Leading the Way at Elmhurst and Beyond

When Lucia Gaviria ’25 accepted her degrees in finance and economics at Elmhurst University’s Commencement on May 24, she did so as one of the Class of 2025’s shining stars. Two weeks earlier, Gaviria earned the coveted Senior of the Year Award at the Student Leadership Awards ceremony, capping four years of impact at Elmhurst University.

Now, Gaviria is on the cusp of success as a financial analyst, starting her career at a dream employer — BMO Harris Bank in Chicago, in the Commercial Analyst Development Program.

“During the past four years, Elmhurst has intellectually prepared me to be a well-rounded individual with lots of knowledge in the theories behind economics and finance,” she said. “I’ve made an effort to go above and beyond in classes and extracurricular activities to prepare for the real world.”

She might be leaving Elmhurst University, but Gaviria leaves behind a legacy and serves as an inspiration for future generations of student s. Her story serves as an ideal illustration of the relevant, hands-on experience Elmhurst provides students at the top companies in the Chicago area — experience that enables students to apply their skills and give them a professional edge in a competitive marketplace.

An Adventure Across Continents

A native of Medellín, Colombia, Gaviria didn’t have Elmhurst University or a finance career on her radar in high school. She wanted to combine her interest in economics with journalism, ultimately writing for the prestigious Wall Street Journal. To achieve that, she set her sights on schools in Chicago, a city steeped in journalism history, and the surrounding area. Gaviria’s counselor at Columbus School in El Retiro, Antioquia, Colombia, had been in contact with Christine Grenier, Elmhurst University vice president of admission, and he suggested Elmhurst.

“He said, ‘I think you’ll thrive in a small school because you like knowing people and you like that community aspect of it,’” Gaviria said. “So I was like, ‘Sure, I’ll apply,’ with nothing to lose.”

That was the start of a rewarding Elmhurst experience — for her and the campus community. Little did she know, Gaviria would also be immersed in an experiential learning model that would reshape her academic interests and put her on an unexpected — but fulfilling — professional path.

But first, she had to secure financing. Recalling that Gaviria had described a background of service in her admission essay, Grenier encouraged her to apply for the Niebuhr Service to Society Scholarship. Gaviria earned second place, which, combined with merit scholarships for her academic performance, put her in a strong financial position. This solidified her decision to become a Bluejay.

Her academic future set, Gaviria embarked on a journey that would give her the knowledge and skills to prepare professionally and personally for whatever came next.

Making an Impact

Starting on day one, Gaviria took advantage of the opportunities to hone her leadership and decision-making skills. In addition to starting her first year as a Niebuhr Fellow, she earned the Shining Star Award as a sophomore. Then, she served as a resident advisor during her junior and senior years in Dinkmeyer Hall, a time she fondly remembers.

“My first year, I was placed in the all-girls wing in Dinkmeyer with mostly first year residents, and I quickly grew to love working with them,” said Gaviria, who coupled her work as an RA with her Niebuhr scholarship to cover all of her financial obligations. “When they first got here, they were all quiet and under their parents’ wing — they weren’t very talkative and stuff. Then as the year went on, I saw them grow into their big personalities, which was pretty cool. I got to see them learn how to advocate for themselves. Overall, it was just a great first year as an RA.”

In another milestone achievement, Gaviria founded Girl Up EU, an Elmhurst University chapter of the global girl-centered leadership development initiative focusing on equity for girls and women. Gaviria served as president for two years, spearheading initiatives such as menstruation stations in women’s restrooms that offered free tampons and pads. The club also provided care packages and notes of encouragement to a women’s shelter in Chicago. Girl Up won the Making a Difference Award at the 2024 Student Leadership Awards.

Gaviria also was vice president of finance for the Union Board, served as treasurer for Phi Mu for two years, and was secretary for Delta Mu Delta, the business honor society. In her senior year, Gaviria was named a Lincoln Student Laureate, a prestigious award honoring leadership and civic engagement, and represented Elmhurst University at an awards ceremony in Springfield, Illinois. She also earned the Outstanding Senior in the School of Business Award.

Her honors and accomplishments are a testament to the holistic development Elmhurst students receive — in and out of the classroom.

Academic Success and Support

In the classroom, Gaviria’s academic journey took an unexpected turn early on. She abandoned her plan to major in economics and journalism after taking a macroeconomics class with professor Eric Sanders.

“That class was what made me change from journalism and economics to economics and finance because I wanted to be fully immersed in the business world,” said Gaviria, who minored in international business. “I was obsessed with it. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

Once committed to econ and finance, Gaviria built her academic foundation with the help of several other professors and classes that stoked limitless thinking. Accounting professor Craig Krenek gave her an invaluable understanding of the subject. “He truly gave me the best foundation of accounting,” said Gaviria, who even took a third accounting class beyond her requirements. “I wanted to learn as much as I could from him.”

Professor Avraham Baranes, meanwhile, was instrumental in economics. “I owe my entire econ foundation to him,” Gaviria said. On the finance side, Professor Lisa Kralina was not only a teacher but also a significant mentor. “She has literally shaped the finance professional that I am because she’s the only person that has ever taught me anything in finance,” Gaviria said. “Every single thing that I’ve gotten asked at a job interview, she taught me.”

Kralina was also her advisor, and Gaviria had the privilege of doing an independent study on cryptocurrency regulations with her. The holistic development helped set Gaviria up for her boldest move yet.

Securing Her Dream Job

Gaviria’s pursuit of her ideal job at BMO Harris Bank speaks to both her tenacity and the power of the Elmhurst network to provide students with a professional edge. Her fascination with BMO began her sophomore year when she attended a panel on women’s empowerment at BMO’s offices. “It was awesome, and the moment I left, I became obsessed with working there,” Gaviria said. “My only goal was to work at BMO post-graduation — that was the only thing I wanted, and I was going to do everything in my power to work there.”

Gaviria was true to her word. She pursued connections at BMO job fairs, leveraged Elmhurst alumni connections and ties to Chicago companies, benefited from recommendations from Elmhurst figures, and — importantly — shadowed a BMO executive for a year as part of a School of Business mentorship program, a significant fieldwork opportunity.

She suffered a setback, however, when she was denied an internship due to BMO’s strict policy against sponsoring international students. “I took it very hard,” she said.

The interaction allowed her to get on BMO’s radar, however, and maintain connections. Her persistence paid off. After resolving her sponsorship status, Gaviria applied for a full-time position. She bypassed initial interview filters, going straight to the interview, where she competed against over 1,000 applicants for just five spots.

She ultimately received and accepted a full-time offer with BMO, starting this month.

“You don’t understand: I’ve been wanting to work with you for literally since I started college,” Gaviria told them when she received the offer. “It all came together because I was exposed to them through Elmhurst.”

Looking Forward and Back

As she embarks on her new challenge in Chicago, Gaviria is grateful for the spirit of camaraderie and support she felt throughout her four years at Elmhurst.

“Everybody wants to see you thrive, whether that’s your peers or your professors or staff — everybody wants to see you thrive,” she said. “It’s not a competitive environment; it’s definitely a collaborative environment — very uplifting, very encouraging and if you win, everyone wins .”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.