Jessica Wenger ’10 wears Union on her sleeve. Or, more specifically, on her marathon jerseys.
“I love to run and swim,” said Wenger, assistant dean of Admissions and coordinator of Diversity and Access Engagement. “Since graduating, I’ve competed in nearly a dozen triathlon and marathon relays with teams of Union alumni friends. We’re Team U. More often than not, we’ve medaled.”
Jess Wenger '10 with Magic
With her love of athletics and fitness, Wenger is currently hoping to convince her teammates to reunite for a local triathlon festival this summer. The team last competed and placed second in 2018.
As an undergraduate, Wenger majored in psychology with a minor in sociology, played intramural soccer for Wold House and volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“I applied Early Decision to Union nearly 20 years ago,” she said. “My first visit to Union was actually for my older brother’s college search, but I fell in love with it and it quickly became a top choice for me.
“Attending Union remains one of my best decisions. I made lifelong friends and gained confidence in myself as a learner, which inspired my future academically and professionally. Union is a place that allowed me to grow and take risks. I truly believe in a liberal arts education.”
After graduating, Wenger served as a dean for three years in Union’s Office of Admissions before leaving to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in educational policy and leadership at the University at Albany. Her dissertation focused on diversity and, specifically, the sense of belonging of Posse Scholars. She looks forward to being part of Union’s Posse selection process for the Class of 2030.
Wenger is a native of central Massachusetts. She is married to Peter Katlic '08, who majored in computer engineering at Union and is a lead software engineer at GE Aerospace Research. In addition to athletic activities, Wenger enjoys reading, pop culture trivia, trying new restaurants and watching college basketball, particularly during March Madness.
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
Email. I typically start my day with the New York Times’ The Morning newsletter, then for lighter content I move onto Facebook. Yes, I’m part of that generation.
THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ:
“Rough Sleepers” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder, who chronicles the efforts of Dr. Jim O’Connell, a physician who walked away from a prestigious medical fellowship to care for and support unhoused communities in Boston. This book made a lasting impression on me because Boston is a special city for me; it was my first real hometown with my family. Dr. O’Connell’s support of this vulnerable population throughout his career is truly incredible. It’s inspiring to read how powerful an impact a small but mighty group of individuals can have on others’ lives.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:
I’ve been trying to embrace the tip I read recently by a mental health counselor: Instead of focusing on the worst case scenario, spend your time and energy focusing on the best and most likely case scenarios. Of course, it’s easier said than done during these chaotic times.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?:
“The White Lotus.” The characters are insufferable but draw you in, and the slow burn is intense.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
I wish I were fluent in Spanish. In fact, I started out as a Spanish minor at Union but switched to sociology.
3 DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased) YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE:
I’d love to have dinner with several members of my family who are no longer here, “the Three Pauls.” They are my grandfather, uncle and cousin. Each taught me a great deal about living life with humility, courage, optimism, humor and hope. A celebrity I’d like to meet is Lin Manuel Miranda. I think he's an incredible lyricist and songwriter. I saw his first musical, “In The Heights” on Broadway through a bus trip Union sponsored one winter term. I loved seeing Hamilton (twice!) at Proctor’s.
FIRST CONCERT:
This is embarrassing but OTOWN in 2001. More fun is my most recent concert; last spring I went to Billy Joel’s second-to-last concert (#149) of his Madison Square Garden residency. Amazing!
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:
I took the SATs in Union sweatpants. I still have the hoodie my parents bought me when I was accepted ED in December 2005. I’m wearing it as I write this.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
There are so many over the last 15 years, but going to Frozen Fenway (Union vs. Harvard) in 2012 with my dad remains a favorite. My dad, who inspired me to pursue a career in higher education, was working for our opponent, which made for a fun and friendly in-family rivalry. And obviously Fenway is such an iconic sports landmark in Boston and beyond.
ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
My nearly 15-year-old cat, Magic. Most people say black cats are bad luck, but I have to disagree. Also, Chapstick and sunscreen are a daily must.