While at UR, Asher studied socioeconomic anthropology and political science along with a minor in creative writing. He was also a member of the Midnight Ramblers and the Meridian Society. Currently, Asher works for a health care software company in Madison, Wis., where he also helps recruit future UR students.

What have you been up to since graduation?
Immediately after graduation I began working at Epic Systems — a health care software company — as a project management implementation consultant.

Is this were you thought you’d be at this point?
No. Throughout most of college I thought I would go directly into law school upon graduation. As I began to take business related courses my interest in pursuing such a field increased; however, my main interest was in the theory of business which lead me to consider pursuing the Ph.D. route. Late during my junior year, after extensive consideration of options, I decided to look into various consulting positions which lead me to Epic — which has given me the opportunity to combine consulting with the important field of medical software.

What advice do you have for students pursuing an anthropology or political science major?
With all clichés aside, expect the unexpected and be open to new ideas. Epic was definitely an outlier in the pool of companies and positions I was progressing towards. Not only is Epic removed from the Wall Street mentality of business, but I had to considerably buff up on my computer programming skills. Bottom line is that the unexpected can be wonderful — you just have to keep an eye out for it.

What role do you think music plays on the River Campus?
For me, music was a large part of my college tenure. The Midnight Ramblers provided me both the opportunity to be creative outside the classroom, while enjoying music camaraderie at the most basic level — a group of people who enjoy singing for the sake of singing. But that really didn’t answer the question. On River Campus, music plays a similar role to all other activities: an outlet for expression and something to get passionate about. My fondest memory of Rochester is students’ interest and eagerness to get involved with that which they adore. Bottom line, find what makes you tick, and if you can’t find it, create it.

In a recent editorial, the CT questioned the University’s claim of a 9:1 student to faculty ratio, citing that recitations, labs, and workshops are included in the count. They urged administration to improve the quality of class facilities by increasing the number of seminar-style rooms. Based on your academic experience, should this be a University priority?
Without seeing the numbers and what they were actually looking at this is hard to give an accurate “I agree” or “I don’t agree” with the above statement. However, yes, UR, rather all schools and universities alike, should increase the number of seminar-style rooms and classes when and where appropriate. I was lucky enough to have many seminars throughout college — such classes have made me the thinker I am today.

As an alumnus, what University developments have you been pleased (or not so pleased) to see?
Too soon to say.

How do you stay connected to the University?
I am the Midwest Regional Alumni Volunteer Chair for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Along with Bradly Booke — the Midwest Regional Director of Admissions (UR ‘03) — I am working to help organize and facilitate a variety of Admissions recruitment events in the Midwest.

What’s the one thing every UR student should do before graduation?
Take your favorite professor/mentor to the Mel.