Post by Emily Warden

I am excited to share that this past weekend, I graduated from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with my MBA. After three years of hard work, countless late nights, and buckets of coffee, I’m proud to say that I am a Wallman Scholar, receiving High Honors as a graduate in the top 5% in the Class of 2024. I also received the Award for Strategy, awarded every year to the Evening or Weekend MBA student with the best scholastic record in strategy courses. I had so many incredible experiences while at Booth. I took 22 courses with brilliant professors. I won a case competition, worked for Professor Steve M. as a TA for his Merger & Acquisition Strategy course, and worked on pro bono consulting projects for local nonprofits through Booth Social Impact. Of course, nobody can take on the massive endeavor that is earning a master’s degree while working full-time without lots (and I mean LOTS) of support. “Thank you” doesn’t begin to cover the gratitude I feel for: Edward Warden, who kept me sane and dealt with my unreasonable schedule; Amanda Ehrmantraut, who was always on call when I sent her texts like “is discontinuance a word”; my parents, Teresa and Toby Ehrmantraut, who have never once wavered in their belief in my abilities and support for my ambitions; my colleagues, managers, and mentors at Independent Publishers Group; and the many friends I’ve made in the Booth community through study groups, case teams, and the general Booth culture of lifting each other up and helping where we’re able to do so. I’m grateful for each and every one of you. I’m looking forward to life as a Booth alum, staying connected with this community that has given me so much, and moving onward and upward to exciting new challenges and opportunities!