F&M Stories

The tremendous success of F&M graduates demonstrates the tangible value of an F&M degree. At F&M, we have an exemplary landing rate. Within six months after graduation, 93% of F&M’s Class of 2023 were either employed or furthering their education.

In this series, we check in with members of the Class of 2023 to learn more about their post-graduate path and how their F&M experience launched them toward success.

William Lewerenz ’23

Major: History and Business, Organizations and Society

Minor: Russian and Eastern European Studies 

Current role: 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

Since graduating from Franklin & Marshall College, I have been able to pursue a career that I have always envisioned. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in May 2023. After a restful summer, I was sent to Fort Sill, Okla., to complete my Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) to become certified as a fire support officer in the Field Artillery. Graduating the six-month course in March led me to completing Army Airborne School in April. Currently, I am preparing to join the storied 82nd Airborne Division where I will further develop my skills and to better serve the sons and daughters of America’s best.

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

Franklin & Marshall has left an indelible mark on the man I am today. The ability to challenge myself in the classroom and to form meaningful relationships has aided my time in postgraduate work. F&M taught me how to effectively communicate and problem solve with individuals from various backgrounds. The holistic liberal arts education has allowed me to comprehensively tackle complex and difficult issues that require immediate attention. 

“F&M taught me how to effectively communicate and problem solve with individuals from various backgrounds. The holistic liberal arts education has allowed me to comprehensively tackle complex and difficult issues that require immediate attention.”

— William Lewerenz ’23

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

Presently, my current trajectory is similar to the expectations I had coming into college. I come from a long line of service members so becoming a part of the armed forces has always been a goal of mine. F&M did an extraordinary job of helping me to follow my passions as well as aiding me to discover new ones. Being able to double major in business and history as well as minor in Russian and Eastern European studies, assisted in my development of becoming an effective leader. The faculty and students pushed me to excel, which has served me well in the Army.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

When I began looking at potential colleges, I was enticed to go to a large university due to external influences during high school. While initially being swayed, upon further examination, I discovered that a small liberal arts school would better serve my development. Both of my parents were graduates of liberal arts colleges and my Opa was a professor at Muhlenberg College for over four decades, so I was strongly encouraged to follow a similar route. Looking back it was a great decision that I would not change.