![Raj Bhuyan '86]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1572029817/whitfield/cgklo9u1vvwbvkizd1zm/wh_20180530_graduation_DC1_8193_Bhuyan.jpg","width":2200}])
Raj Bhuyan '86, our guest speaker at Commencement for the Class of 2018, has been active and engaged in the life of the school since his graduation. He served on Whitfield’s Board of Trustees from 2011-2017 and was the recipient of the Elizabeth Woods Bradbury Outstanding Alumni Award in 2015. The Bhuyans are one of Whitfield’s legacy families. Raj and wife Mindy are the parents of a Whitfield graduate, Lucy, Class of 2014 and a current student, Jillian, Class of 2020. Raj stays active in his community and in his free time, coaches basketball and enjoys playing golf.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePauw University, Raj began his career as a financial advisor in 1990 with Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining his current firm, Raymond James and Associates in 2017, he served as a vice president with J.P. Morgan Securities for six years. Currently Raj is the Senior Vice President of Investments for Tactical Wealth Advisors at Raymond James where he specializes in strategic asset allocation to customize the degree of risk management for a composite portfolio.
Why did you and Mindy choose Whitfield for Lucy and Jillian?
Mindy and I believed that Whitfield would be perfect for our daughters. In our opinion, the school finds the perfect balance between creating an environment where their academic endeavors are maximized - all while also providing ample opportunities and autonomy for students to find and develop their own “voice”.
What were your primary interests and activities while you were at Whitfield?
I played varsity soccer and served as team captain my senior year and played varsity basketball earning MVP honors my junior and senior year. A fun fact: Dick Burke, husband of then Head of School Mary Burke (1984-2004), was our basketball coach. I was honored to serve as Student Council President my senior year.
Describe how Whitfield prepared you for college and life beyond?
I truly felt that I benefited greatly from the small classroom environment. Also, by being able to participate and attain leadership roles in varsity soccer, varsity basketball and the student council, I gained invaluable experience and confidence in preparation for college and my next chapters in life.
What are some of your favorite Whitfield memories?
I really enjoyed playing in competitive basketball games. I also remember saying goodbye to Lola (Rickey Goodwin’s Mom) my senior year.