Mike Summers
Associate Vice President
Mike joined Lafayette College in August 2017. He is associate vice president and responsible for leading the 14 member Gateway Career Center team.
His career and background include more than 20 years’ experience in sales, sales management, marketing, and executive search. Mike was previously at Wake Forest University as the Director of Employer Relations for the undergraduate college and the School of Business (Undergrad and Masters) for two years and, prior to, he worked several years in Executive Search and Recruiting with various firms. He started his career in the corporate world with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health and then with global eye care company, Bausch + Lomb. He has an extensive background in employer relations and recruiting and has a passion for working with students. Mike received his B.A. in Communications from Wake Forest University.
In the Gateway Career Center, Mike will be extending the work that has put innovation like the award-winning Gateway program—a four-year individualized career exploration plan—at students’ fingertips.
When not leading the Gateway Career Center team, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and is a triathlete, having completed his first Ironman event at Mt. Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.
Maureen Walz
Director, Special Programs and Pre-Law Advisor
Maureen Walz has two decades of experience in higher education and has served as a member of the Gateway Career Center team since 2005. Prior to transitioning into higher education, Maureen’s professional experience included human resources and recruiting experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. At Lafayette, her favorite responsibilities allow her to help students identify and explore their interests and serve as Pre-Law Advisor.
Maureen earned an M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Kutztown University and a B.S.B.A. in Human Resources Management from Rider University.
Specialties and Interests
Advising Majors: BiochemistryBiologyChemical EngineeringChemistryEconomicsEngineering & International StudiesEngineering StudiesMathematicsMathematics & EconomicsNeuroscienceAudience
StudentsMelissa Schultz
Director, Strategic Projects & Gateway Career Counselor
Melissa Schultz joined the Gateway Career Center team in the Fall of 2008, and possesses a passion for career counseling, analytics, program management, volunteer engagement, and technology. Melissa provides comprehensive and individualized career counseling services to students of all class years and stages of career readiness, and develops and facilitates relevant career workshops and programs.
In complement to providing compassionate career counseling, Melissa serves as a liaison to Health Professions Advising and as a primary point of contact for Gateway’s graduate school resources. She coordinates the Career Center’s semester programming calendar and works to continually assess and steward the Gateway Program, including the compilation of the Annual Report and facilitation of student feedback efforts. Melissa plays a key role in developing Career Center website content, integrating career-related technology platforms, and launching new resources to the student community. She enjoys working with students, collaborating across the Lafayette community, exploring emerging technology and tools, and leveraging data to drive decision-making.
Melissa was a first generation college student and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shippensburg University, followed by her Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. When she’s not on campus, you are likely to find Melissa spending quality time with her husband and two children, cheering at a sporting event (often her kiddos’!), reading a book, or enjoying the outdoors.
Specialties and Interests
Advising Majors: Africana StudiesAsian StudiesBiochemistryBiologyChemical EngineeringChemistryEnvironmental StudiesForeign Languages & LiteratureGovernment & LawHistoryInternational AffairsNeurosciencePolicy StudiesRussian & East European StudiesAudience
StudentsAlana Klass
Senior Associate Director & Coordinator for Access, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Alana has 30+ years’ experience in higher education and has experience working with traditional and non-traditional aged students at public, private, and community colleges. She has developed and delivered programs and workshops for students with disabilities, student athletes, students of color, LGBT+ population, and Greeks and is experienced in academic advising, graduate school planning and advising, and pre-professional advising. She has presented professionally at state, region, and national professional associations.
At Lafayette, Alana serves as the liaison to the Office of Intercultural Development and Campus Life, she supports the Team Success program, supports the Posse program, and an identified campus ally for DACA and undocumented students and members of the LGBT+ community. She develops and facilitates programs and workshops to support students in all aspects of the career development process. Alana is a first generation college student and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration from Bloomsburg University, where she is the Advisor for New Member Education and Alumni Transition for Alpha Sigma Alpha National Sorority, former member of the Alumni Board of Directors, and a Master of Education degree in Student Affairs from Kutztown University.
Specialties and Interests
Africana StudiesAnthropology & SociologyAsian StudiesArtCivil & Environmental EngineeringEnvironmental ScienceEnvironmental StudiesEnglishFilm & Media StudiesForeign Languages & LiteratureGeology & Environmental GeosciencesGovernment & LawHistoryInternational AffairsMusicPhilosophyPolicy StudiesPsychologyReligion & PoliticsReligious StudiesRussian & East European StudiesTheaterWomen, Gender & Sexuality StudiesAudience
StudentsMark Choquette
Assistant Director, Gateway Career Center
Mark Choquette joined the Gateway Career Center in the summer of 2019. He will primarily provide career counseling for Lafayette students, helping them through every step of the career development process. Aside from previous career counseling and programming experience in higher education, Mark worked in recruiting and employee development for a corporate restaurant business, as well as various higher education departments including admissions, conference services, and athletics. Mark will assist in the overseeing of the Gateway Ambassador program.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania, and his Masters of Science in Counselor Education – Higher Education/Student Affairs from West Chester University.
Specialties and Interests
Advising Majors: Anthropology & SociologyArtComputer ScienceEconomicsElectrical & Computer EngineeringEnglishIntegrated EngineeringEngineering & International StudiesEngineering StudiesFilm & Media StudiesMathematicsMathematics & EconomicsMechanical EngineeringMusicPhysicsTheaterAudience
StudentsRebecca Shafer
Assistant Director, Career Counselor
Rebecca Shafer joined the Career Services staff as a Career Counselor in October 2021. Rebecca provides one-on-one career counseling to students, as well as guidance and support through all aspects of the career development process. Rebecca has been providing counseling to youth and adults for over 15 years. Her past experiences include career counseling for the NYS Department of Labor, independent living skill development for youth, and mental health counseling. Additionally, Rebecca has served in administrative roles for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services overseeing programs provided to adjudicated youth placed in secure detention.
Rebecca is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Human Services. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Social Work from Fordham University. Rebecca is also a Licensed Master Social Worker for the state of NY.
Specialties and Interests
Civil & Environmental EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsElectrical & Computer EngineeringEngineering & International StudiesEngineering StudiesEnvironmental ScienceGeology & Environmental GeosciencesIntegrative EngineeringMathematicsMathematics & EconomicsMechanical EngineeringPhysicsAudience
StudentsLaura Wallace
Assistant Director, Career Counselor
Laura Wallace joined the Career Services staff as a Career Counselor in March 2018. Laura’s work at Lafayette involves helping students through all aspects of the career development process, providing one-on-one career counseling to students. Her past experiences in the field of education include working as a college counselor, guiding students through the college search and application process. Laura has also worked as a school counselor in the public school system, where she provided counseling services individually as well as in a group setting to students on a variety of topics.
Laura is a graduate of the University at Albany where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is also a graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy University, where she earned her Master of Science degree in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling.
Specialties and Interests
Advising Majors: Computer ScienceEconomicsElectrical & Computer EngineeringIntegrated EngineeringEngineering & International StudiesEngineering StudiesMathematicsMathematics & EconomicsMechanical EngineeringPhysicsAudience
StudentsMargie Cherry
Associate Director
Margie has more than ten years of experience as a career counselor, workshop designer and facilitator in both corporate and college settings. She worked for Lee Hecht Harrison, one of the premier corporate outplacement firms, and most recently for Montgomery Community College with career transition adults. Margie holds a BA from Immaculata College and a master’s in counseling from Rosemont College.
Specialties and Interests
Alumni Career CounselingAudience
AlumniAlexis Leon
Assistant Director of Experiential Learning
Alexis joined the Gateway Career Center in February 2020 and brings more than a decade of experience in higher education to the team. She works within the Employer Relations Team to manage Summer Stipend and January Externship programs, and leads key programs within the Career Center including location-based networking programs and site visits. Her professional history includes international education; presentation and facilitation with diverse audiences; logistics and program management; administrative and advising support for students; and relationship and client management, from small local businesses to multinational organizations.
Alexis holds a Master of Arts in American Studies from Lehigh University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Marywood University
Specialties and Interests
Experiential Learning: Externships, Internships, StipendsAudience
EmployersHolly Akers
Associate Director, Employer Relations & Outreach
Holly Akers is a proven professional who currently serves as Associate Director of Employer Relations and Outreach at Lafayette College’s Gateway Career Center. Holly’s robust business and marketing skills have been integral factors in her success in increasing employer interaction with the college— a feat that has actualized student opportunities for externships, internships, and permanent positions of employment upon graduation.
Her versatility is evidenced by the eclectic makeup of her professional endeavors, which includes positions in the publishing, banking, government, architecture, engineering and construction industries. Holly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts and a Master of Business Administration in Executive Administration from Centenary University.
Specialties and Interests
Employer Relations responsibilities encompass the following industries: Accounting, Architecture and Planning, Civil Engineering, Commercial Banking & Credit, Construction, Development, Design - Engineering Related, Economic Development, Environmental Engineering, Financial Careers, Financial Careers- technology, Geology , Government - Local, State & Federal-Finance/Engineering, Government Relations/Legislative/Public Policy, Insurance, Investment / Portfolio Management, Investment Banking, Management Consulting, Politics, Real Estate, Structural Engineering, Traffic and Transportation Design, Utilities and Renewable Energy,Wealth ManagementAudience
EmployersJosh Walker
Associate Director, Employer Relations & Outreach
Josh joined Lafayette College as an Associate Director of Employer Relations and Outreach in the Gateway Career Center in March of 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and an MBA with a concentration in Management from Centenary University.
He brings a decade of higher education experience to Lafayette which includes both student and career services. Josh was previously at Centenary University as the Director of Career Development and Community Engagement. At Lafayette he will focus on the stewarding of existing employer relationships and creating outreach opportunities with new employer partners to increase externship, internship, and permanent positions for Lafayette students and alumni.
Specialties and Interests
Employer Relations responsibilities encompass the following industries: Advertising, PR & Marketing, Aerospace, Biotech & Life Sciences, Computer Networking, CPG - Consumer Packaged Goods, Defense, Marketing and Graphic Design, Electronic & Computer Hardware, Fashion, Food & Beverage, Forestry, Government - Local, State & Federal, Healthcare, Higher Education, Internet & Software, Journalism, Media & Publishing, Manufacturing – Other, Medical Devices, Movies, TV, Music , Natural Resources, NGO, Non-Profit, , Oil & Gas, Performing and Fine Arts, Pharmaceuticals, Research, Retail Stores, Scientific and Technical Consulting, Social Assistance, Sports & Leisure, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Utilities and Renewable Energy, Wholesale TradeAudience
EmployersRochelle Crozier
Associate Director, Technology and Data Analytics/Reporting
Rochelle Crozier joined the Career Services staff in 2001. As Associate Director, Technology & Data analytics, she implements and maintains core technology platforms used by the Gateway Career Center. In addition, Rochelle is the data and databases point person, collecting, analyzing, and reporting key metrics and maintaining key databases.
Rochelle graduated from DeSales University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Technology.
Audience
EmployersCathy Shankweiler
Database and Special Projects Coordinator
Cathy loves data period! It always tells a story.
At Lafayette since 2011, she manages the Gateway Career Center’s First Destinations, Summer Experiences, and other database projects. She also coordinates an on-campus student employment program, helping our Federal Work Study/Campus Job Eligible (FWS/CJE) students find on-campus jobs.
In addition to working with Lafayette’s Gateway Career Center, Cathy consults with private businesses and community organizations in designing and implementing database management systems. “A new database application (or data science course) always provides an opportunity to learn!”
She holds a BS degree (Law Enforcement and Corrections) from the Pennsylvania State University, and a M.Ed. degree (Social Restoration) from Lehigh University.
On a personal level, she has never met a competitive sport that she did not like. She especially enjoys Volleyball, Basketball, Football, and Golf.
Sue Domagalski
Assistant Director, Recruiting Operations
Sue joined the Gateway Center in September 2021 and serves as the Assistant Director of Recruiting Operations. In this role, she oversees the posting of jobs and internships, coordinates the annual fall and spring career fairs, along with the scheduling on campus recruiting activities.
Sue received her degree in English and Mass Communications from Bloomsburg University. Prior to Lafayette, Sue was an Academic Assistant at Connecticut College. Sue’s passion to help employers and customers comes from her prior 25-year customer marketing and sales career in software technology companies. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her family and very big dogs.
Audience
EmployersKathy Haney
Office Coordinator
Kathy Haney joined the Gateway Career Center team in December 2013. She assists the students with appointments and the Career Center staff with a variety of projects essential to the department. Kathy graduated from Delaware Valley College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.