About
For Tucker Henry Zanto ’26, choosing Carroll College came down to one thing: finding a place where he would be known.
“I wanted to be at a school where I did not just feel like a number but where I felt heard in the classroom,” Tucker said. “I knew Carroll had a strong and respected financial program with a rigorous course load and high-quality professors.”
Now, as he prepares to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps this September and continue to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia, Tucker reflects on a Carroll experience that extended far beyond the classroom.
Throughout his four years, Tucker immersed himself in campus life and embraced opportunities across the Carroll community. From competing with his teammates on the football team to participating in Carroll College Special Olympics Club, singing in Chamber Choir, and leading a football player Bible study, he intentionally sought experiences that challenged him and helped him grow.
Looking back, Tucker says one of his proudest accomplishments was fully embracing everything Carroll had to offer.
“I am proud to have immersed myself in the full Carroll experience, spending time with people from all backgrounds and becoming involved in different parts of campus life,” he shared.
As a liberal arts institution, Carroll also pushed Tucker to think beyond his chosen field. Courses outside of business and finance exposed him to new perspectives and strengthened his understanding of the world.
“I know that I will take the lessons learned from a broad spectrum of classes and apply them to all my future endeavors,” Tucker said.
Tucker credits many people across campus for shaping his experience and supporting his growth. While he says it’s impossible to choose just one, he especially recognized Carroll’s business faculty along with Dr. Gray, Mr. Trudnowski, Mr. Tessitore, Robby and Stacey Whited, Kristi Nettleton, and Patrick Harris for their encouragement and investment throughout his college journey.
Perhaps the biggest lesson Tucker takes with him is one of resilience.
“Before Carroll, my greatest fear was failure,” he reflected. “But I have learned that failure doesn’t define you—it’s how you get back up and move forward.”
That mindset, combined with the relationships and opportunities he built along the way, helped shape his college experience.
“By looking for opportunities and immersing myself in the Carroll community, I formed relationships and built my network among my peers. The diverse Carroll experience I wanted became possible because I stepped outside my comfort zone and created memories that will last a lifetime.”
For prospective students considering Carroll, Tucker’s advice is simple:
“Carroll will allow you to grow and will encourage and push you to become the person you want to be. With quality academics, memorable student experiences, a welcoming environment, and a strong community that supports you, Carroll is the ultimate experience.”
As Tucker begins his next chapter of service and leadership, he carries with him the lessons, friendships, and confidence he built at Carroll College.
