Jorge Fournier’s first business venture was a lemonade stand-turned-general store. His parents, both CPAs, encouraged his interest in micro-enterprise, and when his childhood endeavors paid off, Fournier dutifully invested his profits under the guidance of his grandfather, whom he still consults with today.

“I have seen how you can start things up from nothing,” Fournier said. “After falling in love with the CNBC ticker in fourth grade, I have not looked back.”

It was not a surprise then when Fournier wanted to attend business school, where he has studied finance with a minor in entrepreneurship and social enterprise. “When I visited Wake Forest with my parents, we were awestruck by the 100 percent job placement for accounting students and by how helpful faculty, students, and administrators are.”

Originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Fournier was named one of Poets & Quants Undergrad’s “Best & Brightest Business Majors of 2018.” And for good reason: he is a scholarship recipient many times over, has a list of extracurricular activities a mile long, and was selected to represent the entire undergraduate student body as this year’s student trustee on the University’s Board of Trustees.

It is Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate spirit for which Fournier is most grateful. As a student, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Campus Kitchen, and coordinated fundraising efforts for Puerto Rican hurricane victims. He’s also experienced the Wake Forest spirit of service while networking with alumni. “I have not met a fellow Deacon that was not willing to help another Demon Deacon,” he said.

After completing an internship last summer at Barclays Investment Bank, he will return to New York to begin work as an analyst there. “I have already begun looking at organizations where I can volunteer during my spare time in New York,” Fournier said. “Long term, I want to start a nonprofit organization focused on helping homeless people in Puerto Rico. I know that Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate spirit will always guide me toward the right direction as I progress through my career.”