About » Steve Hamilton
My own college search took me to a place very different from Penn... DeSales University had about 1,000 students back then, and was nearly surrounded by cornfields! At the time, it was the right place for me, and it reminds me that each student must conduct a thorough college search to find the right match.
After graduation, I worked in the DeSales Admissions Office for three years, where I loved interacting with prospective students and their families. I moved on to prep-school admissions at Devon Preparatory School for a few years, then came to Penn in 1997, where I have worked in various capacities of Alumni Relations. It was the fall of 2002 when I came to the Alumni Council on Admissions and found the perfect job for me! Here, I still meet Penn Alumni and hear intriguing stories about their own Penn experiences. I continue to learn a great deal about the field of admissions and I enjoy discussing it with our legacy candidates. Maybe the best thing about my job is meeting the students themselves. It is both fascinating and motivating to hear how passionate they are about some of their activities or hobbies.
Some personal notes...
My passion lately has been in the realm of long-distance running. I've completed 5 marathons, and hope to run a marathon in every state. I guess I like parades too: I have marched in the Philadelphia New Years Day parade 6 times (yes, basically as a clown), and I've marched in the Aruba Carnivale too! Perhaps I'd sum myself up as someone who loves the outdoors: I've climbed mountains, paddled kayaks, and even jumped out of airplanes!
About » Wayles Wilson
Much like Steve, my own college search didn't land me at Penn, or at least not until graduate school. For undergrad, I went to a small, liberal arts school (Washington College) on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (where I was born and raised). I received a dual-degree in business management and international relations, and had the opportunity to study abroad in both Amsterdam and London. I also worked in the "WC" Admissions Office including campus tours and helping produce publications.
After graduation, I stayed close to home working in international sales and marketing, but it didn't take long for me to realize that I was ready for city life! Philadelphia was my natural choice, as my father had gone to Penn for grad school and we had family friends in the area (we used to live in Fairmount Park). For nearly two years, I worked at Penn in the Parents Program. One of my main responsibilities was working with parents of current students and alumni and coordinating with residential life and student activities offices.
My love for Penn strengthened after I began taking classes. I'm now pursing a Master's in Government Administration from the Fels Institute of Government (with a certificate in Non-profit Administration). I truly enjoy the atmosphere and amazing people I get to meet! My path to Penn has been very different, but I am glad that I landed here.
I've been in Philadelphia for over 3 years, and have loved every minute. One of my favorite Philadelphia activities is frequenting a long list of great restaurants (probably since I used to manage a restaurant in Old City). I also can't pass up the opportunity to stroll around the many streets and parks the city has to offer. While you are on campus, check out the Bio-pond!
About » Alexis Ruby Howe
I graduated from Penn in May of 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Gender, Society and Culture. I was given the opportunity to visit Penn on a trip to America from my homeland of Australia in 2002 and couldn't imagine a place more perfect for my educational experience. I was right -- it couldn't have been better.
My time at Penn took me all over the University, and as a student leader I had the chance to interact with faculty, staff and even President Gutmann herself on a regular basis. And in my mind, I learned as much outside the classroom as I did inside. As a leader of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community I helped raise awareness of gender identity issues, made strides in improving the campus climate for all persons, whatever their background.
Penn was such a great experience for me that I just couldn't leave, and am extremely happy now in my new role as Assistant Director of the Alumni Council on Admissions. While I am new to the position, I really look forward to using my knowledge of and passion for Penn, to excite prospective students about what Penn has to offer them and to work with current students to create more meaningful interactions between students and alumni.
Favorite Philadelphia Activities:Experiencing live music at the many independent music venues throughout Philadelphia. Weekend picnics along the Schuylkill (Kelly Drive). Exploring the BYO restaurants of the Philadelphia boroughs. Dim Sum in China Town. Capagiro Gelato in the summer time.
