As a Commerce student, Jonah Strupinsky has carried a rigorous course load and immersed himself in a multitude of extracurriculars, too.
He’s had notable roles in McIntire’s Commerce Council as part of its Student Engagement & Events Committee. As a mentor for the UVA Finance Academy, a peer academic coach in Intermediate Financial Accounting, a senior consultant for the Enactus student org, and a member of the TEDxUVA’s sponsorship team, Strupinsky has demonstrated an expansive breadth of involvement and dynamic engagement within the UVA community. Off Grounds, his commitment extended to volunteer work with Madison House and coaching at the Virginia Basketball Academy. Yet, it was his leadership at the UVA Speaking Center and participation in the Virginia Venture Fund (VVF) that he says helped to define his transformative time at the University.
One of Strupinsky’s pivotal experiences at UVA came through his role as President with the UVA Speaking Center. Having overcome the early challenge of a childhood lisp, Strupinsky continued to build his communications in high school, taking public-speaking electives. “When I got to college and I found an organization that helped other students who had similar experiences, either stage fright or just wanting to rehearse in front of a crowd before doing a class presentation, I wanted to facilitate that access in any way I could. Fifteen years ago, I would never be caught standing in front of a group of people, giving a speech or a presentation,” he says, reflecting on his personal growth and courage to overcome his own fears while mentoring others to move past their own.
Parallel to his engagement with the Speaking Center, the White Plains, NY, native’s involvement with the VVF catalyzed his interest in finance, even before he formally immersed himself in Commerce studies. Through the VVF, Strupinsky cultivated mentors and gained valuable insights that shaped his understanding of the subject as well as real estate—a key interest that led to internships and a concentration at McIntire.
Academically, Strupinsky’s admiration for McIntire faculty like Professors Sherri Moore and Gayle Erwin reinforced the notion that learning transcends traditional boundaries. Moore’s Commercial Law class left indelible lessons—her emphasis on maintaining a positive mindset in adversity resonated deeply with Strupinsky. “The one thing you can control is your attitude,” he observes, highlighting Moore’s influence on his personal and academic philosophy. Similarly, Erwin’s Integrated Core Finance course taught him the value of collaboration and effective communication—indispensable skills in investment banking; with time, her insightful advice has encompassed much more than finance, he says.
Strupinsky also pursued a minor in Religious Studies. “I wanted to work different parts of my brain,” he admits. Through courses such as Modern Jewish Thought led by Professor Asher Biemann, Strupinsky discovered the profound intersectionality of religious studies with business, especially in a global context. Emphasizing this connection, he says, “Understanding [countries’] values can help you better form relationships and interact with people of different perspectives and ideas.”
Beyond academics, Strupinsky’s resilience was tested by personal challenges, including the loss of a close family friend during his first year at UVA. Through this and other community tragedies, he discovered the profound support system inherent in the UVA community—a microcosm of solidarity and empathy that offered solace and strength. “Throughout all of these tragedies, I really saw the beauty of the UVA community and how when one of us is hurt, all of us are hurt,” he says.
His belief in the importance of culture, communication, and global awareness was strongly reinforced through his time studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. At DIS, he took Competing and Creating in Global Markets with McIntire F.S. Cornell Eminent Professor Emeritus of Free Enterprise and John A. Griffin Dean Emeritus Carl Zeithaml. The course deepened his understanding of global business dynamics and underscored the necessity of cultural appreciation and adaptability—a cornerstone of effective communication and community building in any business context. The richness of Denmark’s culture, combined with its collaborative learning environment, helped Strupinsky appreciate the broader horizons and intersections of culture and commerce, cultivating a perspective that values the diversity and interconnectedness of the global community.
Looking ahead, Strupinsky is poised for an exciting career at Jefferies in their healthcare investment banking group—an opportunity he eagerly anticipates. But before he steps into his new role, he plans to travel to Southeast Asia, visiting Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam—a pursuit that echoes his passion for communication, culture, and learning outside conventional confines.
