Alumni Career Program
Class of 1996 Alumni Speak to Class of 2009
Class of 1996 alumni Christopher Turner and Joseph D’Orazio were invited by the Alumni Association to address the senior class as part of the Alumni Career Program.
After a brief introduction by Alumni Association President Mr. Barry Mulhern, Chris and Joe addressed the seniors about their college experiences and career choices.
After graduating from Devon Prep Chris Turner attended Villanova University and Widener Law School. He is currently an attorney for Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees Attorneys at Law.
The former Devon Prep basketball player encouraged the members of the Class of 2009 to travel, take internships and work in related activities to find out what kind of business or work they are really interested in.
He stressed the importance of trying to narrow their focus and interests. He also talked about the value of their Devon Prep education and how it will impact their future. “Devon Prep prepared you in ways you are not going to appreciate until you get to college,” Chris said. “The experiences you have here are really going to prepare you for the next four years.”
After graduating form Devon Prep Joe D’Orazio attended La Salle University and Drexel University College of Medicine. He told the seniors that he entered La Salle as a bio major and, although he wavered a little, he eventually went back to pre-med studies. Today he is a physician in medical toxicology at Hahnemann University Hospital.
Joe urged the seniors to pick something they like and do well, and work to excel at it. “Colleges and grad schools like to see that there is something you work at and can do really well,” he said.
He also told them to expand their interests. “Be open to things you typically would not have done before,” he said, “whether it’s joining an organization or traveling abroad. Keep your mind open.”
Before the seminar concluded both Chris and Joe also answered questions from the students.
Devon Prep’s Alumni Association sponsors several similar Career Seminars throughout the school year in which alumni working in various fields return to speak with members of the senior class.