Paul Lomanto of the Class of 2024 exemplifies how combining hands-on experience with academic study can equip students for their future careers.

As a transfer student from Fulton-Montgomery Community College, the Gloversville resident joined SUNY Oswego with an associate degree in business administration and management. Now a finance major, continuing into the university's MBA (master of business administration) program, his journey at Oswego has been nothing short of transformative.

Lomanto’s involvement with Rich N’ Pour, a student-run cafe and lounge, has been a cornerstone of his experience at Oswego.

"I wanted to be involved in Rich N’ Pour because as a transfer student, I was late to the party already," Lomanto explained. "I thought this experience would not only give me real-world business experience, but help me get up to speed with the culture and meet people at SUNY Oswego’s School of Business."

Taking on a role on the accounting/finance committee, Lomanto applied concepts from his classes to real-life situations, helping to create an accounting system that tracked cash flow accurately.

Beyond the technical skills, Lomanto’s experience at Rich N’ Pour taught him valuable lessons in teamwork and communication.

"Group work can be difficult and stressful at times," he said. "Especially when real money is involved, there is a lot of weight on your shoulders." However, the camaraderie and support among the team members were key to their success: "One of the reasons we were able to be successful was our constant communication."

Lomanto’s involvement in Rich N’ Pour has also included being part of an innovative project. The student team implemented Rich N’ Pour catering to overcome the challenge of the cafe's location. "Instead of people coming to us, we brought the cafe to the campus," Lomanto explained. This strategy proved successful, offering a wide range of drinks and bakery items for clubs, organizations and faculty meetings.

But it's not all about numbers and profits. Lomanto’s favorite part was the bond he formed with the team.

"Going through the ups and downs with everybody really creates memories that will last a lifetime," he reflected. It's the kind of experience that turns a group of students into a tight-knit business family.

I wanted to be involved in Rich N’ Pour because as a transfer student I was late to the party already. I thought this experience would not only give me real-world business experience, but help me get up to speed with the culture and meet people. 

Looking to the future, Lomanto aspires to own his own business, and his experience at Rich N’ Pour has equipped him with the necessary skills. "I’ve learned how to work with other people, prioritize tasks to complete long-term goals," he said.

Lomanto’s advice to other students is: Go beyond the classroom. He believes that getting involved in areas of campus outside of traditional classes can help students gain a wider perspective and grow both personally and professionally.

As Lomanto looks forward to his future endeavors, he carries with him the valuable lessons learned at Rich N’ Pour and the broader SUNY Oswego community. His journey reflects the power of hands-on learning experiences in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.