Devon Gethers is the 2020 outstanding graduate for his extraordinary accomplishments in the Finance program. Devon was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and will be graduating with his undergraduate degree in Finance. “My classroom experience with Devon is that he was professional, always arrived early, had prepared in advance, and asked excellent clarifying questions that benefited everyone; in short, a dream student.” Upon graduation, Devon plans to join Goldman Sachs in their private equity division and attend a graduate program. Congratulations Devon, and welcome to your alumni network! Read on to see Devon’s answers to our questions about his Eccles Experience.
What was your most memorable experience as an Eccles student?
My most memorable experience as an Eccles student was during my junior year, when I was selected to join a poverty alleviation course, working to address poverty in Africa and discover methods to alleviate this poverty. My classmates and I researched and discussed the effectiveness of administering foreign aid to parts of Africa and economical injustices that continue to suppress the economy today. In class, we read about these injustices such as “The White Man’s Burden” but nothing compared to traveling to Africa and seeing these injustices first hand. As an African American, I was saddened, humbled, and inspired to have toured the largest export slave castle in Ghana. I realized that our work we were set out to accomplish would have a meaningful impact to a new future. Our capstone project was to travel to Ghana and consult a digital advertising company. We conducted field research with customers, competitors, and employees, evaluated company financials, and I and our team provided a recommendation to profitability. Our team spent every waking moment working with each other, faculty, and staff to deliver a high-quality service. This trip not only highlighted the preparedness our team had from the culmination of Eccles courses, but also the global brand recognition that our University provides and will continue to provide.
What clubs, competitions, and/or activities did you participate in?
Presidential Intern for President Ruth V. Watkins, President of the Crimson Transfer Honor Society, Crimson Mentor, Teaching Assistant for Finance 6830 & 3040, Impact Investing Analyst at Sorenson Impact Center, Finance Undergraduate Research Assistant for Jonathan Brogaard, and Finance Club Member.
What was your favorite class?
Honors Organizational Behavior
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, acknowledge or shout out?
My wife, Lauren Gethers.
