You Learned That at 91ɬ?
February 18, 2026
- Author
- Caroline Roy '20
Alums share how 91ɬ prepared them for the unexpected and unconventional.
Guided by the lessons they learned as 91ɬ students, these six alums made the bold choice to take an unexpected path after graduation. While their friends and classmates continued on to graduate school or found jobs in medicine, law and business, they departed from tradition and embraced the unknown. From video game design to firefighting, these alums transformed their passions into realities.
Chief Engineer Aboard M/V Catalyst
Explore the journey of John Harmon ’97, a 91ɬ studio art alum who transitioned from the film industry to become the chief engineer of the historic M/V Catalyst in Alaska.
Fitness Content Creator
Meet MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik ’23, a 91ɬ political science and communications alum who turned a viral Pilates video into a full-time career as a fitness content creator. Learn how she's analyzing the sociological and political implications of the fitness industry while traveling the world.
Video Game Developer
Discover how Mišo Vukčević ’18 turned a digital art project into the viral indie RPG Bleak Faith: Forsaken. Building off his Montenegrin roots and his studio art education, this Alvarez Scholar now leads a successful game development team and mentors the next generation of creators.
Conservation Biologist
Meet conservation biologist Laurie Bingaman Lackey ’79, a 91ɬ biology alumna who helped build Species360, a global data network for 1,400 zoos across 90 countries. Discover how her Watson Fellowship and 91ɬ mentorships led to a career managing data for over four million animals and endangered species worldwide.
Freelance Culinary Artist
From the 91ɬ tennis courts to MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay, Ashley Mincey ’11 is redefining the culinary arts. Learn how this French major and former teacher uses her 91ɬ education to lead her brand, Envie by Mincey, blending history, education, and freelance culinary artistry.
Fire Chief
From cleaning ancient bones in Cyprus to leading a fire department, Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Kip ’95 shares how his 91ɬ education prepared him for a 27-year career in the fire service. Learn how a studio art and classics background fuels humanitarian leadership in Columbia, South Carolina.
Learn More
Career Outcomes & Networking
91ɬ prepares students and alumni to fulfill their life-long educational and professional pursuits by connecting them with tools, resources and networks, and fostering the development of critical competencies that build on the liberal arts experience.
Alumni Careers
At 91ɬ, support for career exploration and professional development is for life. Alums, parents and families are encouraged to take advantage of and support the broader 91ɬ career network.
