Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

University Scholar, 2005-present
Dean’s List, 2005-2007
Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society inductee, spring 2008
Golden Key International Honour Society inductee, fall 2007
National Dean’s List, 2006
Leadership Academy graduate, 2006.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Lily Ayimah-Gyamfi, 20, a senior, plans to graduate from The University of Texas-Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2009. She graduated in the top five percent of her class from McAllen High School. In addition, she attended and graduated from the International Baccalaureate Programme, a rigorous international academic program that challenges students to work at their upmost potential. While attending UTPA, Ayimah-Gyamfi has been very involved in the University community. She has participated in the Leadership Academy, Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society, Pizza Box Ministries as well as the Ambassador Program, which is designed to aid freshmen in their transition from high school to university. She has also attended the LeaderShape Camp and is a Certified Peer Educator. She is a member of the Honor’s Program and is currently working on her thesis. This summer she served as the first UTPA intern for the Boeing Company within their finance division. She has also volunteered at such events as Family Weekend, Feast of Sharing and various others within her local church.

What are your plans after graduation?

My long-term goal is to become a professor of finance. After graduation, I plan on obtaining a job in corporate America for about two years, after which I plan on returning to school for my MBA. After receiving my master’s degree, I will continue on with my Ph.D. While working toward my Ph.D, I hope to obtain a job with my university as a part time lecturer in order to gain practical experience. After finally completing all my education, I will apply what I learned as a lecturer and within corporate America to the classroom in hopes of teaching young college students, much like myself, about finance.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

Returning to the Valley is definitely an option for me after obtaining my Ph.D.

What has your education done for you?

My education has greatly broadened my horizons. It has introduced me to the business world, something I did not know much about before I started my business degree. It has also helped to make me a more well-rounded person and has greatly opened so many doors that might otherwise have been closed.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

I could not have chosen a better school to begin my education! I really love and enjoy all the opportunities that UTPA has afforded me. There is so much to do and become involved with on our campus. I was fortunate enough to have grabbed most of those chances and as a result, I have seen myself grow into a much better person. I have learned so much because of this University and it is something I would not ever trade for the world.

What is your best tip for success?

Keep your eyes on the prize. If you know what you want in life, just keep your eyes on that goal and work toward it. Never be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Just be sure that nobody and nothing sways you from that ultimate goal.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

“It’s not how smart you are. It’s how you are smart.” This quote has gotten me through the tough times within the IB Programme and through UTPA. You do not have to be that genius who completed college before they were 19 years old, or that smart person in class who just seems to make straight A’s no matter what. However, if you always work hard no matter what, study hard, manage your time wisely, you will always come out on top. It is all about how you are smart, whether or not you decide to apply yourself.