Why I Give: Jackie Hockersmith Roos ’09
Jackie Hockersmith Roos ’09
Tell us a little about yourself.
In the years since my graduation, I earned a master’s degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, served as the executive assistant to the director of the Women’s Prison Association, then moved on to a few tech start-ups such as WeWork, Glossier, and Lyft. I am now a senior executive assistant at DigitalOcean, a cloud computing company. In the next five to 10 years, I would like to enter local politics. These opportunities would not be possible without my Randolph education.
What did your experience at the College mean to you?
My college experience truly shaped me into the person that I am today. The sisters that I bonded with, the educational environment that challenged me, and the one-on-one attention that I received from my professors are what made the College the perfect place for me to grow as a person.
It’s perhaps my relationship with Dr. Sherayko that stands out as the life-changing thing for me. Even though it’s been over 10 years since I graduated, I still try and make time for him. We’ve talked on the phone, over Zoom, and met up in New York City. Not only was Dr. Sherayko a great professor that I spent hundreds of hours with, but I’d also like to think that he’s my friend (and at points during my time at the College, my surrogate father).
Tell us about a memory from the College.
I remember my overnight visit behind the Red Brick Wall as a prospective student. I experienced the College’s academics and rich social history that are treasured by generations of alumnae, alumni, and students alike, and I fell in love with this wonderful place.
Why do you give back to the College?
I give to the College because I know the lasting impact that place had on me as a person, and I think it’s important that the College is there to continue doing that work.
What is your favorite tradition?
As for my favorite tradition, that would have to be the Odd/Even rivalry. I love everything about being a part of the Gamma13; my hat, my amazing red shirt with a big blue devil face on the front, my spooky ring, our secret meeting spot. The relationships that I forged with my friends became even deeper as we bonded through Gamma13 initiation, and when we carried on the tradition. Being a Gamma allowed me an outlet to yell and scream and come out of my shell. For that, I’m deeply grateful.
