Catching Up with the Class of 2020

2020 Catching up With the Class of

Only a few years since commencement, the graduates of the Class of 2020 have already seen many triumphs and are well on their way to forging a successful life after Lausanne.

As we near the three-year mark since a global pandemic split the 2020 graduation into eleven masked and socially distanced ceremonies, we are reminded of the importance of community and human connection, the value of generating knowledge and what can be accomplished when people come together to tackle a problem. Although it was a challenging senior year with a graduation experience like no other, these circumstances did not define the Class of 2020’s ability to move forward. Now, we’ve caught up with a few alums who shared an update on life since they walked across EPAC’s stage over two years ago and set out into the world.

Ambria Williams ‘20

What have you been up to since graduating from Lausanne?

Since graduating in 2020, I have been pursuing a bachelor’s in public policy with a minor in bioethics/public health at NYU. During my sophomore year, I found my passion for health law, policy, and bioethics and spent a semester studying at the NYU campus in Washington, DC. I have also interned at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Division of Medical Ethics, pursuing research on transplant policy and ethics. On campus, I have assisted in leading pre-law organizations and am a member of the undergraduate Public Policy Student Board. This year, I was named an inaugural recipient of the Obama-Chesky (Voyager) Scholarship for Public Service. I am currently conducting projects on health law and policy research.

Based on what you’ve learned in the past two years, what advice would you give to yourself in May 2020?

I would tell my past self to continue asking questions to evolve in endeavors and continue to explore academic interests and focus on self-development in college. There are many opportunities available: make sure you are researching, continuously learning and being open-minded. You’ll find your passion and your why. Be patient.

What is your favorite Lausanne memory?

One of my favorite Lausanne memories would have to be playing various roles in the Middle and Upper School theater productions. A favorite of mine was playing Gingy the Gingerbread Cookie in Shrek the Musical when I was in Middle School. I enjoyed the role and my costume design. In general, I cherish my time in the theater department and believe that it really helped improve my public speaking skills. Another favorite memory would be going to various Model UN and Youth in Government Conferences. Serving as President of the Model UN club and preparing for Youth in Government Conferences were valuable experiences I will never forget.

Stephan French ‘20

What have you been up to since graduating from Lausanne?

Since my graduation in 2020, I’ve been attending Indiana University full-time, majoring in computer science and minoring in business. During the Summer of 2021, I worked at SAS, a tech company based out of North Carolina, as a Technical Intern working with their Fraud Division on secure financial messaging. This past summer, I interned at Accenture as a Tech Arch Delivery Analyst doing project management work with my clients. This upcoming summer, I’m returning to Accenture. On campus, I’m a student ambassador for the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering. I’m also a member of the Dean of Students Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion, a member of the prestigious board of AEONS, Social Chair of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Strategus for the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Based on what you’ve learned in the past two years, what advice would you give yourself in May 2020?

The advice that I’d give myself is to get out there as much as you can, whether that’s getting involved on campus or in the community, talking to as many professors as possible and attending as many career fairs/sessions as possible.

Middle left: Stephan poses with two of his Indiana University fraternity brothers.

Bottom left: Like the Lynx community he had at Lausanne, Stephan has found a community at Indiana University.

Shivani Koka ‘20

What have you been up to since graduating from Lausanne?

After graduating from Lausanne, I came to Florida to study at the University of Miami! I am now a junior studying business technology with a focus in cloud computing. Here, I felt as if I already had a community, since multiple Lausanne alumni also attend! Now we have Lausanne Class of 2020 alumni visiting Miami often. Within my university, I am involved in the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, where I met my best friends. I am also working for a student-run consultancy, Orange Umbrella, doing web design/development for our clients. Besides school, I love the beautiful weather at the beach, trying some of the best restaurants in the country and enjoying the Miami nightlife. I also had the opportunity to visit my friend’s home country, Peru, over Spring Break and trek Machu Picchu!

Based on what you’ve learned in the past two years, what advice would you give to yourself in May 2020?

I would tell myself not to wish away time because you are so excited for the future! I miss Lausanne and am so grateful for the community I still have there. Time is moving so fast in college that I make sure to enjoy every moment and not stress over the small things.

What is your favorite Lausanne memory?

My favorite Lausanne memory is the first day of the Class of 2020’s senior year—a day filled with our senior brunch, the drive-through and the pep rally!

Top: Shivani travels to Peru with friends from college.

Middle: Shivani shares a moment with Lausanne alumni Bryant Haley ‘20, William Giles ‘19 and William Lenz ‘20.

Lynx friends Olivia Oh ‘31, Bianca Lima ‘31, Zaria Jackson ‘31, Stevie Stewart ‘31, Jane Livingston ‘31, Leighton Weatherby ‘31, MetaRose Altman ‘31, Rhiya Ramachandran ‘31 and Morgan Watson ‘31 showcase their silly side.

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