Zach McNelis, '11, selected as student participant in 'Engage the Trustees' program

Zach McNelis, C‘11, was selected as a student participant in the Office of Alumni and Career Services 'Engage the Trustees' program during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 21. The program’s featured guest was Ken Kraper, ‘05, University of Richmond Alumni Association Board of Directors member and Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.

McNelis was personally recommended by Dr. Ellen Walk, School of Professional & Continuing Studies Information Systems program chair, to attend the event. He was among a small number of highly qualified and interested students selected for the networking event.

The event offered McNelis and the other student participants an opportunity to “meet with Mr. Kraper in a small group setting, gaining insight into his career path while developing a key networking contact,” according to the invitation sent to students.

Kraper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership Studies from Richmond and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Applied Intelligence for Mercyhurst College. As Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, Kraper specializes in information privacy, security, and program management in a variety of federal agencies.

McNelis is pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Studies degree in Information Systems through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. He has 13 years of experience in the IT field, the last 8 years with Microsoft Corporation where he works as a Solution Architect, providing technical presales support to the federal government sales organization.

As a professional who has already established a career and who shares a similar customer base with Kraper, McNelis “approached [the event] from a networking perspective.” He found Kraper’s advice “invaluable and relevant to SPCS students looking for a new career or advancement in a current role.”

McNelis looked forward to the time when he, as an alumnus, might be able to represent his own company in a similar event. “I feel these events are advantageous for the University of Richmond, the Alumni, and most importantly the companies they represent. I know Microsoft would allow and encourage this type of evangelism into higher education. I appreciate the opportunity to attend.”