When Evan first considered college, he didn’t have a perfect map. He gave himself room to explore, asked what kind of work would keep him curious, that search eventually led him to a field where mathematics and computing meet real-world decisions: quantitative finance.

He chose Grand Valley State University because he saw a place focused on career growth and employer connections, which mattered to him given today’s job market, so it felt like a school of opportunity backed by real outcomes. With encouragement from family and friends, many of whom are Lakers themselves, he decided to pursue a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Already, Evan is immersing himself in campus life. He serves as a Strategy & Innovation associate with the Economics Club and is helping to build debate and research projects that connect students with real-world questions. He’s also working to bridge the Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science communities through joint events because, as he puts it, “so much interesting work happens where fields meet.”

As Evan begins his studies at GVSU, he shared that his favorite spot on campus is the Mary Idema Pew library on the Valley Campus in Allendale, MI. He treats the library like a personal lab for steady progress. He tracks goals week to week, checks in with himself, and turns big goals into small, repeatable steps.

This first semester, he’s excited for growth he can measure. He’s eager to reach midterms, then finals to compare where he started to where he finishes and see how much knowledge he’s built in just a few months. For him, the end of the semester isn’t just a finish line, it’s evidence that consistent effort compounds.

Evan spoke on his early challenges and adjustments in his first week of college. The first weeks hit him like a wave: a new class rhythm, deadlines that don’t line up, club meetings, and self-driven projects all competing for attention. He’s learning to balance coursework and extracurriculars. The pace is still settling, but each week feels more natural. “I’m still getting used to it but give it a couple of weeks and I’ll be fully adjusted,” Evan stated.

Looking ahead, Evan plans to complete his undergraduate degree by 2029, continue on to a graduate program in financial engineering, and pursue a career as a quantitative researcher or trader.

Above all, Evan showed a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. He’s thankful for a college that listens as he was invited to speak at the College of Computing Faculty and Staff Retreat in August to recently joining the first College of Computing Dean’s Student Advisory Council.  As a student on the council, he says what makes the college standout is its willingness to listen and support student ideas. 

With an eye on the future, Evan hopes to give back by helping create even more opportunities, through cross-disciplinary collaborations and combined pathways, so that future students can begin their journeys in the College of Comptuing and GVSU with a clear direction and the confidence to succeed.