Countdown to Commencement 2022: Rachel Makowski

Sport management major Rachel Makowski is the next member of the Class of 2022 to be featured in the “Countdown to Commencement” series. Makowski was nominated by Dr. Katie Burakowski, assistant professor and chair of the sport management department.

The West Seneca, New York, native is the current Sport Management Club president, a Teddi Dance for Love finance committee member, and a math tutor.

In her nomination, Burakowski recalled that she first met Makowski at an open house in the fall of 2018.

She noted that when Makowski commits to an endeavor, she fully commits and that she is intentional about what she takes on and takes her leadership roles seriously.

“Rachel looks to leave each situation better than the way she met it. For example, with Sport Management Club, she’s helped the club explore new fundraising efforts that can be sustainable year after year and volunteer opportunities that will be beneficial for each club member who participates,” said Burakowski. “She's thinking about how club members can be efficient and effective with the time and energy they commit to growing their skills, experiences, and professional networks. In doing so, she develops relationships with everyone in the club.”

Burakowski also added that Makowski has impacted her own career. She said Makowski is a constant reminder that each student is an individual and every interaction matters. “When she pops into my office to say hi and see how things are going, I am reminded that the tasks can wait and that the conversations about life are just as important. In the moments when the to-do list seems never-ending, Rachel reminds me to focus on the students in front of me.”

In the future, Burakowski sees Makowski “dominating” in the NFL.

“In the near future, I think Rachel will be meeting with our students as an alumnus in the industry who rose through the ranks and is a senior-level executive in the NFL,” she said.

Makowski reflects on her time at Fisher and recalls it as the best four years. Growing up, she played field hockey and softball, all the while remaining a major football fan. She knew that she wanted to be in an environment with a great sport program and knew immediately when visiting Fisher that this was home.

Makowski has been interning with the Buffalo Bills for two years. After graduation, she will continue her internship with the Bills in their equipment department for the entirety of the 2022-2023 season.

“I will ALWAYS remember Rachel as a prospective student and the number of times I met with her so that she could be certain she was making the right choice by coming to Fisher and majoring in sport management,” said Burakowski.