Opening Doors

DOOR OPENERS Thomas College

Creates Opportunities

SAMUEL FALLA ’22

Business Administration major Samuel Falla never imagined he would intern for a skydiving company while attending Thomas College. At Vacationland Skydiving, based in Waterville, ME, Samuel spent this summer and fall learning the company ropes, including operations, financials, logistics, and customer service. “What I enjoyed most was helping hundreds of people achieve their bucket list goal of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane,” says Sam.

Sam worked for Thomas College alumnus Brad Fisher ’02, owner of Vacationland Skydiving.

“Working for a Thomas graduate was an eye-opening experience,” Sam adds. “Brad understood how my courses could best match my work.”

Sam has worked hard to achieve his dreams. He is a Kiest-Morgan Scholar, pursuing his bachelor’s degree in an accelerated three years; honor student; and first-generation college-goer. Plus, he plans to graduate debt-free, having worked two part-time jobs throughout his time at Thomas. “Implementing what I’ve learned in the classroom at Thomas into a real-world experience has been a highlight of my internship,” he notes, “and will greatly benefit me in the long run.”

BRADLEY GRIFFIN ’18

Bradley Griffin is a Senior Cloud Engineer with Change Healthcare, where he works on the latest, most-innovative technology in his field.

When Bradley was asked how Thomas has opened doors for him, he replied, “I used the Thomas College Guaranteed Job Placement program, and other career services, for interview preparations; career fairs to identify jobs and internships; and attended the technology summits that were held when I was there. Also, Professor Jonathan Grady helped prepare me the most for what I’m currently doing. His classes really helped me to build a great foundation for coding. And all the IT professors I had were integral in preparing me.”

CAITLIN LABBE ’21

Business Administration major Caitlin Labbe conducted her summer internship with GHM Insurance Agency in downtown Waterville. “I really got to know what working in a business is like,” Caitlin reflects. “Thomas does a great job of preparing us for life after college, but you don’t know what sitting in an office is like until you actually do it. I am very grateful for this opportunity and everything I learned.”

Caitlin says she felt prepared for the role thanks to her professors, as well as the Professional and Career Development team, who helped her build a strong resume and cover letter, plus try mock interviews that helped her prepare for the real deal.

Martha Wentworth, Personal Lines Manager at GHM Insurance, says that Caitlin is part of a long Thomas College tradition at the firm. “It all started with Dick Caron in the 1960s, and today we employ six Thomas alums or current students.” She adds that, “Caitlin was able to see how an insurance agency operates and learn from peers in the office. During her internship,

she studied for and passed the property and casualty license exam with the State of Maine, which is required to service and sell insurance here. That opens up a world of opportunities for her post-graduation.”

JENNY LACROIX ’05

Jenny LaCroix is a Partner Marketing Manager with PlanSource, a high-growth software company specializing in benefits administration technology. “The education and experience I received from Thomas provided me with the foundational knowledge and skills I needed to start a career,” Jenny says. “From my coursework and time spent playing field hockey, I acquired skills that I now rely on daily: marketing competence, networking, balancing work and home life, and professional etiquette (thank you, Professor Meader). My professors left a lasting impression on me, especially my Marketing Professor, Professor Karush. I sought her out as a mentor, even after I graduated. My Thomas experience laid the groundwork so that when I started my career, I was able to learn and grow immediately.”

CONNOR PELLERIN ’23

As a second-year English major, Connor Pellerin already feels that he has been given opportunities to succeed.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to write for the ‘Terrier Roundup’ every month, work with fellow students as the Writing Peer Tutor; and share my love for the campus as a Student Ambassador,” he says. “Because of these experiences, multiple organizations have encouraged me to apply for jobs in their firms.” He adds that his professors and advisors are constant supports, sharing real-world knowledge that helps him hone his skills. “Thomas is truly opening doors for me and helping me shine.” Connor, who plans to pursue a career in public relations after graduating, knows Thomas is the right fit for him on a personal level, too. “I used to be shy and stayed inside my shell. At Thomas, I have had the chance to peek my head out of that shell and be myself. I am – and will forever be – grateful for the wonderful people who are the Thomas College community!”

WHITNEY (MOREAU) RAYMOND ’09, M.B.A. ’10

“Thomas opened many doors for me,” says Whitney Raymond. She now serves as the Vice President of Marshall Communications, a Maine-based, globally connected communications, public relations, and marketing company.

Whitney cites the College’s accelerated MBA program as a helpful tool, allowing her to earn the degree in one year and positioning her for her role at Marshall Communications (founded by fellow alumna Nancy Marshall M.B.A. ’94). “Also, Professor Betty-Jane Meader made a lasting impact through her marketing coursework and by setting high expectations. I’m so pleased to have stayed in touch with her over the years. She reached out to me after my recent promotion, and I was deeply touched.”

SIMON WEST M.B.A. ’21

Simon West earned his MBA from Thomas in 2021 and works as the Director of Finance and Human Resources with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, where he ensures the financial health and continued professionalism of the organization.

Having graduated so recently, Simon draws directly from the faculty and courses that were most influential in shaping his career to date. “While every professor has had a significant impact on my skills and abilities, three professors’ course materials had the most direct impact on my career. Information I learned in Dr. Donald Cragen’s Organizational Theory, Dr. Ryan Wheaton’s Principles of Management, and Dr. Frank Appunn’s Teams, Authority, and Influence courses help me work with my organization to break down siloed functional areas; become more efficient; and create high-performance, self-managed teams. These courses have also helped me to be better prepared for work with outside stakeholders and to generate buy-in from employees and partners alike.” n