Planning Financial Futures

Loren Fishkind Ward ’07 is a vice president and wealth management adviser at Merrill Lynch in New York City who educates her clients and empowers them to feel comfortable about their financial futures. In July, Ward, a certified financial planner who majored in international relations and Spanish, was recognized by inclusion in Forbes’ America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors list.

1. How did Bucknell shape your career?

Bucknell challenged me to to be bright, involved, creative and philanthropic, and to have a positive work ethic. I’ve used those skills to be successful personally and professionally and to help others.

2. What class opened your eyes the most?

Economics 101 with Professor Stephen Stamos explored the complexity of the world and its impact on global economies. It sparked my interest in what I eventually pursued for my career.

3. What fun moment at Bucknell is the most memorable for you?

I look back and smile about so many — hours-long brunches with friends at the caf, meeting my Spanish host mother during my semester abroad, the Freez and living with my best friends during my senior year.

4. If you could go back to college, what would you do differently?

I am grateful to have had an amazing college experience and wouldn’t want to change anything. The palette of offerings was huge. My friends from Bucknell are irreplaceable, and I loved my involvement and the choices I made. I am who I am today because of them.

5. What lesson did you learn at Bucknell that you still carry with you?

I learned to surround myself with people who challenge me and make me laugh. That lesson has helped me as I grow in my career and create a support system, for which I am incredibly grateful.