Alan Henderson: A lasting impression
4/14/2015 6:00:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse, Student Athlete
By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Media Relations
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Lehigh men's lacrosse senior Alan Henderson has made a lasting impression on those around him. Alan is the student-athlete, and person, he is because of more than a goal on the field or an A in the classroom.
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Henderson is a model example of the type student-athletes Lehigh head coach Kevin Cassese wants in his program. Cassese looks for the whole package, beyond simply a great athlete or a great student. That's what he found in Henderson.
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"Alan Henderson is the type of young man who makes me a better coach," said Cassese. "He's a model citizen who always makes great choices off the field and helps others make great choices as well. He's driven to succeed in the classroom and has helped many others find their drive as well. On the field, he's an absolute warrior. He's a throwback two-way midfielder who has played offense, defense, man-up, man-down and face-off wings. He's reliable, he's dependable and he's a Lehigh Lacrosse man, through and through."
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Being a student-athlete, especially at a prestigious institution like Lehigh University, can be challenging. There are high expectations.
Â
"Being challenged as much as I have is definitely very healthy and has helped me change for the better," said Henderson, who owns a 3.14 cumulative GPA. "Between the rigors of being a Division I athlete, playing for Coach Cassese and studying at a top-tier institution, the time management, discipline and organizational skills you develop here definitely make it worth it. I'm a much better man now than when I stepped on campus."
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Out of Manorville, New York, Henderson began his academic career in the Integrated Business and Engineering program, which was one of the primary reasons he chose Lehigh.
Â
"In my first four semesters, I was taking engineering and science type classes like Physics and Calculus 3," said Henderson. "The IBE program allowed me to have some exposure to the business side of things. I also took accounting, marketing and core business classes."
Â
Henderson was doing well academically, but realized that engineering wasn't for him. Luckily, he grew a love for business.
Â
"I tried to stick it out through engineering, but being in the honors program, plus engineering, plus being a Division I athlete, it got to be really overwhelming," he said. "I found that while I could handle the demands, I wasn't enjoying myself as much as much as I wanted to and I wasn't successful to the degree that I thought I was capable of. It was time for a change. Having that core business exposure was really helpful in helping me decide I wanted to go into finance."
Â
Henderson didn't switch to finance until the summer between his sophomore and junior year. His college decision of Lehigh helped him find his ultimate career path.
Â
"My parents made sure I understood that most students will change their major two or three times," said Henderson. "One reason I picked Lehigh was because I'd have flexibility. What if I don't like engineering? I was a math and science type student in high school, so I thought I just fit that mold. My father was an engineer and my uncle was an engineer. All my cousins are math-science type students, so I thought I just fit that mold, but only to come here and find out that wasn't exactly the case."
Â
Because of the extensive course load trying to fit in engineering and business classes as part of the IBE program, Henderson wasn't behind when he switched to finance.
Â
"I still met most of my requirements and I was able to transition pretty easily," he said.
Â
Ever since, Henderson has thrived as a finance major, making the Dean's List on several occasions for a semester GPA over 3.6. Dr. Samuel Weaver, Henderson's academic advisor who's also had Alan in class, was immediately impressed by the young man.
Â
"Alan is an excellent student," said Weaver "He always came to class fully prepared and sat front and center. His on-field leadership translated into classroom leadership. In group projects, he took leadership roles when necessary and let his group mate take charge when that was necessary. In all cases, he shared the satisfaction of work well done with his team member."
Â
Henderson utilized his Lehigh education and the opportunities it's provided by interning for the Columbia University medical center in uptown Manhattan last summer.
Â
"They call their interns residents, so I was technically an administrative resident," he said. "Normally, the medical center will place you somewhere else. It was a little different for me in the sense that they kept me in their administrative office."
Â
Just like the IBE program allowed Henderson to explore many different disciplines, the internship experience allowed him to delve into different areas of business.
Â
"I ended up supporting the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is the largest of the four colleges that make up the medical school," said Henderson. "I was primarily involved in two big projects on both ends of the spectrum of finance. One was more investment focused and the other was more operation focused."
Â
Henderson was called upon to conduct research and complete important tasks. He also completed a business analysis.
Â
"Experiencing two ends of a wide spectrum that finance encompasses was really helpful," he said. "I actually learned that I'd much rather work on the investment side of things than the operations side."
Â
The experience was also personally fulfilling as well.
Â
"I really enjoyed the overall experience working in New York City," said Henderson. "It was tremendous. As a native Long Islander, I had visited New York City, but only done touristy things. I'd been to the wax museum, had seen a show and done things like that. Actually living there was an entirely different experience and I absolutely loved it. I started in late May and worked 12 weeks until the middle of August."
Â
Many student-athletes don't know their career path while some think they know, but come to realize they have other interests. College is a time for learning and finding oneself, creating the building blocks for the future. Henderson used a strong background to make his college decision for the right reasons, which should lead to lasting success into his future.
Â
"Growing up, I was taught that academics come first," said Henderson. "With sports in general, I was always told that I could play and compete as long as I took care of business in the classroom. My parents really stressed getting straight A's in high school. Coming to Lehigh was an academic decision first before it was a lacrosse decision."
Â
The primary motive was academics, but Henderson's lacrosse career hasn't been too shabby, either. During his freshman year, Henderson played all 17 games as the Mountain Hawks finished 14-3 and won their first-ever Patriot League Tournament Championship and made their first-ever NCAA Tournament. Henderson has continued to be a mainstay in the midfield as he helped the team to another title as a sophomore then a championship game appearance as a junior. Heading into Friday's Senior Night game vs. archrival Lafayette, Henderson owns 41 career points along with 81 groundballs and 12 caused turnovers.
Â
"I really value that I was fortunate enough to be part of a group that helped turned the corner in respects to on-field success," he said. "I really value helping set the standards for future classes."
Â
Whether it's on the field as a two-way midfielder or as a true student-athlete, Lehigh has helped set Henderson up for success while Henderson has helped set up the Lehigh men's lacrosse program for lasting success as well.
Â
"The team has been improving vastly in all areas," he said. "Academically, our overall GPA has shot up. Obviously our winning records are now a standard. I'm fortunate to be part of that group, but I certainly want to credit the classes before us, too. The years Coach (Will) Scudder played here, those teams definitely had a lot to do with turning the corner as well, working up to this point."
Â
"Alan is like the extra-work captain of the team," said senior Pat Dougherty. "When it comes to people needing extra help in any area of the student-athlete experience, Alan is usually the go-to guy. He's always the one grabbing people to say let's go out and get extra shots. I've seen him grab underclassmen and tell them they need to go to the library tonight. He really embodies what it means to be a Lehigh Lacrosse student-athlete."
Â
For as much as Henderson has impressed people like Dougherty, Weaver and Cassese, the same can be said about their influence on him.
Â
"I've come across a lot of professors who genuinely care about the success and well-being of their students," said Henderson. "There are a lot of people at Lehigh who want you to succeed. A lot of credit goes to my teammates and coaches, who will be my best friends for a long time to come. Coach Cassese says all the time that you're a product of the people around you."
Â
More than a goal on the field or A in the classroom, it all begins with the simple things.
Â
"When I first met Alan, I was immediately struck by his level of preparation to discuss the finance major," said Weaver. "He had well-thought out questions, but the major lasting impression was how polite he was. He made me proud over the past two-plus years and he will make Lehigh proud for many years to come."
Â
Â
Lehigh men's lacrosse senior Alan Henderson has made a lasting impression on those around him. Alan is the student-athlete, and person, he is because of more than a goal on the field or an A in the classroom.
Â
Henderson is a model example of the type student-athletes Lehigh head coach Kevin Cassese wants in his program. Cassese looks for the whole package, beyond simply a great athlete or a great student. That's what he found in Henderson.
Â
"Alan Henderson is the type of young man who makes me a better coach," said Cassese. "He's a model citizen who always makes great choices off the field and helps others make great choices as well. He's driven to succeed in the classroom and has helped many others find their drive as well. On the field, he's an absolute warrior. He's a throwback two-way midfielder who has played offense, defense, man-up, man-down and face-off wings. He's reliable, he's dependable and he's a Lehigh Lacrosse man, through and through."
Â
Being a student-athlete, especially at a prestigious institution like Lehigh University, can be challenging. There are high expectations.
Â
"Being challenged as much as I have is definitely very healthy and has helped me change for the better," said Henderson, who owns a 3.14 cumulative GPA. "Between the rigors of being a Division I athlete, playing for Coach Cassese and studying at a top-tier institution, the time management, discipline and organizational skills you develop here definitely make it worth it. I'm a much better man now than when I stepped on campus."
Â
Out of Manorville, New York, Henderson began his academic career in the Integrated Business and Engineering program, which was one of the primary reasons he chose Lehigh.
Â
"In my first four semesters, I was taking engineering and science type classes like Physics and Calculus 3," said Henderson. "The IBE program allowed me to have some exposure to the business side of things. I also took accounting, marketing and core business classes."
Â
Henderson was doing well academically, but realized that engineering wasn't for him. Luckily, he grew a love for business.
Â
"I tried to stick it out through engineering, but being in the honors program, plus engineering, plus being a Division I athlete, it got to be really overwhelming," he said. "I found that while I could handle the demands, I wasn't enjoying myself as much as much as I wanted to and I wasn't successful to the degree that I thought I was capable of. It was time for a change. Having that core business exposure was really helpful in helping me decide I wanted to go into finance."
Â
Henderson didn't switch to finance until the summer between his sophomore and junior year. His college decision of Lehigh helped him find his ultimate career path.
 "My parents made sure I understood that most students will change their major two or three times," said Henderson. "One reason I picked Lehigh was because I'd have flexibility. What if I don't like engineering? I was a math and science type student in high school, so I thought I just fit that mold. My father was an engineer and my uncle was an engineer. All my cousins are math-science type students, so I thought I just fit that mold, but only to come here and find out that wasn't exactly the case."
Â
Because of the extensive course load trying to fit in engineering and business classes as part of the IBE program, Henderson wasn't behind when he switched to finance.
Â
"I still met most of my requirements and I was able to transition pretty easily," he said.
Â
Ever since, Henderson has thrived as a finance major, making the Dean's List on several occasions for a semester GPA over 3.6. Dr. Samuel Weaver, Henderson's academic advisor who's also had Alan in class, was immediately impressed by the young man.
Â
"Alan is an excellent student," said Weaver "He always came to class fully prepared and sat front and center. His on-field leadership translated into classroom leadership. In group projects, he took leadership roles when necessary and let his group mate take charge when that was necessary. In all cases, he shared the satisfaction of work well done with his team member."
Â
Henderson utilized his Lehigh education and the opportunities it's provided by interning for the Columbia University medical center in uptown Manhattan last summer.
Â
"They call their interns residents, so I was technically an administrative resident," he said. "Normally, the medical center will place you somewhere else. It was a little different for me in the sense that they kept me in their administrative office."
Â
Just like the IBE program allowed Henderson to explore many different disciplines, the internship experience allowed him to delve into different areas of business.
Â
"I ended up supporting the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is the largest of the four colleges that make up the medical school," said Henderson. "I was primarily involved in two big projects on both ends of the spectrum of finance. One was more investment focused and the other was more operation focused."
Â
Henderson was called upon to conduct research and complete important tasks. He also completed a business analysis.
Â
"Experiencing two ends of a wide spectrum that finance encompasses was really helpful," he said. "I actually learned that I'd much rather work on the investment side of things than the operations side."
Â
The experience was also personally fulfilling as well.
Â
"I really enjoyed the overall experience working in New York City," said Henderson. "It was tremendous. As a native Long Islander, I had visited New York City, but only done touristy things. I'd been to the wax museum, had seen a show and done things like that. Actually living there was an entirely different experience and I absolutely loved it. I started in late May and worked 12 weeks until the middle of August."
Â
Many student-athletes don't know their career path while some think they know, but come to realize they have other interests. College is a time for learning and finding oneself, creating the building blocks for the future. Henderson used a strong background to make his college decision for the right reasons, which should lead to lasting success into his future.
Â
"Growing up, I was taught that academics come first," said Henderson. "With sports in general, I was always told that I could play and compete as long as I took care of business in the classroom. My parents really stressed getting straight A's in high school. Coming to Lehigh was an academic decision first before it was a lacrosse decision."
Â
The primary motive was academics, but Henderson's lacrosse career hasn't been too shabby, either. During his freshman year, Henderson played all 17 games as the Mountain Hawks finished 14-3 and won their first-ever Patriot League Tournament Championship and made their first-ever NCAA Tournament. Henderson has continued to be a mainstay in the midfield as he helped the team to another title as a sophomore then a championship game appearance as a junior. Heading into Friday's Senior Night game vs. archrival Lafayette, Henderson owns 41 career points along with 81 groundballs and 12 caused turnovers.
Â
"I really value that I was fortunate enough to be part of a group that helped turned the corner in respects to on-field success," he said. "I really value helping set the standards for future classes."
 Whether it's on the field as a two-way midfielder or as a true student-athlete, Lehigh has helped set Henderson up for success while Henderson has helped set up the Lehigh men's lacrosse program for lasting success as well.
Â
"The team has been improving vastly in all areas," he said. "Academically, our overall GPA has shot up. Obviously our winning records are now a standard. I'm fortunate to be part of that group, but I certainly want to credit the classes before us, too. The years Coach (Will) Scudder played here, those teams definitely had a lot to do with turning the corner as well, working up to this point."
Â
"Alan is like the extra-work captain of the team," said senior Pat Dougherty. "When it comes to people needing extra help in any area of the student-athlete experience, Alan is usually the go-to guy. He's always the one grabbing people to say let's go out and get extra shots. I've seen him grab underclassmen and tell them they need to go to the library tonight. He really embodies what it means to be a Lehigh Lacrosse student-athlete."
Â
For as much as Henderson has impressed people like Dougherty, Weaver and Cassese, the same can be said about their influence on him.
Â
"I've come across a lot of professors who genuinely care about the success and well-being of their students," said Henderson. "There are a lot of people at Lehigh who want you to succeed. A lot of credit goes to my teammates and coaches, who will be my best friends for a long time to come. Coach Cassese says all the time that you're a product of the people around you."
Â
More than a goal on the field or A in the classroom, it all begins with the simple things.
Â
"When I first met Alan, I was immediately struck by his level of preparation to discuss the finance major," said Weaver. "He had well-thought out questions, but the major lasting impression was how polite he was. He made me proud over the past two-plus years and he will make Lehigh proud for many years to come."
Â
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