For Aidas Puskorius, GSB ’26, everything he does revolves around people.
The finance student finds joy in meeting people, whether that’s at social events off campus, chatting people up in the city, or simply running into one of his many “boys” within the confines of Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus.
“When I see my friends on campus, I get very, very, very excited. It’s always nice,” Puskorius said with a wide smile, giggling. “And it’s not even the friends that you see. It’s the people that you know. I always love waving to them and just doing the nod as I pass by. It makes me feel like I’m part of the Fordham community.” For him, the people have truly made the place he’s called home for almost three years.
Puskorius uses this joy to get more people involved and promote social inclusion, “I’m always sure to reach out and talk to people, get to know people. Not everyone is super social or welcoming in college, so if I can be, then I feel good about putting myself out there,” Puskorius said.
While most of us know that many “Gabelli bros” and other students in our business school are more fascinated with the paycheck that awaits them in their potential finance career than they are with the actual profession, Puskorius holds genuine interest in the business world that’s impossible to manufacture. The driving force of this interest is the centerpiece of Puskorius’ life: the people.
“I’m interested in finance because of the people that I’ll get to meet and the culture that we’ll build wherever I work,” he said. “In finance, you’re working with other people, and as a people person, as someone that likes to have connections with a whole diverse group of people, it’s the perfect industry for me.” He also added that a finance background allows him to gain a more detailed understanding of the world. “Unpacking companies and looking behind the curtain of what’s really going on behind the scenes really excites me.”
Practically, he’s used this joy of people and his keen interest in businesses by diving head-first into the Fordham Foundry, a club engaging in the business ideas of Fordham students. Joining as a first-year back in 2022, he’s learned from this community of other entrepreneurial Rams and is humbled at how he’s evolved in his role. “I’ve been going almost every Thursday since [my first] year. The community that I’ve built there with all my friends that go, but also the students that I just meet every week have been just very inspiring,” Puskorius reflected.
“And now, as a junior, I’m able to meet [first-years] and hear their perspectives and look at their businesses. We often bounce ideas off of each other. I love seeing the creative aspects of business there first-hand.”
Puskorius also stays true to his national ancestry. Puskorius holds tight to his Lithuanian heritage, routinely going to Lithuanian-specific cultural events, clubs and camps with other Lithuanians and Lithuanian-Americans.
“I talk to my Lithuanian friends every day. A few weeks ago I went to Philadelphia with them for a Lithuanian concert. It’s important to stay close to my roots like that, the Lithuanian community plays a big role within me,” Puskorius said. “Feeling connected to my people and our culture brings me so much joy. Even simple things like listening to Lithuanian music or using phrases in Lithuanian with my family is really important to me.”
Puskorius approaches his relationships with a similar consideration of culture and identity, with honest curiosity. “I love learning about people’s culture, where they’re from and what their world and background look like. I’m excited to learn more about people every day.”
