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Alumni Spotlight: Alex Levi ‘23 (Business Management)
Alex Levi ‘23 (Business Management) is the Vice President of Customer Care at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, a role he began in 2019. He’s been nicknamed “the people’s VP,” which he considers a huge compliment.
Tell us about yourself:
My parents immigrated to America from the Soviet Union during the 1960s and 1970s, seeking opportunity, equity, and freedom. My grandparents endured unfathomable experiences and trauma during Stalin and Hitler’s reign of terror. My family embarked on a transformative journey to America, fueled by dreams and hope for future generations.
As a child, I often heard the phrase, “Get an education, as nobody can take it away from you.” As I grew older and learned about their life experiences, the true meaning behind that statement became clearer.
Why did you choose Roberts?
When I joined Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, from the beginning, I sensed the value they placed on caring for their employees and our well-being. I communicated my long-term goal of earning a degree in my Employee Development Plan, and that's when I discovered our company's generous tuition reimbursement program. The encouragement I received to pursue higher education was incredible within Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Also, my company covers tuition upfront; which eliminates the need to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement later, which is awesome.
In January 2021, I enrolled at Roberts Wesleyan University because of the program for adults with workforce experience. When I began the program, I already had 32 credits! Fast forward a few years and I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Management.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support, encouragement, and backup from my family and numerous individuals at my workplace. Balancing work, family responsibilities, and being a full-time student was challenging, but their support made it all manageable. I will pay it forward to others because of what I was able to achieve.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
My team was made up of talented and passionate people. Yet, the processes, systems, and structure made it difficult for us to meet our goals consistently. I led a turnaround that took us from meeting very few of our divisions' goals to exceeding them within one year. We were ranked the number #1 plan, across all Blues plans, for member service and quality. The best part was the career growth and morale improvement realized within the last four years.
Who at Roberts helped you pursue your degree?
Lisa DeVinney, Associate Director of Corporate Partners and Transfer Pathways, is the person who explained the adult education programs at Roberts to me. She learned about my background and my desire to pursue and complete a business degree. Lisa explained the program offerings and encouraged me. She was hopeful too. The outcome was that I became willing to give it a shot. Everything she told me was true. She was the catalyst for me to complete a lifelong goal. I am forever grateful for her influence, encouragement, and direction.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My greatest professional accomplishment is the number of people I have helped mentor and grow over my career. I don’t have the exact numbers, but there are many individuals who I hired and mentored who have gone on to become managers, directors, senior engineers, and other roles that have allowed them to utilize their abilities. Seeing others succeed and grow is my greatest focus and source of joy.
What is your best advice to an applicant hoping to get into Roberts Wesleyan University?
One of my greatest joys lies in supporting others as they discover their path and acting as a cheerleader as they navigate their unique journeys. “Think about the journey rather than the destination as it holds the true essence of fulfillment.” Take action and begin the process of investing in your growth and future. There is no “right” direction but rather the route that best fits you.