Recognizing Rockefeller Center Student Program Assistant George Philipose '15

In this series, the Rockefeller Center features our Student Program Assistants, student staff who contribute significantly to the success of the Center’s events, programs, and activities.

George Philipose '15 first became involved with the Rockefeller Center during his first year at Dartmouth through Dartmouth Athletes in Business and Leadership (DABL). Initiated by John Turro '12 and Pete Jankovsky '12, two Rockefeller Student Program Assistants, DABL focused on the intersection of leadership, business, and sports. George did not play a sport at Dartmouth, but his interest in the program’s subject matter led him to become heavily involved with DABL. He attended several lectures and helped bring in speakers to share their experiences in relation to the program’s focus. During this time, George also participated in the Rockefeller Center’s Management and Leadership Development Program and attended public programs, VoxMasters, and PoliTALK. After DABL’s founders graduated, George took over the program, co-leading the group with Katelyn Walker '14.

Student Program Assistant for RBEL George Philipose '15. Photo by Thanh V. Nguyen.

In order to cater to the interests of a wider student demographic, George and Katelyn changed the name of the program to Rockefeller Business and Entrepreneurial Leaders (RBEL). Along with his co-leader, George brought in speakers ranging from alumni and professors to business leaders outside of Dartmouth, all of whom would speak about their career paths in business as well as life lessons learned along with the way. George’s efforts helped foster relationships between these leaders and undergraduates while also educating Dartmouth students on their options after graduation.

At the end of George’s junior year, President Hanlon directed Dartmouth to place a greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, creating the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network (DEN). This newly initiated program attracted some of RBEL’s attendees as both RBEL and DEN gathered a similar following. Noticing this, RBEL transitioned to creating unique leadership projects, typically focusing on one each term. Since then, the program has grown and continues to be a success today.

As a group, George and RBEL’s other members collaborate to devise new ways to start a business or non-profit organization that helps to serve the Dartmouth community. The program meets weekly and is completely open to pursuing the ideas of any Dartmouth student interested in social entrepreneurship.

Today, George leads the program along with Arjun Sachdeva '17. This past term, the two led a project aimed toward creating a business around recycling in the area, specifically through fraternities. The project’s goal was to encourage the community to recycle more by developing a business model that both helped the environment and promoted campus sustainability.

"I’ve worked with George since his freshman summer," says Vincent Mack, Program Officer at the Rockefeller Center. "George is the type of student who genuinely cares about the work environment or community he finds himself in, which is why it will be difficult to adjust Dartmouth’s campus without him after Commencement."

Through his work with RBEL, George has greatly contributed to the Rockefeller Center by creating more opportunities for his peers to become involved. While working at the Center, George particularly enjoyed his small, day-to-day interactions with the staff.

"Although my D Plan has led me to leave campus a lot, Rocky was a place I always felt comfortable and happy to return to because of the staff’s strong sense of community," says George.

After graduation, George plans to move to Houston, where he will work for Wells Fargo in investment banking. As he continues his career path, George leaves behind a legacy at the Rockefeller Center and takes with him a set of time management, project management, and public speaking skills that will aid him in his future endeavors.

-Written by Nikita Bakhru '17, Rockefeller Center Student Program Assistant