After graduating from Kalamazoo College in June, Zack Ray is working as an intern at Ven Johnson Law for a year while applying to graduate school to pursue a law degree or an economics Ph. D.
A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, Zack was a co-captain on the Hornet men's tennis team his senior year. He was named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll all four years and was an ITA Scholar-Athlete.
During the summer after his junior year and through the fall term of his senior year, Zack interned at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo. He received honors in the economics department for his SIP (Senior Individualized Project) thesis titled "An Analysis of Effectiveness of Economic Development Incentives for Data Centers." Zack studied abroad in Rome, Italy, during the fall of his junior year.
"Studying abroad in Rome was the most valuable experience I had at K," Zack said. "The cultural exchange was especially important to me."
His time on the courts and with his teammates also had a lasting effect.
"More important to me than anything is the bond I have made with my teammates on the tennis team," he said. "I know the friendships I have made will last a lifetime, and I could not be more grateful for that.
"In addition, Coach Riley has always been extremely supportive and helpful in my growth on and off the tennis court," Zack said. "I could not have asked for a better coach, mentor, and friend."