The former Students’ Association president offers advice on how Rochester students can ‘make their hive a home.’
Jamal Holtz ’20 didn’t know a soul when he arrived at the University of Rochester in 2016. By the time he graduated, he was arguably the most recognized face among the student body.
Holtz grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in the District of Columbia, one of five children to a single mother (in October 2024, he lost his brother Joseph to gun violence). He earned a full tuition merit scholarship to Rochester as a Posse Scholar—the first in his family to attend college—and served as Students’ Association president his senior year, a key player at the University during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Holtz entered Rochester planning to major in political science, but his keen interest in civil issues such as affordable housing and economic disparity led him to create his own major: social justice and policymaking. That decision was made possible, in part, because of Rochester’s signature flexible curriculum.
These days, Holtz is chief of staff at LINK Strategic Partners, a social impact consulting firm in Washington, DC, where he helps lead the firm’s executive functions, business development, strategy, and performance development portfolio.
He returned to Rochester in January to speak at the inaugural Career Exploration Summit, presenting a keynote address focused on helping students assimilate on campus.
Holtz offers advice to current and prospective students on making the most of their experiences at the University of Rochester.
Embrace the good and the bad—and try new things!
When Holtz joined student government as a senator his first year, he adopted the phrase “Make our hive a home” as his motto. He urges students to be curious and experimental as they tread the unfamiliar path of college.
“You’re going to be here for four years,” he says. “You’ll meet new people. You’ll like some and not like others. You’ll try food you like and food you don’t like. You’ll have classes you like, and ones you don’t like. Find out what works and what doesn’t. In the grand scheme, it’s about making this place your home.”
Get involved in activities to ‘put yourself out there.’
Holtz says Rochester students should take advantage of the flexible curriculum and be creative in their choices inside and outside the classroom.
“Politics was my passion, so joining student government was an easy decision,” he says. “But there are so many activities offered on campus—student organizations and special events. Participate in them, even if they might seem boring. Meet new people and embrace diverse perspectives. Put yourself out there. You never know what will develop.”
He urges students to volunteer at events, both on campus and in the Rochester community. “Hand out T-shirts. Volunteer at food drives. Do things that you may not traditionally do on a college campus. Think about what community service really is beyond being some graduation requirement in high school.”
Building relationships with Rochester faculty and staff can serve you in the long run.
Holtz says “collaboration is a true superpower on campus,” one that extends beyond bonding with fellow students.
“Collaborate with administrators, staff, and faculty,” he says. “Partner with campus organizations and build connections. Have a conversation with someone you’ve never spoken to before and build relationships. You never know: The commonalities you have may outweigh your differences.”
Such relationships could open doors down the line—to internships opportunities, formative experiences, career prospects, personal connections, and more.
Holtz formed a strong bond with Anne-Marie Algier, Rochester’s dean of students and associate vice president for student life, and says she was “a huge part” of his success on campus.
“Anne-Marie was more than just an administrator and adviser,” he says. “She was a mentor and a mother. There were times when I wanted to give up on college, and she reminded me that I was someone special who made meaningful contributions on campus. And she made that campus feel like a home for me, cooking meals and desserts at home and bringing them to campus. She got me involved socially and exposed me to the Greater Rochester area.”
Holtz also says people tend to bond in times of crisis, so forming relationships early will make it easier to manage when challenging times inevitably occur.
“In the end, everyone’s committed to making this place a home for each other,” he says.
Take advantage of mental health resources offered on campus.
The University has resources available to students who are struggling with anxiety, loneliness, or depression. The CARE Network helps identify students in need of help, while University Counseling Center provides confidential one-on-one healthcare services for students and other members of the University community.
“I didn’t think a therapist could help me at all when I came here,” he says. “But I did need help, and I went to them frequently. And they were super helpful.”
He remembers leaving a frustrating conversation about safety on campus one day “filled with anxiety and anger.” A counselor who was at the meeting followed Holtz out of the room. “He told me he saw that I wanted to break down, and he was there for me,” Holtz recalls. “I didn’t even know this guy, but he cared about me. It was that moment that I realized the University was committed to creating a community that was like home for me. I felt valued knowing there was someone I could voice my feelings to.”
Be yourself—and own your identity.
It’s great to take advice or learn from a mentor. Yet Holtz says students should always “own your identity” and use it as a strength.
“We all have unique stories and perspectives,” he says. “We come from different places. Own that. Brag about yourself whenever you can, but always leave open the space to learn and hear from others.”
And, mostly, have fun.
“College is a place where it’s OK to make certain mistakes and learn from those mistakes,” he says. “Engage, communicate, and listen. And then analyze and see what fits. But always remember: This campus community is better because of your unique experiences and contributions. Know that—and own it.”
