He distinctly remembered Rios’ gait.

“I can still see her walking down our halls,” he wrote. “Rosie has a very purposeful walk...It is almost military in nature that she has a target in sight and intends to get there as soon as possible.”

Indeed, Rios’ drive and expertise in economic development, real estate, and investment management equipped her to fill the post of Treasurer of the United States in 2009.

“I do feel that I was well-groomed [for the role],” said Rios, who now holds the second oldest post in U.S. government.

“I have been very fortunate to have served with such a strong leader as Secretary Geithner. He has provided a very supportive environment,” she said, adding that she takes her role as the first Latina Treasurer to be nominated by a Democratic president “very seriously.”

Though she walks the halls of government buildings today, Rios said that she tries to return to Harvard “every so often” to relive her “warm memories” of Winthrop House and attend Cultural Rhythms, which has greatly evolved since her founding year. She also keeps in touch with Counter, who said that her swearing-in ceremony marked “one of [his] proudest moments.”

“My Harvard experience was extremely worthwhile,” she said. “It was very life-changing.”

—Staff writer Nikita Kansra can be reached at nkansra01@college.harvard.edu.