W&L Outcomes: Luke Avigliano ’25

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
June 17, 2025

Luke Avigliano '25
Major(s): Chemistry and Spanish
Hometown: Madison, New Jersey

What are your post-graduation plans?

During the summer, I will be studying for the MCAT, and after my test, I will be working for Dr. Brian Butcher '93 as a scribe in his office in Newport News, Virginia.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

I studied Spanish and chemistry at W&L, and I will utilize the skills and concepts I learned in chemistry to help me in the future with my MCAT prep and (hopefully) medical school classes. Additionally, I hope to incorporate the Spanish language into my practice model in the future.

How did your career plans evolve throughout your time at W&L? Did you always know what you wanted to do?

I have always been passionate about health care, and I went into W&L knowing that was what I wanted to do. However, health care is a broad field with a variety of professions, so my time at W&L helped me narrow my scope and determine which aspect of health care I could see myself a part of in the future.

Is there one class that ended up changing your perspective or that really surprised you?

There was one class I took outside my respective majors that really stood out to me. It was a sociology class with Professor Jasiewicz that explored films in Central Europe during their occupation by the USSR.

Which faculty or staff member had the most impact on you, and what did you learn from them (either inside or outside the classroom)?

Through my four years of track and field, Coach Uhl has had an indelible impact on my growth and development as an athlete, leader and man of faith. His encouragement and dedication to the team helped foster a family environment where everyone had each other's backs. Being able to experience an environment such as that inspires me to do my best to create that environment in all things I encounter in the future.

What career-related advice would you give to next year's graduating class?

Maintain the relationships you created here at W&L. All of your friends will go on to do great things, and it will be an honor to support them on their journeys.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

My parents have been my inspiration and have helped me throughout it all, especially my low moments. Their support, wisdom and love for me inspired me to impart those qualities onto others, and I am so honored to be their son.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

I think one of my proudest accomplishments here was leading the track and field team as a captain for three years. I love the team so much, and I am so thankful to have been able to be a part of such a special program.

Additionally, being able to be a part of Professor Kim's lab was a great honor. I would go into the lab each day proud of the fact I had a small part in such a meaningful project.

How has studying the liberal arts at W&L shaped how you see the world?

My education at W&L stimulated my passions for both arts and sciences and allowed me to appreciate not only the complexities of the world around us but also the intricacies of the human condition. Being able to learn about various concepts in chemistry helped me to understand the building blocks of life, and being able to read Spanish and South American literature helped me appreciate its beauty.