As the semester winds down and campus begins to quiet for the holidays, students across D'Amore-McKim are taking a moment to reflect on the year behind them and looking ahead to what's next for them in 2026.
For many, the holiday season is a pause between milestones, both personal and professional. It is a chance to step back from deadlines, finals, or co-op, reconnect with family and friends, and appreciate the experiences that shaped the past year. At D'Amore-McKim, those moments of reflection often center on growth through global exposure, academic risk-taking, and excitement for what lies ahead
For Stavros Likourentzos, DMSB'28, one of the biggest highlights of 2025 was traveling abroad with his international business class. “My biggest accomplishment for 2025 was going on a dialogue trip with my international business class to Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany,” Likourentzos shared. The experience provided hands-on global exposure, an opportunity many D'Amore-McKim students value as they prepare for international careers. Looking ahead, Likourentzos is focused on his next step, a co-op at Jefferies in New York City.
That sense of anticipation is a common theme. Charlize Bernabel, DMSB'28, reflected on being part of the first Scholars' Program, which supports first-generation college students. “My biggest win of 2025 was being part of the first scholars' program,” Bernabel said. In the year ahead, she is excited to continue expanding her global perspective through a Dialogue, potentially to Japan.
For graduate students, the holidays often mark a moment to appreciate just how far they have come. Elaine Harken, MBA'27, described her most significant highlight of the year as moving across the country from Washington State to Boston to begin her master's program.
Isabel Van Der Veen, MBA'27, also highlighted the role of international experiences in shaping her journey at D'Amore-McKim. After earning her undergraduate degree and becoming a three-time SUNY New Paltz tennis champion, she shared that she is “looking forward to her upcoming global field study,” which will take her to Amsterdam and Brussels.
Others echoed that sense of transformation. Margaret Hark, MBA'27, shared that leaving a 10-year career in healthcare to return to school was her proudest accomplishment.
Geraldine Odikah, MBA'27, reflected on how coming back to school helped her clarify what she wants to do next and opened the door to new cultural experiences in Boston.
Beyond academics, students are also celebrating personal milestones.
Ernesto Matos, MBA'27, highlighted placing second at the NCA-NDA College Nationals and is already preparing to compete again with Northeastern Cheerleading in 2026.
Mia McDougall, MBA'27, shared a different kind of victory. She began training for a half-marathon after once believing she could not run, a reminder that growth often happens outside the classroom as well.
These students' stories help capture what makes D'Amore-McKim distinct. It is a community shaped by ambition, resilience, and global curiosity. Whether students are preparing for co-ops, international study, competitions, or the next chapter of their education, the holidays offer a moment to recognize how far they have come and to carry that momentum into the year ahead.
From all of us at D'Amore-McKim, we wish you a restful holiday season and an inspiring start to the New Year!