Courtesy of Sean Elliot
On April 1, Connecticut College honored 16 graduating seniors as Langer Scholars. Marking the highest academic honor bestowed by the College, Langer Scholar distinctions were awarded to seniors with grade point averages in the top three percent of the graduating class. Langer Scholars are also the first members of their class to be accepted into the prestigious national honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. The tradition of Langer Scholars dates back to 1928. This year was the second year the students were named Langer Scholars instead of Winthrop Scholars. Formerly named in honor of New London city founder and Connecticut governor John Winthrop the Younger, the award was renamed to recognize Susanne K. Langer, one of the first nationally recognized philosophers and a professor emeritus of the College. Recently, The College Voice caught up with each of the 16 scholars to learn about their academic journeys, advice for students, and future plans.
Gavin Anderson – West Hartford, Connecticut
Major: Self-designed Interdisciplinary Health Science
Minor: Sociology
Pathway: Public Health
Campus Involvements: Varsity Men’s Tennis, Senior Admissions Fellow
Why Conn: When I was a freshman in high school, I was invited to attend a showcase for up-and-coming high school tennis players from all over the US at Yale University. While I was there, I remember the coach at the time of the men’s team told me that there are three main components I need to consider in college: tennis, social life, and academics. He told me that of those three, you had to choose; you could do two very well and one poorly or do all three and be mediocre at them all. This broke my heart because all three of those things are equally important to me. So I chose Conn because I wanted to go somewhere where I felt that I could do all three to the best of my ability.
Academic Interests: I decided to design my own major because I wanted to be able to take advanced coursework (300 and 400 levels) in multiple departments and truly immerse myself in the subjects that inspire me. I needed to take advanced psychology and biology classes in order to fulfill the requirements for the doctoral programs I was applying to; doing an SDIM allowed me to do that. The majority of my sociology minor was focused on the independent study utilized in the creation and completion of my senior honors thesis that was advised by a professor in the sociology department. I chose the public health pathway, as it felt like a natural fit for my future career in healthcare.
Future Plans: I have just accepted an offer from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute for Health Professions to join their cohort for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. I start on June 1st! After that, I hope to work as a neonatal occupational therapist, providing neuroprotective care to premature or medically complex infants and promoting developmental milestones and brain development.
Advice for Students: Find a study method that works for you and stick with it. I am a visual and tactile learner. I take notes from course content on paper, make flashcards, and use a relaxed form of the Leitner System to review. I do that for every class because I know how my brain works and learns. Experiment, find what works for you, and stick with it.
Shoutouts: Professor [Ana Lilia] Campos Manzo—she is my major, minor, and thesis advisor and a core faculty member in my pathway. She helped me through every step of my academic journey and let me dream as big as I wanted. The level of mentorship she has given me is incredibly rare.
Coach Jakob Klaeson—Conn College Tennis—for always finding his way back to me, for making my and my family’s athletic dreams come true, and for allowing me to reach my fullest potential in school, sports, and social life.
My family and friends for their endless support.
Kellen Beauton – Colchester, Connecticut
Major: Economics Major
Minors: Finance, Statistics and Data Science
Campus Involvement: Varsity Men’s Ice Hockey, ARC Peer Tutor
Why Conn: I chose Connecticut College for the balance of rigorous academics and competitive athletics. Having come from a small boarding school, I appreciated the close student-faculty relationships Conn offered, and I knew it would allow me to continue playing hockey at a high level while meaningfully preparing for my professional career.
Academic Interests: Coming into college, I knew I was interested in a career in finance and felt that an economics major with a finance minor would best prepare me for that path. I also chose to pursue a minor in statistics to strengthen my quantitative skills.
Future Plans: After graduation, I will be joining MUFG Securities in their investment banking division on the securitized products team. I am going into the role with an open mind in terms of my future, but I am definitely interested in pursuing a long-term career in the alternative investment industry.
Advice for Students: Develop a diligent weekly routine so that you can consistently deliver your best work, and set goals for yourself based on where you see yourself in the coming years. College flies by, and it is always important to keep an eye on what is next.
Shoutouts: Thank you to all the professors on campus who give ample time and resources to help us succeed in the classroom. In addition, thank you to Coach [Jim] Ward and [Jared] Cockrell for all of their support.
Paisley Viola Rose Brown – Dallas, Texas
Majors: History and French Double Major
Minors: Geoscience and Computer Science Double Minor.
Campus Involvements: Club Alpine Ski Team Captain, and Student Circulation Assistant at Shain Library
Why Conn: I wanted the freedom to explore a variety of locations, and the chance to experience a new region. Conn offered a chance to have an interdisciplinary education on a beautiful campus with the quintessential New England liberal arts feel.
Academic Interests: As cliché or nerdy as it might sound, I struggled to declare majors/minors as an underclassman because I was interested in nearly every class that I took. Sophomore fall, I narrowed down my interests to my favorite classes that I had taken. I strongly valued an even split between qualitative and quantitative classes, which led me to major in humanities disciplines and minor in STEM disciplines. My class variety keeps me on my toes and challenges me to make connections between my seemingly disjointed courseload.
Future Plans: I will start at SMBC as a Project Finance Analyst in New York City this summer. Though I did not pursue finance or banking within the classroom, my geoscience classes imparted in me a strong interest in energy and the energy transition. I look forward to learning how to finance various energy projects in the coming years and hope to play a role in financing the energy transition in the coming decades.
Advice for Students: Explore! I didn’t start taking classes towards any specific requirements until my sophomore spring; my first three semesters here were spent taking as many different disciplines as possible. Conveniently, exploration helped check off most MOIs and general education requirements.
Shoutouts: I’d like to thank my professors for challenging and shaping my worldview, specifically Professors [Douglas] Thompson, Professor [Sana] Abdi, and Professor [Kris Klein] Hernandez.
Maria Constança Ferreira Cabral – Lisbon, Portugal
Major: Quantitative Economics and Econometrics and International Relations Double Major
Pathway: Peace and Conflict
Campus Involvements: Coffee Grounds Barista, SILS Portuguese Tutor for the Walter Commons, French Peer Tutor
Why Conn: I chose Conn because I wanted to attend a small college where I could form connections with my professors and peers. I also really enjoyed the flexibility of the curriculum and how easy it was to become involved with the campus community.
Academic Interests: In high school, my favorite subjects were history and economics, so coming into Conn, I had a sense of what I wanted to study. I took an international politics class my freshman fall and knew immediately I wanted to major in International Relations. One of the things I appreciate most about the way the major is designed is that I had the opportunity to shape my experience and take classes in areas I was most interested in, specifically human rights and political economy. As an IR major, I also had to take a language course, so I took three years of French and studied abroad in Paris! I added a QEE major because I was already taking so many economics classes and really wanted to challenge myself quantitatively. I never thought of myself as a “math person”, but majoring in QEE proved me wrong and was really rewarding. As a QEE major, I also developed an interest in business and finance along the way. Finally, I decided to join the Peace and Conflict pathway because it was an opportunity to integrate my academic interests into one cohesive project that explored the economic effects of conflict and migration.
Future Plans: After graduation, I will join Force Factor as an associate in their Leadership Development Program in Boston, MA.
Advice for Students: Participate in class, don’t be afraid to be wrong, and ask questions. Take advantage of the fact that you go to a school where your professors know your name and always have an open door. They want to help you!
Shoutouts: I would like to thank my advisors, Professor [Tristan] Borer and Professor [Purba] Mukerji, Professor [Sana] Abdi, Dean of International Students [Carmela] Patton and Professor Monika Lopez-Anuarbe for all their support throughout my time at Conn!
Anne Davis Hendrickson – Portland, Oregon
Major: Quantitative Economics and Econometrics
Minor: Finance
Campus Involvements: Women in Finance Club President, Peggotty Investment Club Vice President, Eye to Eye Peer Tutor, Women’s Club Soccer, Alpine Club Ski Team
Why Conn: I loved Conn’s community and curriculum. It was also hard to say no after touring on a sunny 80-degree day and having a JA avocado sandwich on Tempel Green! (My deepest condolences to the freshmen who never got to experience a JA panini).
Academic Interests: I’ve always been someone who asks why, whether it’s questioning a NYT headline or deciding between Harris and JA. That curiosity is what drew me to economics. I love how multifaceted the field is, spanning individual decision-making, global markets, and government policy. Economics provides both a quantitative and theoretical framework to answer my “why” questions, making it intellectually engaging and highly relevant to the world around me.
Future Plans: Post-grad, I’ll be working in New York City as an investment banking analyst on MUFG’s project finance team, where I’ll help structure and finance large-scale infrastructure and energy projects.
Advice for Students: Go out and have fun; after all, college is about the memories we make and the people we meet. But also wake up early, put in that extra hour in the library, and take advantage of office hours to get to know your professors!
Shoutouts: I’d like to thank my family and all of the Camels who have made the past four years so special. I’m also incredibly grateful to the wonderful professors and mentors I’ve had in the Economics department, as well as to [Dean of Academic Support] Noel Garrett.
Andrew Kupovich – Newton, Massachusetts
Major: Government and Slavic studies Double Major
Campus Involvements: Mock Trial Team Captain, Slavic Studies Student Advisory Board
Why Conn: I added Conn to my college list because it was a liberal arts school with a Slavic studies program, and I fell in love with the campus after a tour on an unbelievably foggy day. I chose Conn in large part because of the flexibility built into the Connections curriculum, which I thought would give me the freedom to exclusively take coursework aligned with my academic interests.
Academic Interests: I am interested in Eastern European politics, and I wanted to build a course of study that helped me develop expertise in that area. Double majoring in Government and Slavic Studies allowed me to do just that!
Future Plans: I plan to jump into a political campaign job for the 2026 cycle after I graduate. After that, I hope to start building a policy career in Washington, D.C.
Advice for Students: Use the resources available to you! Attend campus events that interest you, make connections that will serve you later on, and don’t be afraid to make frequent use of faculty office hours.
Shoutouts: The Slavic studies faculty in general — and my advisor, Professor Andrea Lanoux, in particular — have been an invaluable resource since my first day at Conn. I am immensely grateful for all of their guidance.
Grace McDonough – Londonderry, New Hampshire
Major: Education, Human Development, and Psychology Triple Major
Pathway: Public Health
Campus Involvements: Varsity Cross-Country/Track and Field, One Love, Caring Camels
Why Conn: I chose to come to Conn because of the people! From the kind admissions staff I met on my tour to the welcoming students I interacted with on campus, I got a sense that Conn was going to feel like a second home. I am happy to report that I was right: I am so grateful Conn introduced me to people I now consider my family.
Academic Interests: Entering college, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to pursue, but I was drawn to working with children in some way. I started by taking intro courses in education, psychology, and human development and quickly saw how all three complement one another. I love thinking about how young minds work and how we can best support diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and needs. Majoring in education, human development, and psychology has allowed me to approach my interests from a variety of perspectives, with each one informing the others to gain a deeper understanding and inspire even more questions.
Future Plans: Next year, I will be attending grad school to earn my Master’s in School Counseling with the ultimate goal of becoming a school counselor.
Advice for Students: My advice for Conn students is to take advantage of being at a small liberal arts school where any professor’s office is within walking distance and chances are, their door is open! I have found classes are not only easier but so much more enjoyable when you create a genuine connection with your professor and classmates. Don’t be afraid to ask the “silly” questions, go to office hours, or exchange phone numbers with the person sitting next to you. People at Conn want to help and want to watch you succeed: be grateful for this community, and of course, make sure to give back to it as well.
Shoutouts: So many thanks to my family for being my loudest cheerleaders since day one, my cross country and track team for being my on-campus family, and my professors for supporting me not only as a student, but as a human being.
Michael Reid Moran – Columbia, South Carolina
Major: Physics
Minor: Mathematics.
Campus Involvement: Varsity Men’s Lacrosse Team
Why Conn: I chose Conn because of the strong combination of academics and athletics, the location near the beach, NYC, and Boston, and the small class sizes.
Academic Interests: I chose the Physics major/Math minor at first because my goal was to go to graduate school for engineering. While I did end up applying to and being accepted for mostly electrical engineering PhD programs, I’ve ended up pursuing a PhD in physics instead.
Future Plans: I will be attending the University of Colorado, Boulder, starting this fall as a PhD student in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. After my graduate degree, I intend to either continue research through a position at a national lab or begin a career in industry.
Advice for Students: I would say creating strong relationships with the professors in your major is what really helped me. Attending office hours, conducting research, or even just hanging around the building can help a lot in the long run if you ever need recommendations or advice on your academic journey.
Shoutouts: I would like to thank the entire Physics department for the past 4 years, especially Professors [Daniel] Maser, [Michael] Seifert, and [Mohamed D.] Diagne.
Bridget O’Keefe – South Burlington, Vermont
Major: Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (BCMB)
Minor: Anthropology.
Campus Involvements: Chemistry Student Advisory Board President, Organic Chemistry Peer Tutor
Why Conn: I liked Conn because of its tight-knit community. Finding a place where students supported each other was an important quality I was looking for in a school, and after touring the campus, I found a really supportive environment among students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, I appreciated the liberal arts education because it offered me new opportunities to explore a variety of disciplines.
Academic Interests: I have always enjoyed the sciences and had originally anticipated majoring in biology. However, after taking general chemistry, I discovered my passion for chemistry and knew I wanted to combine my interests in both biology and chemistry, which is why BCMB is the perfect fit for me. Additionally, I hope to work in the pharmaceutical industry, so having this background will help me to reach those career goals.
Future Plans: I am looking for opportunities to work in a wet lab environment where I can continue to expand my scientific knowledge and skillset, either in academia or in industry. I would like to work for 2 years and then attend graduate school for a PhD in biochemistry or chemical biology.
Advice for Students: I would say that it is important to make a schedule or outline for yourself so that you can stay on top of your work. If I know I have a big test coming up, I will start studying for it at least a week in advance, so that I am not cramming for something the day before. This keeps your stress levels manageable and allows you time to grasp the material as well as ask the professor questions if you don’t understand. I think that a lot of students have a hard time managing their time and adequately preparing for big projects or tests, so I recommend scheduling time during your day for these larger tasks using a planner. Lastly, having a positive attitude goes a long way. Each day is a great day to have a great day, and living with this mindset makes even the most stressful times more manageable, at least in my experience.
Shoutouts: I would like to thank Professor [Tanya L.] Schneider for her mentorship throughout my academic experience here at Conn. She has been a huge help, especially this year with my thesis. Professor Schneider is extremely knowledgeable, and I have really enjoyed spending time in the lab with her this past year. Additionally, I would like to give a shoutout to Professor [Alex] Gianninas. I may not have loved physics, but he definitely made the class enjoyable (I miss the Plicker questions). He is a great lecturer, and I highly recommend taking a class with him. Overall, I have had such an electric academic experience at Conn. I am truly grateful for all of the professors I have had. They have all made such an important contribution to my growth as a student, and I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from such experts in their fields.
Fabio Alonso Solórzano Quesada – Heredia, Costa Rica
Major: Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Biology
Campus Involvements: Ovaska Organic Chemistry Lab Student Researcher, Reslife Residential Coordinator, Chemistry Student Advisory Board Co-Chair
Why Conn: I found out about Connecticut College through the UWC Davis Scholarship opportunities. I was very excited about the possibility of a small liberal arts school with a tight community and thought Conn would be a great fit!
Academic Interests: When I arrived at Conn, I wanted to study Biology because I did not have the best experience with chemistry during the pandemic. Thankfully, I had to take general chemistry and organic chemistry for this major. I enjoyed general chemistry, but would say I wasn’t truly “hooked” until organic chemistry. I was fascinated by the subject and joined the Ovaska lab the summer after my sophomore year. I still enjoyed biological problems and knew the BCMB major would allow me to combine these interests.
Future Plans: I will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities this Fall to begin a PhD in Chemistry.
Advice for Students: I would say my biggest advice is to take advantage of all the amazing resources Connecticut College offers. The ARC holds great tutoring sessions for almost every class and I have found individual office hours very helpful as well. Surround yourself with people that uplift you and want to see you succeed. Remember to take breaks and enjoy the amazing community around you!
Shoutouts: I would like to thank the Chemistry department for their amazing support and guidance throughout my time at Connecticut College. I would especially like to thank Professor Timo Ovaska for all his help in the lab and sparking my love for research. Additionally, I want to thank my family, friends, and partner who have always been there for me.
Anna Grace Taylor – Pleasanton, CA
Majors: Classics and Government
Minor: History, Peace and Conflict Pathway
Campus Involvements: Varsity Women’s Water Polo, Mock Trial Club President, Classics Student Advisory Board Co-Chair.
Why Conn: I was interested in going to a small liberal arts school on the East Coast, and the water polo program here, as well as the academic offerings, drew me to Conn (Being close to the beach is a bonus).
Academic Interests: I came into Conn planning on being a Government major, but the Classics major is entirely because of my First Year Seminar: As The Romans Say. Both the Latin language as well as Roman history really drew me in, and led me to change my plans from a History major to a History minor with a Classics and Government double major. The Peace and Conflict Pathway was an amazing opportunity to synthesize my studies and explore a topic that was deeply personal for me in an academic and integrative setting. The Pathway also informed my honors thesis, which includes aspects of both Classics and Government.
Future Plans: I will be getting my PhD in Classics from the University of California, Santa Barbara starting in the fall!
Advice for Students: Connect with your professors and get involved! Almost all of the professors here are always willing to talk to students and help you, whether it is support for a class or help in finding an internship or job opportunity. Also – study abroad if you can! I studied abroad at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, which hugely informed my future plans. Conn has many global opportunities to take advantage of.
Shoutouts: Thank you to Professor Darryl Phillips, for teaching an amazing FYS and being a mentor for me over the last four years.
Jillian Wexler – Plainsboro, New Jersey
Major: Economics major
Minor: Statistics and Data Science
Pathway: Data, Information, and Society
Campus Involvements: Varsity Women’s Ice Hockey, Intramural Basketball, Econometrics Peer Tutor.
Why Conn: I chose Connecticut College because it gave me the opportunity to play hockey in a competitive conference like the NESCAC while also pursuing strong academics.
Academic Interests: I chose to major in Economics because I’m interested in how decisions are made and how different factors like incentives, risk, and strategy influence outcomes. I like that economics gives you a way to break down complex problems and apply them to real-world situations. I added a Statistics and Data Science minor because of my interest in sports analytics, especially working with hockey data.
Future Plans: My goal is to work in the front office of a professional sports team or at a league office, ideally in a role that combines analytics and operations.
Advice for Students: I think it’s important to show up to class both physically and mentally, take pride in the quality of your work, and try to stay engaged with what you are learning. Doing the small things right consistently makes everything else easier. At the same time, push yourself to go outside of your comfort zone, whether that’s meeting new people or trying something unfamiliar. That’s where a lot of personal growth happens, and it can really shape your overall experience at Conn.
Shoutouts: I’m really grateful for the support of my family, friends, ice hockey teammates, and professors, who have all played a big role in my experience at Connecticut College.
Elizabeth Giuseppina York – Suffield, Connecticut
Major: Government
Minor: History
Pathway: Media, Rhetoric, and Communication
Why Conn: I chose Connecticut College for its small class sizes, rigorous academics, and liberal arts education, as well as its beautiful campus and arboretum.
Academic Interests: I chose my major in government after just one semester at Connecticut College. I’ve always had a deep interest in public policy, especially on an operational level, as policies go from legislation to implementation. Alongside my major, my minor in history is a natural continuation of my government interest. To me, it is important to study the two as they both inform one another. Finally, I chose the Media, Rhetoric, and Communication integrative pathway because it provided me with the unique opportunity to combine my interests in history, government, and the media.
Future Plans: After graduating from Connecticut College, I will be attending Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities to pursue my Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Advice for Students: The best piece of advice I can give is to always have confidence and trust in your ability to succeed. With that, I’ve found the most important way to do so is balance. Staying organized and present in your classes, taking time to pursue topics that interest you, trying new things, and reaching out for help when needed are all vital. Everything is a balance, and managing that balance is what I found to be most helpful in my studies at Connecticut College.
Shoutouts: I would like to thank both the Department of Government and the Hale Center for Career Development for their support throughout my years at Connecticut College. I am especially grateful for my major advisor, Professor [Tristan] Borer, whose support has provided me with invaluable insights that I will take with me in my future endeavors.
Scholars who were reached out to but declined to be interviewed: Reid Michael Capello, Giselle Hunter-Korn, Jessie Perryman.
*Note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
