my voice, and move beyond the student mindset that I had coming in,” Ytterdahl said. “I hope more alumni become aware of this program, as it offers a diverse selection of coaches who can address various post-grad challenges.”
Gutschick, who returned to Gettysburg as assistant director of residential education, cites both Gurerri and Garthwait Leadership Center Executive Director Andy Hughes as driving forces behind her career path. Today, she seeks to pay it forward to the next generation of Gettysburgians on campus, continuing the cycle of consequential interactions that have been a staple of the institution through its long and distinguished history.
“Both of them have continued to support me professionally and personally, and simply put, I feel very lucky,” said Gutshick. “The least that I can do to thank them is to pay it forward—to invest in Gettysburg College students the same way that they invested in and believed in me.”
This story is part of a series portraying the unique and passionate people who make Gettysburg College a consequential place to live and learn. Find out more about our approach to education and the people who make it possible below.
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By Corey Jewart
Photos courtesy of Abbey Frisco and Bailey Ytterdahl ’22
Posted: 12/19/24