WASHINGTON, PA (June 2, 2016) – Just weeks after graduation, Washington & Jefferson College’s (W&J) Class of 2016 is taking on intensive graduate programs, internships with major corporations, and jobs with prestigious local and national organizations.
The College graduated 298 students at its 217th commencement ceremony, held May 21, 2016.
“I’m excited about joining the elite members of my field and being challenged so that I become an excellent problem solver, critical thinker, and idea generator in topics relating to chemistry and beyond,” said Wesley Corbin-Pein ’16, who will spend the summer doing research in the lab of chemist John P. Wolfe, Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. “I also look forward to sharing my future works with the faculty members of our chemistry department back home at W&J.”
Pein will begin a doctoral program in chemistry at the University of Michigan this fall. He has won the University’s Rackham Science Award, which will provide funding for his research during his second year.
Like Pein, Rebecca Wilkes ’16 is excited to expand on research she started at W&J in graduate school. She will attend Cornell University this fall for an MS/PhD program in Biological and Environmental Engineering.
“I’m looking forward to delving into research on bioremediation and potentially on researching how bacteria can break down plastics,” she said. “This will allow me to continue my interest in biological means of cleaning up the environment that I first pursued through my independent study at W&J.”
Classmate Joanna Barnhart ’16 is still waiting to receive a specific assignment, but knows she will be an intern in the Disney College Program starting in August.
“I am looking forward to working for a Fortune 500 company along with getting my foot in the door. I hope to one day work in the corporate offices of Disney World,” she said.
Jami Klingensmith, assistant director of Career Services at W&J, said she is thrilled – but not surprised – to see Class of 2016 graduates go on to prestigious graduate programs, internships and jobs so soon after commencement.
“Graduation is only the beginning for the Class of 2016,” Klingensmith said. “They have proven that they have the determination necessary to accomplish big goals. Now they are off and running and we are excited to watch as their careers unfold.”
In addition to the students named above, Class of 2016 graduates also are headed to these schools and organizations, among others:
Graduate Schools
- George Washington University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- West Virginia University
- University of Virginia School of Medicine
- American University Law School
- Arcadia University
- University of Chicago
- Vanderbilt University
Companies and Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh
- BNY Mellon
- US Medical Innovations
- UPMC
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- KPMG
- Schneider Downs
- Mylan
- Nova Biostorage+
- Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
