What drives the decision to attend a specific college? Is it the academic program, the balance with extra-curricular activities, the opportunities available following graduation? For students who want to play sports on the college level, perhaps it is the coaching staff, the success of the program, the future teammates, the environment around the program.
 
Twelve alumni took the opportunity to explain why they chose the University of Rochester as the perfect place for them. They discussed a favorite memory from their playing days, recalled academic courses and professors whom they valued highly, and revealed how their professional careers have gone since completing their degree.
 
These are the women who answered. The list includes the alum's class and her undergraduate major(s): Sayaka Abe '17 (Chemical Engineering); Nancy Bansbach '19, '20M (Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering; Master's in Biomedical Engineering); Barbara Burger '83 (Chemistry with a minor in History); Rachel Cahan '08 (Mechanical Engineering); Kathryn Flaschner '14, '17M (Political Science , Film & Media Studies; MBA William E. Simon School of Business); Shelby Hall '13 (Molecular Genetics).
 
Also, Nicole Ketterer '03 (Chemistry); Christine Joor Mitchell '86 (Cognitive Science and Psychology – double major); Michelle Relin (Optical Engineering '16); Sherri Smith '79 (Chemical Engineering); Melissa Sturge-Apple '92 (Psychology and Economics – double major); Theresa Tuthill '84, '86M, '91 PhD (all three degrees – BS, Masters, PhD in Electrical Engineering).
 
Why Rochester As A College Choice?
Sayaka Abe '17: When I was looking at colleges I was looking for competitive schools for both engineering and field hockey. I wanted to compete at a high level on the field while still pursuing a great education, which Rochester provided.
 
Nancy Bansbach '19, '20M: I was first drawn to Rochester because of its established Biomedical Engineering program and opportunities for research. After visiting however, my decision was made based on talking to both admissions and Wendy Andreatta, my coach. The people at Rochester really took the time to talk to me about my interests and took a personal interest in my academic career. As an athlete, I also took into consideration the field hockey program. Wendy was incredibly supportive and has established a talented, well-known program across the NCAA that I was proud to be a part of. She was also just as supportive of me in my academic studies as she was for my field hockey career which speaks to how selfless, encouraging and invested in her players she is. 
 
Barbara Burger '83: Familiarity with the institution, a rigorous academic program, and I could be a student-athlete.
 
Rachel Cahan '08: I cross-referenced engineering schools and field hockey programs. I then narrowed it down to schools I was interested in academically and looked for FH programs who might want me as their goalie.  Turns out the list isn't that long :-) However when I came to Rochester for an official visit, I got that feeling people kept talking about around college visits. It just felt like these were my people. The visit with the team cemented the deal. The vibe from the girls was unbelievable, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this team.
 
Kathryn Flaschner '14, '17M: Wendy Andreatta, primarily. Secondly, the balance between athletics and academics, the flexibility to dabble in multiple academic fields, and the diversity of our student body.

 

Shelby Hall '13: I was looking for a University that offered a top-notch education, with opportunities to tailor your educational goals and interests based on where my personal interests lie. Athletically, I wanted to continue to play field hockey at the collegiate level at a program that was both competitive and cohesive. Wendy Andreatta was a fierce competitor and a phenomenal coach; but she also was extremely supportive of every player's academic interests and pursuits. I could not think of a better representation of "student-athlete" than University of Rochester athletes.
 
Nicole Ketterer '03: Fit the category of highly competitive academically, strong scientific research focus, medium-sized school and NCAA field hockey.  When I visited the campus the first time it just felt like home and I knew this was where I wanted to be.
 
Christine Joor Mitchell '86: To play field hockey and lacrosse for Jane Possee and the academic opportunities.
 
Michelle Relin '16: Attending the U of R gave me the opportunity to be successful in the classroom and on the field. It was truly the best of both worlds. I felt I could be driven and diligent in the classroom without sacrificing the love and passion I had for my sport.  Wendy (Andreatta) was instrumental in all the successes of her players and she definitely was one of the reasons I chose to attend UR! I think Rochester allows its students the flexibility to find their passion. Its open curriculum was what allowed me to stumble upon Optics which has shaped my professional career in ways I never would have imagined!
 
Sherri Smith '79, '82M: Since I wanted to study Engineering, the guidance counselors at my high school were pushing me to go to technical schools like RPI and Clarkson. However, knowing that I wanted to play sports and participate in music as well as study engineering, I knew I needed to go to a University that would offer me well-rounded experience. Several of my friends were planning to go to Cornell so I decided to strike out on my own and go to the UofR. The Valedictorian from the previous year had chosen UofR and I really liked the campus when I visited in the fall of my senior year. So I applied Early Decision and was accepted by Christmas!
 
Melissa Sturge-Apple '92: I really wanted to attend Cornell and when I wasn't accepted there, I planned on coming to Rochester for a semester and then transferring in the Spring.  But that fall semester at Rochester was transformational – I loved playing hockey and loved the team.  I embedded myself in the campus culture and made a lot of friends.  At the end of the season – there was no way I was leaving Rochester!  So really Rochester chose me first…but I ended up choosing Rochester and I've never looked back.  I loved my time here and I'm eternally thankful that I was given the opportunity to study at the UR. 
 
Theresa Tuthill '84, '86M, '91 PhD: The UR was strong in both engineering and liberal arts. While doing the college tour, I met Coach Jane Possee (need I say more?).  I was staying overnight in the dorms, and Jane sent two players, Petie and Higgy, to chat with me.  Those two were so kind and hysterically funny, that clinched it.

 
Your Best Athletic Memory Playing for UR?
Abe: My best memory is easily the final seconds of our Sweet 16 game against Salisbury my junior year (2015). We were actually a man down in the last minute of the game and I had mentally started preparing for overtime. We somehow got the ball out of our back field all the way to our attacking circle and drew a corner with about 30 seconds left. We went with our reliable 8A corner - ball to me, I draw the fly, dish a paced ball to my left, for a one time shot from (Michelle) Relin. Sure goal every time. But the defense flew straight to Relin even when the ball came out to me. Total improvisation, trying to find some white jerseys and an opening, when I found Callie (Fisher) who tipped in the ball for the game winner. I still get excited looking back. 
 
Bansbach: There are two. First, we played Skidmore at home late in the 2017 regular season. The outcome of the game determined the first seed heading into the Liberty League tournament. We went into double overtime and a shootout. It came down to our last player in the fifth round of the shootout and Courtney Dunham fought until the last second to put the ball in the goal. It was an electric celebration and many of our friends on the other sports teams were gathered around the track cheering us on which made it even more exciting. 
 
Two weeks later, we hosted the LL championship at Fauver. Rochester had never won the championship before. It was a rematch from the game above against Skidmore, so tensions were high but we came in confident from the win. Again, it was a well fought match but we pulled ahead with a goal in the second half to make it 3-2 and held them off for our initial Liberty League Championship. Nothing could have beaten that feeling and what made it even more special was winning with my teammates who were truly my best friends. 
 
Burger: Playing field hockey and running spring track. 
 

Cahan: The pregame dance parties will always be a highlight. Some of our best stories and memories come from early morning practices, sprints in the snow, or even preseason hill sprints. They are all bonding opportunities that stick with you almost more than the wins and losses years later. Our team just had so much fun together wherever we went. Going to the Liberty League championships sophomore year (2005) was pretty awesome, though.
 
Flaschner: Scoring a game-winning goal in double overtime to beat Skidmore (in the Liberty League semifinals) and eventually advance to the NCAA tournament. 
 
Hall: In my senior year (2012), our team was chosen for an "at-large" bid for the NCAA tournament. It was the first time in program history that a UR team reached the tournament. Our play-in game was at home, amazingly, and nobody expected us to win. I will never forget the final seconds of that game, after winning 2-0, looking up in the stands to our parents, friends, and family who had supported us endlessly all season. Everyone was frantically booking flights to Baltimore for our next game! 
 
Ketterer: The entire 2002 season.  We had an amazing winning record and made state playoffs.  The whole team really bonded during our 6:30 am practices, had some adventures during road trips, and clicked as a team on the field.
 
Joor Mitchell: Winning FH States in 1984 (and repeating again in 1985) and the Winnebago Fall Break trip to Boston.
 
Relin: I wouldn't have traded my four years on the field for anything. Some of the highlights for me were:

• Getting to the NCAA Elite 8 Tourney as a freshman and then returning again as a Senior.
• Breaking a 29-year-old school record, surpassing Nancy Melvin Taylor (URFH's first All American), and becoming the school's leader in points and goals. When I scored the goal to break the record, the refs stopped the game and presented me with the ball. My family traveled up to be there and every time I think about it I smile. This was not only special because of it being such a historic accomplishment, but we also were able to honor Nancy's life and hold a ceremony for me and her legacy. It was an awesome weekend and one that I will truly never forget!
• Locker Room Dance Parties will always be a highlight 

Smith: I think our win over Syracuse University in swimming, when I was a Freshman, was the best single memory. Syracuse had made headlines by attracting five women swimmers with full scholarships for the first time that year and we still won! But field hockey was really the steady thread throughout my college years and has continued to provide a link in all the years since (go Jane Possee and Terry Gurnett!). Also, playing a fall sport really helped with the transition to college life – you immediately had friends and a structure to your day that helped get you on track.

 

Sturge-Apple: It has to be the Ithaca game my junior year (1990).  Jane Possee was my coach.  I wasn't a starter as a freshman – came off the bench.  But Coach Possee put me in the game about midway through the first half on defense.  Ithaca was an absolute powerhouse – incredible athletic skills, incredible power on the ball.  They could take a free hit in their own 25 and it would clear the grass field and hit the goal at the other end at speed and power that was unmatched.  They were giants.  So in I went…and stood on the defense to these incredible drives, powerful strokes and it was scary.  I was overwhelmed.  Several goals were scored. I started crying – literally.  I came off the field at half-time and told Coach Possee I couldn't go back – I couldn't face it again.  She looked at me with that Coach Possee way, that she had faith and trust in me – she knew I could handle it and would be stronger for it.  She put me back in there and through tears I overcame.  We still lost, lol, but it's a lesson I've never forgotten.  Face your fears – and you'll be stronger for it.
 
Tuthill: The State Finals in 84 at Rochester under the lights.  We were down by one and got a corner play.  I was to hit the ball out. That was the first time in my life I was certain that we would score … that Chris (Joor), Pam (Church), and Nancy (Melvin) would somehow get the ball in the goal … and they did... tying the game.  The crowd went wild (or at least the handful of parents and our stalwart fans of Elyse, Kevin and John were quite loud.)  We went on to score two more and win the Championship.

Favorite Classes or Professors?
Abe: Unpopular opinion but I actually really liked orgo (Organic Chemistry). One of the first classes I had to think and puzzle through the answers, and not just regurgitate info or memorize equations. I also really appreciated one of our design professors, Cindy Fitzgerald, who gave a lot of industry insight and what a chemical engineer in the real world might look like. 
 
Bansbach: Senior design for both biomedical and mechanical engineering. The two professors that taught these courses were Dr. Amy Lerner and Professor Chris Muir respectively. I loved the hands-on opportunity to work with the community and design something to fix a real-world problem. Both professors were engaging and gave me problem solving skills that I have used to this day in the real world. 
 
Burger:  Chemistry, Prof Richard Eisenberg – still get to see him when I am on campus

 
Cahan: . Professor Lambropoulos was my favorite professor in the engineering department because he made a real effort to connect with his students. I actually enjoyed most of my classes. Each class was like a decoder for how the world actually works. You start walking around thinking: "oh, that's why they build it like that" or "that's why that works at all."
 
Flaschner: The Matter with Men, taught by David Bleich, English/film department. We looked at gender norms and the culture of men in groups through the lens of film and literature, everything from The Stepford Wives (1975) to Full Metal Jacket (1978) to a book titled Fraternity Gang Rape (1990). I still reference what I learned in that classroom today. 
 
Hall: I really enjoyed Developmental Biology; it was the first biology class I took that was entirely evidence-based; meaning our syllabus was based nearly exclusively on research papers and recent literature. It was a perfect example of how Rochester remained at the cutting edge of education, knowledge, and science even at the undergraduate level.
 
Ketterer: They were all really great, but Professor Givens who taught Russian was amazing.  Learning Russian was fun and due to a schedule conflict I couldn't take level two Russian.  Professor Givens held a private class for me and another student so we could continue with the course. We really appreciated his dedication to enabling us to continue pursuing our interest.  
 
Joor Mitchell: Sensation and Perception with Professor David Williams.
 
Relin: Professor Zavislan. He was my mentor within the Optics Department and I wouldn't have gotten through the rigor of the program without him. He taught me that it is okay to not have all the answers. One lesson I take with me today from him: There are typically multiple solutions to every problem you interface with. The key to success is finding the solution that is "good enough". Must meet the customer requirements in the most cost efficient way while also being able to be manufactured.
 
Smith: I have to say that Professor Palmer was our favorite Chemical Engineering professor but that doesn't necessarily mean we looked forward to class! At that time there wasn't a really comfortable place to meet with professors and the department was focused on the graduate students as opposed to the undergrads.
 
Sturge-Apple: Psychology 101 with Dale McAdam.  He made me love psychology and because of him I majored in psychology and it set me on the path I am on today.
 
Tuthill: EE101 lab complete with nerd box. My lab partner and teammate, Meg, and I were never so lost in a class, but we had so much fun.
 
Post-Graduate Career and Current Position:
Abe: I interned with Merck going into my senior year, which turned into a full time job. I'm currently a process engineer in the global engineering solutions group. I work on Merck's capital projects in the facility and equipment design for new manufacturing facilities. Through the various projects, I've had the opportunity to travel and expand my network in the industry as well as work on our critical portfolio of products including Gardasil and our Covid-19 vaccines. 
 
Bansbach: My career has taken me to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.  Right after I graduated from the CMTI program I had a string of interviews for a biomedical flight controller position in Mission Control. My job is to monitor the astronauts' health while they are in space. This includes solving any real-time problems the astronauts call down with the Mission Control team, and also being responsible for the medical devices, exercise equipment and environmental safety devices that are on board the International Space Station. I couldn't be more thankful for Rochester preparing me for this career and helping me get my dream job. 
 
Burger: Long career with Chevron running businesses globally.  President of Technology Ventures and Vice President of Innovation.  Strong external reputation in energy innovation. 
 
Cahan:  I spent about 4 years at GE Aviation in Cincinnati. I then lived in Germany for a bit working for Adidas in a postgraduate study after my masters. About 8 years ago I started at SRAM designing bicycle components and haven't looked back since. I am a Senior Design Engineer for road bicycle components.
 
Flaschner: After a wonderful stint coaching field hockey at Tufts University and then with Wendy back at UofR, I completed my MBA and ventured to San Francisco to explore the world of business. I am currently a brand builder at Walmart and in honest Rochester fashion, dabble in other areas simultaneously. Most notably, I am an established meditation and yoga teacher and am pursing an acting career, currently on Zoom! I am also growing my own career coaching and personal branding business. 

Hall: After graduating, I worked as a clinical research coordinator for an academic neurosurgery practice in Buffalo. My time there ultimately ignited my interest in medicine, and I enrolled in medical school in 2015. I graduated from University of Buffalo with my medical degree in 2019, and am currently in residency training in Pediatrics.

Ketterer: I am a scientist in the San Francisco area (senior scientist -automotive engine oils - Chevron Oronite) and have had the ability to travel occasionally internationally for work.
 
Joor Mitchell: Doing marketing and brand management for a number of international brands including Zipcar, Sperry, TripAdvisor and Panera Bread. In 1991, I earned my M.B.A. in Marketing from Boston College. Currently, I am a Senior Manager overseeing Panera's gift card program.
 
Relin: The first 3.5 years after graduation (2016-2019), I worked for an optics company outside of Philadelphia called Edmund Optics. I started as an application engineer and after about a year I got promoted to a Sales Engineer focusing on our Defense and Aerospace accounts. From there I got offered a great new opportunity in Washington DC. The summer of 2019 I moved and started a new job as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. 
 
Smith: I have worked for Xerox for all 41 years since graduating from the UofR. Xerox paid for me to earn my MS and allowed me to switch into a sales position when my family had the opportunity to move to Connecticut. I have now been in New Jersey for 30 years and have reconnected with the University as a member of the Hajim Visiting Committee advising Dean Wendy Heinzelman. This has allowed me to see, first hand, all the developments within the University community and be introduced to all the great new offerings within the School of Engineering (makes you think about coming back to school!). Currently, I am a Strategic Manager, Graphic Communications Named Accounts responsible for the relationship between Xerox and the largest Graphic Communications customers in the US and globally.
 
Sturge-Apple: Vice Provost and University of Rochester Dean of Graduate Education.
 
Tuthill: From academia to industry, applying engineering analyses to medical imaging. Currently, I am a Sr. Director of Imaging for Pfizer.