Roger Davis is a senior from Garfield Heights, Ohio, who graduated from Lake Erie in December 2012. He was so eager to finish his studies at LEC because he knew weeks before graduation where his path would take him next—he had already secured a position with Martinet Recchia, one of the leading accounting firms in the area.

An accounting major, Roger chose LEC because the student body is the perfect size for him. "It’s large enough to meet lots of different people from all over,” he said, "yet small enough to be able to easily communicate with faculty and really have a voice on campus.” He also liked the location, only 40 minutes from him hometown, and the emphasis on community service. His favorite thing about the College, however, is the events and traditions on campus. "I love Mountain Day. It’s such a cool tradition. There is always good food, fun games, and the scavenger hunt is wild, even though I’ve never won it.”

During his time at LEC Roger got involved with a wide variety of clubs and organizations, but a couple of them really stood out—Spoken, the College’s poetry, open mic, and spoken word organization, and the Black Student Union, an organization that helps promote diversity among cultures on campus. At one of BSU’s events, their annual fashion show last year, Roger did a hip-hop performance for the students and audience. "Steph Floss, who is a popular DJ from Cleveland, played my music during the act, and all the students there went crazy while I performed my song. It was amazing!”

When he is not behind the mic, however, Roger is dedicated to his accounting major and his job as an intern at the College’s accounting office. With the help of, and a great reference from one of his accounting professors, Julie Ziemak, Roger contacted Keith Martinet, one of the partners at Martinet Recchia, which resulted in an internship this past summer and ultimately to his job offer as a staff accountant with the firm. He also credits the LEC Career Services office for getting the internship. "I landed the position mainly after working with Erin Nunn, [the LEC Director of Career Services], to perfect my resume. She is extremely skilled and helped me out a lot.”

The internship proved to be a definite stepping-stone for him. "Throughout my internship, I've gained a ton of work experience and business acumen. I definitely believe I had an advantage when interviewing for my full-time job when they informed that I have the appropriate work experience.” Roger is not resting yet, however. He is excited to start his job immediately after graduation, as well as passing the CPA exam soon. His five-year plan? "I just hope I can land a promotion or two,” he said.