Courtney Schwede '01

On her first day at Elmira College before her parents drove home to Ohio, Courtney Schwede ’01 received a small token from her father – a rock which has inspired her perseverance in her life. Inscribed on the stone is a Winston Churchill quote “Never, never, never quit.” Schwede uses this quote as a reminder that no matter what happens, she will carry on through what challenges life presents.

What experiences at the College were the most valuable in making you the professional figure whom you are today?
I would credit my three year involvement with EC’s SIFE program with preparing me for the professional environment. I landed my first job during my senior year at the National SIFE conference with Wyeth Consumer Health Care, the makers of Advil. Since then, career advancement has taken me to Boston, Chicago, and Cincinnati.

How do you think Elmira College has prepared you for the real world?
There were many classes at Elmira that prepared me for the real world…I can still remember sitting in my freshman Introduction to Marketing class, taught by Professor Rutan, and learning about the four Ps of marketing (Product, Promotion, Placement and Price)…I refer to the four Ps in my current job everyday. Along with my involvement in SIFE, I was a member of the Gold Key Society, was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Beta Delta, and I figure skated during hockey intermissions.

What are some of your fondest memories of Elmira College?
Several of my favorite memories at Elmira College were Mountain Day, late nights at MacKenzie’s, going to The Branch, and feeling like I was part of a small family while I was away from home.

What advice would you give to graduating students?
It is not only what you learn in the classroom, it is your attitude, character, and the way in which you conduct yourself that will define who you are as an individual and ultimately, others’ perceptions of you. Perception is reality and you only have one chance to make a good first impression.