When LIM’s Class of 2021 gather with their families and friends for the College’s virtual Commencement ceremony on May 20, they will have the opportunity to hear from three high-achieving student speakers.
This year, for the first time in the College’s history, in addition to the undergraduate Valedictorian, there are two Salutatorians – and all three are members of the Fashion Scholars Honors Program.
Valedictorian – Claire Andrews (photo, top)
Claire, who is from Florence, South Carolina, is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing, with a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Claire has been active in the campus community, including working as an Ambassador in the Office of Admissions and serving as Vice President of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society in her junior year. She also took advantage of study abroad opportunities, including a trip to Australia and the European Cross-Cultural Analysis trip.
Claire completed five internships during her four years at LIM, most of which focused on marketing in the digital space, and she plans to stay in New York to pursue a career in digital or social media.
Salutatorian – Victoria Montalti (photo, left)
Victoria is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Media, with a 3.98 cumulative GPA. Victoria also double minored in English and Fashion Merchandising. She is originally from Brooklyn, New York and considers it her home but lived in Howell, New Jersey for most of her life.
Victoria has done four internships while at LIM, including editorial positions at Ann Taylor, Faviana, The Daily Front Row, and a Senior Co-Op at The Take. Throughout her time at LIM, Victoria served as a Writing Tutor. She was also highly involved in LIM’s student magazine, The Lexington Line, starting in her sophomore year as a staff writer and working her way up to become The Lexington Line’s first-ever Fashion Director.
After graduation, Victoria hopes to become a writer for a fashion or lifestyle media company, and eventually would like to expand her career into the field of creative direction.
Salutatorian - Lauren Esposito (photo, right)
Lauren will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Fashion Merchandising, having achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.98. During her time at LIM, Lauren concentrated her studies on Buying and Planning. She also served as a tutor in the Math Center and was one of the winners of the NYC Fur and Accessories Council Next Generation competition.
Lauren, who is from Port Washington, New York, came to LIM with the career goal of becoming a buyer at a luxury department store such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s.
She completed five internships -- at companies including Athleta, American Exchange Group, and The Natori Company -- and after graduation Lauren will end up right where she wanted to be. In June, she will join Bloomingdale’s Merchant Executive Development Program. Upon completion of that program, Lauren will transition into a full-time role as an Assistant Buyer at Bloomingdale’s.
