board member spotlight
MONIQUE HACKER '00

Major: Mathematics and Economics
Title: Associate Actuary
Employer: New York Life Insurance
Location: Tampa, Fla.

Residential Community: College-in-the-Woods
Campus Involvements: Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Caribbean Student Association; National Society of Black Engineers

What experience at Binghamton most relates to what you do today?
My experience in Track and Field helped to shape my work ethic. Being a member of a sports team prepared me to work in various team environments and to accept and appreciate the different personalities and styles of everyone I work with.

If you could go back in time and take a class today what would it be?
I would definitely take more business classes. Having worked in corporate America for more than 10 years has helped to increase my business acumen, but the transition would have been much easier if I had a few more business classes under my belt.  

What did you think you would end up doing on graduation day and what are you doing now?
I am actually working in the field that I intended to at the time of graduation. I majored in both math and economics with the intention of becoming an actuary. At that time, Binghamton did not have an actuarial science major, but they had classes that prepared us for the profession. I have been in the actuarial field for more than ten years now.

What do you miss the most about Binghamton University?
I miss my old job at the “Burp” desk in the Old University Union. It was at the center of everything so I knew what was going on at campus at all times. Working there also allowed me to develop lifelong friendships that I would not have otherwise had.

What one thing should every student do before they graduate and leave the University?
Take the initiative to get to know your professors. They are there to make sure you succeed, so make every effort to learn as much as you can from them while you are there.

If you had to give one piece of advice to graduating students, what would it be?
Give back! After you graduate and leave Binghamton, continue to remain involved. There are many ways in which you can remain connected to Binghamton, not only to the faculty and staff, but also to help current students. They would benefit greatly by learning from our experiences.