WM: What have you been doing since AISB?

CG: I graduated from Albright College in the summer of '08 with a Bachelors in Communcations and Music Business. I currently work for the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel as an Executive Meeting Manager. I got married to my freshmen year girlfriend on Easter of 2009. I started working for Interstate Hotels and Resorts shortly after. My biggest life changing experience was the birth of my daughter, Ava Lily Gellenbeck, on 11.29.2011.

WM: What was the key moment in your life when you realized what you want to do/what career to pursue? Who or what in uenced you to become who and what you are today? Explain AISB's part of it.

CG: In Romania I was friends with various artists from the music scene. I guess my dream at the time was to become a music producer or sound engineer since I was exposed to the industry around the age of 14. At that time I always imagined that being part of the entertainment industry was a big thing with endless opportunities - Radio/Film/Music etc. As we all know that is not the case however. That was my original plan, I never really knew 100% what I wanted to do or the career path I would have liked to take. I always had a general idea in which elds I would like to obtain a career after graduating college but never determined what those eld were.

AISB's role came into play when I had to apply for colleges. I generally expressed the path I would like to take and the faculty was always there to guide and give advice where needed. Not having my family around for my Junior
and Senior year I had a lot of faculty members that lled the gap during their absence - Mrs. Barrows, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Bournas, Mr. Elliott, Jerry Heiman (R.I.P.), Basil kessler etc.

I made lifelong connections, expanded my vision and knowledge, grew from a middle school boy into a young responsible adult, and I think AISB contributed to every single factor. I am proud to say that AISB has and always will be my second family.

WM: Tell us a "crazy" AISB memory and name 3 AISB "partners in crime"

CG: All I can say is DVDs and whoever knew me during this period knows what I am talking about. DVDs! Plenty of them! My main partners in crime Basil, Nir, Eden (R.i.P.), JJ, Suha, Josh, Joe, James, Rich, Fred, Francois, Rob, Lara, Ruxi, Gio, Nass, Marius etc. (no hard feelings, its been a while)

WM: You have the chance to give advice to the current students. What would you say?

CG: Enjoy this time and make the best of it. This is one opportunity that can and will have an everlasting impact on the rest of your lives. If
I had a chance to relive this particular period

in my life all over again, I would. There are so many memories that I reminisce on a daily basis and it's been eight years since I've graduated.

WM: What do you think the AA's priorities should be? What AA activities would you like to see happening or attend?

CG: I would have to get more involved in order to give a clearer answer. I haven't been up to date with AISB's past and recent. 

 

A note from: Andrew Nicholson

The footballer with the bung knee; just like me, The bearded- bald, smiling and always happy chappy; not too dissimilar in nature to beloved Jerry Heiman, (RIP).

The crazy love of a good or bad movie, just like good old Freddie, The love of sports, and all things chemistry; just like Ms. Canobie, The nger on the pulse of all things "party"; just like Doc C, A fan of good food, and friends, just like the Barrows family.

There is only one Chris Gellenbeck, in whom we all saw so much positivity, and we know that he is now passing those traits onto his own family.

You are much loved Chris, let's catch up soon!