Will Rappold ‘28: Destined to be Dolphin

Will Rappold ‘28 is no stranger to Ignatian education. A Rochester, New York, native, Rappold attended McQuaid Jesuit High School, and admired the Jesuit commitment to cultivating “people for and with others.” Early in his college search he knew that he wanted to continue his education at another Jesuit institution. However, the question remained: Which one? Two conversations ultimately solidified his decision and led him to Le Moyne College.

The first was with Jim Joseph ‘83, Ed.D. ‘23, executive dean of the Madden College of Business and Economics, and Frank Marrullo, director of the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) Program. It took place at the College’s fall Open House. Rappold recalled that Joseph and Marrullo spent nearly 30 minutes with him, learning about him and what he wanted out of his college experience. The second occurred later, at an event for admitted students and their families, and was with President Linda LeMura, Ph.D. Rappold recalled that after he and Dr. LeMura spoke for and took a photo together, she removed the small Dolphin pin she was wearing and pinned it on him, saying, “Will, I think you’re going to be a Dolphin.” 

Rappold now studies RMI at Le Moyne, where he is also a member of  the Integral Honors Program. It is a field that piqued his interest because of its universality. There is not an industry or business around the world that is immune from risk. In fact, threats from forces like cybersecurity attacks, climate change and pandemics mean that risk is even more present. Rappold hopes to spend his career helping business leaders identify, understand and manage risk. His time at Le Moyne is preparing him to do just that. Yes, Rappold regularly wrestles with things that are enormously complex, but he does so in an environment that he calls “supportive and encouraging.”

“You don’t find that in a lot of places,” he says.