From Panthers to Colleagues: Q&A with Alumni Employees Cyril Hicks ’16 and Audrey Wu ’16
Poly’s doors are always open to alumni. You might find recent graduates visiting beloved teachers during their first winter break from college, or older alumni attending annual reunions in the spring. Many alumni have also found a home returning to Poly as employees. PolyDays spoke to Cyril Hicks ’16, Network and Information Systems Coordinator, and Audrey Wu ’16, Administrative Assistant and Accounts Payable Associate, about their paths back to Poly and the enduring influence of their education on their career.
You’re both members of the Class of 2016, which makes your journeys especially meaningful. What brought you back to Poly as employees?
Cyril Hicks: I had been working in the Tech Department every summer since eighth grade through the PolySummer Program. When COVID hit, and the school suddenly needed to deploy a massive number of laptops, John Yen ’89, also an alumnus, reached out and asked if I could help. At first, I was still finishing college, but once I graduated, I came on full-time. In a way, the journey back really started years earlier—I just never fully left.
Audrey Wu: I initially came back to help with COVID testing when the campus was reopening. Keith Huyssoon encouraged me to apply for an administrative position that he thought would be a good fit. After a whirlwind interview day, I was hired and then later transitioned into accounts payable. It was very much a “right place, right time” situation.
What has it been like returning to campus, this time as colleagues rather than students?
Cyril: For me, it feels like a continuation. Because I worked on campus for so many years as a student, I already had professional relationships with faculty and staff. The campus itself has changed a lot, especially the Lower School, but it still feels like Poly. Even with all the updates, there’s a continuity that makes it feel familiar and grounding.
Audrey: It’s been really nice, and also very strange. Calling former teachers by their first names is something I still struggle with. Some people will always be “Mr.” or “Ms.” to me. But being back has given me a much fuller picture of Poly. As a student, you see the front-facing side; as an employee, you understand the behind-the-scenes work that supports students every day. That perspective has been really meaningful.
Audrey, are there any mentors who have been especially influential during your transition back to campus?
Audrey: Jon Fay ’81 has been a constant presence for me, from being my math teacher to now being someone I turn to for advice. He’s always encouraged my growth and offered opportunities, whether that was co-teaching or simply helping me think through challenges. Keith and René Garcia have also been incredibly supportive mentors in my current role.
Cyril, is there a moment from your time working at Poly that feels especially representative of your experience?
Cyril: There’s always a moment when students realize I was once in their seat or that I had their teacher. You can almost see the connection click for them. It creates a sense of possibility: I was where you were, now I’m here. I think that helps students imagine their own path forward.
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