Student Profile: Molly Jo Lundquist

For some, the phrase “carpe diem” is merely a claim to Latin proficiency. For Molly Jo Lundquist, "seizing the day" has paid off—literally. In May, Lundquist received a $1,000 GEICO Achievement Award for her academic and extracurricular accomplishments at Buffalo State.

"Many of my business professors had mentioned the award in class, and I thought, 'Why not apply?'" Lundquist said. "There are a lot of opportunities for scholarships like this that students don’t always take advantage of."

Lundquist is a senior pursuing a dual major in public communication and business administration. She has a 3.92 GPA and is the co-president of the All College Honors Program Student Council. On campus, she has assisted with the annual Scholarship Gala, and participated in the 2011 Golf and Tennis Scholarship Classic. Off campus, Lundquist holds down a part-time job, teaches tennis for the Town of Tonawanda Parks and Recreation Department, and is very involved with her church.

Twenty-eight students in the Buffalo area applied for the award, submitting a resume, transcript, and personal essay. A committee of GEICO supervisors, managers, and human resources personnel reviewed the applications and selected Lundquist as one of four regional recipients.

"Molly has an outstanding GPA and many academic accolades," said Justine Ramsey, regional college recruiter for GEICO. "Her ability to manage leadership roles, school, and volunteer work show her dedication to learning and personal achievement."

Nearly every semester, Lundquist pushed herself to take 18 credit hours, including many service learning courses. She was also able to take classes she hadn’t pictured herself in, like jewelry making.

"I feel more than ready to enter the 'real world,' and I know there are people at Buffalo State eager to help me reach my goals." Lundquist said. She encourages her fellow students and incoming freshmen to take advantage of the opportunities at Buffalo State. "Fill out that application, go to the extra credit seminar, do a couple of hours of community service. You never know where it could take you."

Lundquist hopes to pursue a career in market research and eventually earn an MBA after graduating.