Matt Jaeger ’99 and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rodriguez ’02 met through mutual friends on campus. They were just pals—until things changed when Matt graduated.
Matt, a native of Washington, D.C., and Betsy, who hails from New Orleans, were married in 2003 after two years of dating. They currently reside in D.C. with their children, Matthew and Eleanor.
During his time at Lynn, Matt held the offices of vice president and treasurer for the then-Student Government Association (now Knights of the Roundtable) and decided to stay on campus after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He worked in the Office of Admission, giving tours to prospective Lynn students, as well as with the study abroad program for American College Dublin.
Matt now oversees the day-to-day operations at his family-run real estate development company, Danac Corporation, based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. His current and future projects primarily focus on commercial office buildings, as well as retail and residential mixed use. Betsy has a full-time job as a stay-at-home mom. Their hobbies include tennis, running, biking, swimming, water skiing, boating and keeping up with the kids.
When the Jaegers think back to their time as students at Lynn, they say what drew them here were the small class sizes, the warm temperatures and the location. “The faculty was like family,” says Matt, “and I appreciated the opportunity to study abroad.” Betsy agrees, and adds that after touring the campus and the services of the Institute for Achievement and Learning (IAL), she knew Lynn was the right fit for her.
The Jaegers have been members of Lynn’s Leadership Society for the past six consecutive years, and both serve on the President’s Alumni Advisory Council. Additionally, they have generously hosted a number of Lynn on the Road receptions for alumni and parents, and alumni club events in the D.C. area.
Matt and Betsy give back—not only to their alma mater, but also to Catholic Charities and the Washington Winter Show, an antiques and fine arts show that benefits D.C. area charities.
When asked what advice they would give to current students, Matt says, “Get involved. Study abroad. All the fun you need to have on the weekend can be done by midnight. Your body will thank you in the morning.” Betsy adds, “Your college years are instrumental in shaping a big part of the rest of your life. Whatever you do, go to class! Don’t take your time at Lynn for granted.”
Advice for alumni? “Always reconnect with fellow alums,” Matt says. “Make an annual contribution to your alma mater.”
