Meet the Alumni: Kathy Gerhart '10

Washington College swimming asked a few alumni what they are up to after graduating from WAC and moving on. Some are doctors, teachers, nurses and lawyers. All are very successful. We wanted to know what they remembered about their experience attending school and swimming at Washington College, and what the best memories they had were. 

Kathy Gerhart
Class of 2010
Profession: Environmental Analyst

What were your favorite events?
I came into WAC as a 100 flyer but was transformed into a sprint freestyler so I'd have to say that the 50 free quickly became my favorite.

What is your favorite swimming memory at WC?
My favorite memory at WAC would be sweeping all five relays at champs my senior year. It was something that had only been done once before in championship history and coming into the meet no one expected us to complete such a feat. What made it even more special was that the last relay (the 400 free) was the last event of the meet and my last event as a collegiate swimmer.

How did you manage training with your academic work?
Having the set schedule of swim season actually made it easier for me to get my work done. I knew that I had to stay organized and on top of things while training. The best grades I got each year were in the Fall semester and I attribute that to swimming.

What classes that you took stand out in your memory at WC?
My favorite class at WAC was Conservation and Wildlife Management. I took it during fall semester my senior year and it really helped me to hone in on what I wanted to do with my environmental studies major. I found the material that was taught extremely interesting and also loved the teacher (Dr. Munson).

What classes were best related to your career choice?
My job as an environmental analyst draws on many of the courses I took as an environmental major. 

What made you pick your career?
I've always been passionate about protecting the environment and conservation. My job allows me to make sure the environment is being protected when residential construction is taking place.

What was it about WC that made you decide to attend?
I loved how close-knit the school was, especially the swim team. When I came to WAC for my recruiting trip, I was able to meet and hangout with the team. Everyone was friendly and I though that this was definitely a place where I could fit in well. Coming from a small town, I didn't want to come to school and be a number. I wanted a personal connection with my teachers and to know the people I saw walking around campus. WAC was able to give me that.