From Lynn to D.C.

Meghan Studer '13, '15 belongs to a proud family of Lynn University graduates—her brother Kevin Studer '15, '16 and her mother, Joanne Studer '13. The family ties on campus deepened her connection with Lynn's community and allowed her to participate in some of Lynn's most cherished traditions since childhood, including Founders Day and Celebration of the Arts.

Studer's mother has worked at the university since 2006, allowing Lynn to feel like home for her. Initially, Studer wasn't entirely sold on the idea of attending the same university where she grew up. Ultimately, her decision to enroll was influenced by key factors that continue to shape her professional success today as the Deputy Director of Event Management at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

Studer participated in several campus visits across Florida. The finalists came down to the University of North Florida and Lynn.

"I was accepted into a few schools as I made my pros and cons list," said Studer. "I chose Lynn because of its small size, which suited my personality as an introvert. I also craved for a smaller school where I could establish personal relations with professors and its community."

Although history was her favorite subject in school, initially, Studer stepped on campus unsure about what she wanted to major in. With the help of her mother, Joanne, and Vice President for Enrollment and University Advancement Gareth Fowles, Studer was introduced to Robert Watson, distinguished professor of American history at Lynn. The meeting was a success. Watson's energy, enthusiasm and passion for history captivated her and established him as her favorite professor. She focused her major in American studies, with Watson as her advisor, who guided her through the required courses and helped her navigate Lynn's three-year degree program.

As she learned about Alexander Hamilton and the rest of the founding fathers from Watson, Studer began working in the special events office on campus simply as a means to make some cash.  

"I never considered events as a career path when I arrived at Lynn," said Studer. "But once I got involved with the events team, especially working on my first Founders Day, I realized how much I enjoyed seeing my planning come to fruition and serving the community. It was such a rewarding experience."

As a student worker, Studer also assisted in the presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney that took place at the university in 2012. Studer helped organize a daunting campaign with several events across campus to support the debate, including pool parties, cookouts and strategically distributing T-shirts to students, faculty and staff.

Studer graduated with a bachelor's in American studies and a minor in international relations in 2013 where she had the distinct honor to graduate alongside her mother, Joanne. A memory that Joanne recalls with joy.

"Before my kids went to college, I had always regretted not getting my bachelor's," said Joanne. "Meghan was doing so well at Lynn, and her success inspired me to start taking classes again. She encouraged me and helped me realize that I could do it too. I'll always be grateful to her for that."

Before continuing her graduate degree at Lynn, Studer took a semester off from her studies, and with the help of Watson, she secured an internship at the American History Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Studer worked in its special events office for six months where she helped execute proceedings, donation events, and special affairs like the Presidential Medal of Freedom dinner. A few of the public figures in attendance included Barack and Michelle Obama, Aretha Franklin, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and Oprah. Little did she know at the time, how close her internship would align with her future career.

After returning back home from her internship, Studer started working events at the Boca Resort—currently known as The Boca Raton—while she earned her MBA in 2015 from Lynn.

"The marketing MBA program at Lynn was challenging, but a very rewarding experience due to the professors I interacted with, specifically Dr. Ralph Norcio," said Studer. "He was able to take complex business administration concepts, including math, and break them down in a way that I could easily understand. I've applied so much of the knowledge I gained during my MBA—especially when it comes to advertising—in my professional career."

Although Studer's position at the Boca Resort helped her gain practical experiences, she was not completely satisfied with her career path. Studer emphasized the importance of building one-on-one relationships with professors, like Robert Watson, to discuss interests and career guidance. Her regular conversations with Watson helped her navigate challenges and define her true calling.

"Dr. Watson always told me to do what I loved," said Studer. "He knew I had enjoyed working on campus with the events department and also knew I loved history and international relations. So, he told me, 'If you can find a job that marries those things, that's what you need to focus your professional career on'".

So that's exactly what Studer did … She looked for jobs in D.C. and found an opportunity with the CFR as an events associate. She credits her education, hands-on events experience and developing a forward-facing professional personality at Lynn as the main reasons why she landed the job. In the years that she has been with CFR, Studer worked her way up the ladder to events coordinator, events manager, associate director, assistant director, to her recent promotion as deputy director.

As a nonpartisan think tank, the CFR is a membership organization dedicated to providing information and analysis that helps clarify U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Within the council, there are fellows who are experts in a variety of fields including the Asia, Middle East, South America, artificial intelligence, climate change and economics. Fellows lead discussions and provide expertise to members through roundtables and general meetings—this is where Studer comes in. Among many of her tasks, Studer oversees round table preparation (20–40 people), general meetings and larger (50–175). During their busy periods Studer helps host between eight to 10 events per week featuring high-profile public figures like Stacey Abrams, Peter Buttigieg, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Colin Powell. 

At CFR, Studer looks to help her team grow and realize their professional goals. Her advice for Lynn students comes down to recognizing the importance of building one-on-one relationships with professors.

"Make time to sit and talk to your professors and get to know them," said Studer. "There were so many times when I wasn't sure what I was doing. Having those times to talk to my professors and having them explain things and guide me proved to be invaluable."

At Lynn, she hopes to visit campus more often and spend some time with mom at work.

Find out more information about our MBA program by visiting lynn.edu/business.