2016 Geoffrey Beene Scholarship Winner: Megan Donovan, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Graduation: May 2016

Major: Retailing and Consumer Behavior

Where are you from? I’m originally from St. Paul, Minnesota.

How did you become interested in retail and pursuing a career in fashion merchandising?  I first fell in love with retail when I worked as a buyer and planner for my own store in high school, introducing me to all aspects of retail.  My experiences in and out of the classroom at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have exposed me to many different facets of the retailing and fashion industry, from retail financial analysis and advanced consumer analytics to trend tracking and forecasting on a 3-week trip through Europe.

What are some of the activities you are involved with on campus? I am very active on campus, working for the Kohl’s Center for Retailing Excellence, serving as a teaching assistant for a high-level retailing course that focuses on the design thinking process, and interning for the Department of Athletics. I also participate in case competitions and attends various industry tradeshows, such as MAGIC in Las Vegas and Retail’s BIG Show in New York, which have solidified my passion for the retail and fashion industry.

How do you enjoy spending your free time? I enjoy watching hockey with my family and listening to my vinyl collection.

Where do you hope to see yourself after graduation in May? I hope to work in the high-fashion industry on the East Coast!