Let’s hear from DePauw’s student body President, J.D. How about the ways he and other students get involved on and off campus? As Indiana’s top liberal arts college, DePauw University has earned a reputation for offering its students countless opportunities to lead. J.D., you have the floor.
Thanks for that kind introduction, Alex. As student body president, I am so excited to welcome you to DePauw University. This outstanding institution has provided me the most enriching opportunities in and out of the classroom. It is a true hidden gem right here in Indiana. Now when I was searching for colleges, my main focus was obtaining a business degree, but little did I know, when DePauw reached out to me after I applied, that not only would I be able to work towards double majoring in economics and political science, but that I would have the opportunity to lead in so many different areas. As a defensive lineman for the DePauw Tigers football team, I have learned many skills that are applicable in other areas of my life. One of the most important came from legendary coach Nick Mourouzis, whose rallying cry of DePauw never quits, is cornerstone to the DePauw experience. Whether it’s on the field during practice or within a meeting for student government, I know that DePauw never quits when facing a challenge. At DePauw, not only am I able to lead in student government, but I’m able to serve as a Student Athlete Advisory Council representative, host a weekly radio show on WGRE, America’s oldest college FM radio station, serve as an admissions ambassador, and so much more. Your DePauw experience can be as busy or as quiet as you would like. For me, I am using the skills that I have learned from all aspects of my involvement here at DePauw to further myself personally and professionally. The one lesson that I will always hold close and I know many other students will as well, is that DePauw never quits. That’s all I have for now. Back to you, Alex.
DePauw never quits. Love it, J.D. Leadership opportunities are the cornerstone of a DePauw education, no matter where you see yourself headed in life, good luck, my friend, and I’m sure you will see your name on a voting ballot one day soon.
This is gonna be great. Let’s hear from Jessica, an economics major. Thanks to her liberal arts education in management and multiple internship opportunities, she’s locked down a job before her senior year even started. DePauw graduates have a long tradition of success in business from Fortune 500 CEOs to cutting edge entrepreneurs. Jess, tell us your recipe for success.
Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Hi, everyone. In high school, I was actually committed to play volleyball at a different university before I reopened my options. When exploring different universities, I knew I wanted a strong management, finance, or economics academic program that would provide me with an expansive alumni network, internship opportunities, and potential job opportunities further into the future, and to play collegiate volleyball, of course. During my initial visit to DePauw as a high school senior, I discovered the Management Fellows Honors Program, a program dedicated to supplementing the liberal arts education with exposure to management, finance, and business career paths. In addition to developing connections with DePauw graduates and esteemed alumni, I’d have the opportunity to take a semester long internship in a field that interested me. Shortly after the visit, I drove back down to DePauw from the Chicago area, interviewed for the program, and committed a week later. The amazing thing about the liberal arts is that you have the opportunity to get involved in anything you want to and more. Over the course of my four years, I’ve been a collegiate volleyball player, become co-president of the investment banking workshop, and had the opportunity to take a semester long internship with KeyBank Capital Markets, as well as the summer internship with Citizens Bank. I’m also a member of the Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, the first ever sorority founded right here at DePauw in 1870. Before my senior year even began, I had already secured a full-time position with KeyBank as an investment banking analyst following graduation. It’s a dream opportunity and it’s all stemmed directly from the resources provided to me by the program and DePauw’s expansive alumni network. But beyond just professional opportunities, I’ve also made some of the most supportive lifelong friends that anyone could ask for and made some of the most priceless memories along the way. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
Incredible, and congratulations, Jessica. DePauw will launch a new school of business and leadership in fall 2023, making it one of only a handful of liberal arts colleges to feature one. The future looks even brighter for students who follow in Jessica’s footsteps. Thanks for sharing your story.
I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this next student. Meet Amerti, a biology and biochemistry major from Ethiopia who came a long way to Indiana to go even farther in life. Amerti has been a star in the research lab, taking advantage of those close relationships with professors to engage in real-world research projects. Amerti, tell us more about where you came from and where you’re going. Take it away.
Thank you for the wonderful introduction, Alex. Hi, everyone. Coming to DePauw as an international student from Ethiopia, I vividly remember leaving everything and everyone I’ve known for 18 years to embark on my journey 7,000 miles away from home as a cell and molecular biology, and biochemistry student. At DePauw, I’ve been able to build my community while doing what I enjoy. I serve as a research assistant, alum manager assistant, a resident assistant, and a peer tutor for underrepresented STEM students. I’ve always enjoyed science, and coming to DePauw, I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple research project in several departments. My first year, we collected samples from the big walnut creek in DePauw Nature Park and Des Plaines River in Illinois to assess the impact of wastewater treatment effluent on behaviors of microorganisms. My junior year, we worked on exam mining mutations and identifying if they’re pathogenic or benign. DePauw also funds summer research and conferences. Last May, I presented our work at Penn State University for the Changing Microbiome Symposium and this summer, I entered at Yukon Health in their biomedical sciences program. We studied how protein and shigella bacteria interact with human proteins to invade the immune system. The project might contribute to the development of vaccine for shigellosis, which affects millions each year and doesn’t have a vaccine. DePauw’s research classes are designed to provide guidance and creative freedom equally to students, enabling us to be independent researchers and collaborative scientists at the same time. With four years of countless research opportunities, I am certain that I would leave DePauw with the right tool set up to any situation and the skills to apply to opportunities at large institutes. That’s it for me, Alex. Back to you.
Very impressive, Amerti. DePauw students can start on research projects as soon as their first year on campus. By the time they graduate, many of them have traveled to conferences and even co-authored studies with their professors. That’s a huge leg up entering graduate school. Thank you, Amerti.
Let’s say hello to a Emiliano. He’s a men’s soccer midfielder. DePauw University has an incredible 23, Division III men’s and women’s varsity teams, and with them a huge contingent of high-energy student athletes. Emiliano is here to tell us what it’s like to be a member of Team DePauw on and off the field. Passing it to you, Emiliano.
Thank you so much for the introduction, Alex. I didn’t really know what I was looking for in a university when I was in high school. If I’m going to be honest, I was just looking for a school that had my major and one that was willing to offer me a spot on their soccer team. Here I have been blessed that DePauw was able to offer me both of these things. I am able to set an example for my younger brothers, cousins, and everyone else across the globe that has a similar story as mine. DePauw does a great job at getting not only their student athletes, but their entire student body is involved in various programs and organizations. Because I am an athlete, I’ve been given the opportunity to help bring back the fellowship of Christian athletes as well as lead the diverse athlete association on campus, but I have been drawn back to multiple campus leadership opportunities outside of sports, such as being a residential assistant and admissions intern, and being a part of the Air Force ROTC program in collaboration with a nearby university. My soccer team supports each other on the field and off the field. We know we have the support from all of team DePauw, no matter what sport we play. Every coach here at DePauw wants to get to know every single athlete on campus, whether they’re on their team or not. Because of this, DePauw has some of the best school spirit in the country. Even though we’re a smaller school, Team DePauw always seems to show up. When I first got to DePauw, I thought I was gonna be someone who just went to class and played soccer, but that just isn’t the case here. Whether you’re a student or a student athlete, you’ll be guided toward ways to be involved on campus. This is how DePauw is able to build a community that feels like family. That is all for me. Back to you, Alex.
Emiliano, that was great. We love to see Tigers supporting Tigers both on the field and in the classroom, especially, at a school where you don’t have to give up your love of the game to score life goals. Cheers, Emiliano.
When students talk about DePauw feeling like a family, that’s the literal truth for Emma St. John. She’ll be the 11th member of her family to graduate from DePauw. Emma also spends time in DePauw’s career center helping other students connect with alumni for dream internships and job offers right out of college. Tell us about the DePauw family, Emma. Take it away.
Thanks, Alex, and hello. I come from a long line of DePauw Tigers, so you might assume that my first choice would’ve been DePauw, but I wanted to be the black sheep of my family. After a year of trial and error somewhere else, I decided I needed a change and that change was DePauw. And let me tell you, I’ve never been happier. I grew up hearing stories from my family about their time and connections made at DePauw, and now I experience the same traditions in the atmosphere that they lived through, but in my own way. I feel a sense of history everywhere I go on campus, and it’s not just a family connection. DePauw’s rich history can best be experienced through our impressive and dedicated network of alumni. It’s a community that stretches far beyond the streets of Greencastle, evident by how eager our alumni are to offer connections for current students on campus. I work as a consultant within our career development and off-campus study center. My position is made possible thanks to DePauw alumni who feel strongly about developing career and life skills. As a trained advisor, I guide fellow students on how to use DePauw’s many resources, including how to successfully tap into our alumni network. Throughout my exploration, DePauw alumni have been present at every bend and turn, whether through an email, taking the time out of their busy schedule to accommodate a personal meeting, or connecting me to a trusted friend and colleague who could help answer my questions. Now as a senior, my time at DePauw is coming to an end. While it’s bittersweet to move on, I know how proud I am to become an alumni and help the next generation of DePauw students. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Emma. It’s always amazing to see someone pay it forward. DePauw’s career center keeps the school top five in the nation for study abroad and its alumni in the top 7% for career earnings. With a support network of people like Emma, it’s easy to see why. That was awesome. Thanks a lot.
Now we have the opportunity to meet Anderson, a CCBC alumnus. Anderson is gonna reflect back on his time at CCBC where he was able to improve academically, explore his interests, and ultimately find his dream career path in the Information Technology field with the help and support of amazing professors along the way. Anderson, take it away.
Thanks for that introduction, Alex! As a proud alumnus of CCBC, my story is a success story from start to finish. When I entered CCBC right out of high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, and I didn’t have any plans for my future. I just knew that college was the next step.
CCBC was an affordable option, close to my home, where I could sort it all out. I’ll admit that I wasn’t a star student in high school, but CCBC gave me the opportunity to catch up through basic courses in subjects like reading, and then gradually move into more challenging coursework such as biology, chemistry, and physics. I enrolled in these courses at flexible times that worked for me and at my own pace. The faculty were passionate about teaching and genuinely cared that I succeeded. I graduated debt-free with an associate degree in General Studies. Now I have a job as an IT field support specialist for a national phone company. The company is paying for me to participate in an information technology apprenticeship program at another college. My goal is to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology and work as a contractor for the federal government. I have not forgotten the incredible educational experience CCBC gave me, and I am happy to now give back as a member of CCBC’s Alumni Board. I am committed to ensuring future students learn about all the benefits CCBC has to offer for anyone who wants to expand their horizons. As we say here at CCBC, “See what you can be.” So, what are you waiting for?
Throwing it back to you Alex.
Thank you Anderson, it sounds like you are on your way to an exciting future, and it’s awesome that you’ve had the opportunity to transfer to an apprenticeship program and will continue to build your skills, while still staying involved at CCBC. We know you’re gonna do great things. Thanks again.
We are at CCBC and ready to speak to Leah who is not your typical college student. Leah is taking advantage of an early college access program and is going full throttle towards a creative career in Fine Arts. She is just 17 years old but already has 40 college credits already under her belt. Leah, share with us how you’ve done it.
Thanks, Alex! Hi everyone! When I was 15, I decided to get a jump start on my future through the Early College Access Program at CCBC. The dual enrollment program allowed me to continue working on my high school degree, while also fast tracking my college education. Along the way, my eyes have opened to all the possibilities the future holds. At CCBC, I chose to study Fine Arts to expand my creative skills in photography and graphic design, which go hand-in-hand with my love of fashion design. Now, I am 17 and have earned 40 college credits with a 4.0 GPA all at a low cost. In addition, I am participating in the Goldman Sachs Small Business Fellows internship program through CCBC.
I love participating in CCBC’s student life and events where I have made friends and connections and gained mentors. I am currently the president of the photography club, and I serve as a brand ambassador for the college to share how I have benefited from enrolling in college early. These extracurricular experiences have nudged me out of my comfort zone and built my confidence. Some may say CCBC is just a community college, but it is so much more. It is a gateway to many amazing opportunities and experiences. It can also save you a lot of money and time, as it did for me through the Early College Access Program. As I continue moving toward my dreams, I plan to transfer to the Savannah College of Art and Design, a four-year design college. But before I do, I want to thank all my instructors and the faculty at CCBC for giving me an incredible start on my college journey. That’s my story. Back to you Alex!
Wow, congratulations Leah on where you are at in your college education. You definitely believe the early bird gets the worm and are working hard for success with the flexibility CCBC has given you to jump start your education. I’ve got no doubt you will reach your goals. Keep it up.
Let’s meet up with Bernard, a Sophomore who is working on becoming fluent in American Sign Language with the help of CCBC. He’ll tell us about some important people in his life who helped inspire and point him in the right direction for a career, and who mentored him along the way so that he could gain not only the knowledge but also the confidence he needed to tackle his dreams.
Thanks for the introduction Alex! What’s up everyone! My name is Bernard, but everyone at school calls me Buzi.
I won’t lie, I wasn’t sure what to major in when I enrolled at CCBC. What I did know was that I wanted to be an educated black male, and when CCBC came into my life, I considered it divine intervention. My older brother Michael has been deaf since adolescence and American Sign Language is an important form of communication in my family’s life. For this reason, CCBC’s American Sign Language and Interpreter Preparation program caught my attention. The program is designed to prepare you for fluency in American Sign Language, expose you to deaf culture and ultimately prepare you to professionally interpret between ASL and English. I was concerned about finding a job with a degree in ASL. This is where another amazing asset at CCBC – the Male Student Success Initiative, or MSSI – filled in the answers for me. MSSI is designed to improve graduation rates and ensure career readiness among male students of color. My MSSI advisors assured me there was demand for American Sign Language interpreters, and steered me toward special education. I pursued a summer internship at a grade school, and now I have a passion to work with children who face learning challenges. In addition to helping me find a career path, MSSI has supported me in so many other ways, from leadership training, to travel opportunities, to forming a brotherhood with other students.
I’ve learned never to be afraid to ask for help, especially with all the resources CCBC has to offer. This includes a community of trustworthy advisors and mentors who want to see students succeed, earn that education they’ve dreamed of, and know that the sky’s the limit.
Alex, back to you.
Bernard, way to fulfill your dream of earning an education in American Sign Language. You had a hard time seeing yourself on this career path, but the folks at CCBC had your back and gave you the support and sense of community you needed to succeed. Truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story.
Now we have the opportunity to meet another CCBC student, Kalla. She is working toward an exciting new career in Cybersecurity, while immersing herself in CCBC’s campus life and making new friends. She can’t wait to share her story about all the CCBC community has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom. Ok Kalla, please take it away.
Thanks Alex, hey everyone! To begin my story, I’ll share a few words people have used to describe me – smart, eccentric, and bubbly. After I graduated from high school I wanted a college that would fit my personality, and CCBC was the perfect match. To channel the smart side of myself, CCBC has been a place where I’ve been able to grow academically and do it affordably with the scholarships I’ve received. Initially I didn’t know what career direction to choose, but I was able to explore different pathways and eventually my academic advisors and professors steered me toward studying Cybersecurity, a program here at CCBC that is accredited by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. As for my bubbly and eccentric side, CCBC’s amazing student life culture has more than fulfilled my social side. There are so many student activities to immerse yourself in and make friends. The environment is overwhelmingly positive and the campus setting is beautiful. Currently I serve as an executive member of the Student Government Association, acting as a liaison between the students and the governing members of CCBC. I also participate in the kpop club and the anime club. Campus employment has been another great outlet for me. I found a job that I loved at the CCBC bookstore. I always looked forward to going to work, and I made sure to talk to every customer that came in. One of my friends joked that I would chase down customers with my smile. It’s not every day that you get to attend classes and hangout with your friends at such a historically charming place. I am really happy at CCBC and I bet you will be too.
That’s everything. Back to you, Alex!
Thanks Kalla, that was fascinating and I’m sure you’ve got a bright future ahead of you in cybersecurity. CCBC’s community looks like it was the right fit for you and has supported you academically and socially as you continue to grow and find your way. We wish you continued success.
Let’s hear from Iyona, who jumped on a fast track at CCBC, gaining workforce skills training that landed her a job as a pharmacy technician within a matter of months. Iyona’s story doesn’t stop there. Now she is working on an associate degree at CCBC as her learning journey continues. Iyona, tell us how you’re doing that!
Thanks for the intro Alex and hey everyone! When I enrolled as a continuing education student at CCBC, I was looking for a job and a second chance. In high school I had run into hard times and wasn’t able to earn my diploma or a GED. This made finding employment tough.
Fortunately, I discovered CCBC is a perfect place for people getting a later start in life. The college really lives up to the word “Community” in its name. CCBC’s online Job Network Program helps prepare students for the workforce and matches them with local employers who have jobs to fill, even helping set up job interviews for students. I realized this was the program I needed to get back on track and fast as a non-credit student. I chose the pharmacy technician training course as my career path. There was just one obstacle blocking my way – I needed my GED.
CCBC provides direct assistance for students needing GEDs, including prep classes, but my registration test scores surpassed expectations and I earned my GED within 24 hours of taking my test. After that, within just six months of training at CCBC, I earned my national pharmacy technician certification. My coursework was all online, and the content was easy to understand. I logged into a virtual meeting every week, and my instructor was always available to assist me. I am happy to say I now have that job I was looking for as a pharmacy technician. I am also taking general studies classes at CCBC with a goal of earning a degree in Mortuary Science. If it weren’t for CCBC’s continuing education program, I probably would’ve never become a college student, but here at CCBC I’ve learned anything is possible.
That’s my time, Thanks Alex!
Iyona, that’s fantastic. You earned your GED, you completed your pharmacy technician training, and now the sky’s the limit for what you can do as CCBC continues to provide opportunities for you to advance your career. You didn’t give up, and we can all learn a lesson from that. Thank you!