If you’re looking for top flight academics in your college experience, you’ll be at home at DePauw University. Say hello to Bodhi. He’s a philosophy major who’s gonna share a little about how he and his fellow students engage big ideas in the small, liberal arts community. Classroom conversations here have a tendency to spill into the hallways and beyond. Bodhi, tell us more.
Glad to be here, Alex. Hello, everyone. Growing up in basically the middle of nowhere, I knew I wanted to go to college somewhere where people knew what they were passionate about and wanted to know more. I felt like I needed to go somewhere large to find what I wanted, but a competitive scholarship to DePauw made my choice for me, so I decided to come here and I think that’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made. The communities I’ve made here have kept me engaged intellectually and socially in ways I never expected from a small, liberal arts college in the Midwest. My Ethics Institute program is a dream internship. I basically get paid to talk about philosophy and spread interest in ethics around campus. We’ve got a great study space and lots to offer even for people who are focused on other areas of study. I’m also involved in restarting the Campus Philosophy Club. We’ve got a lot planned and we hope to keep people challenged, but I don’t just find community and student organizations to be work. My professors have always showed me so much support and helped me in going down academic ramholes. My fraternity brothers are the exact same way. We always have such a turnout for each other’s events. We even have a few Philosophy Club members in there. I’ve found just what I was looking for at DePauw. I’ve been challenged. I’ve made a lot of friends for life. I’ve learned a lot. I’m still learning a lot and I know anyone who comes here can find the same if they look hard enough. That’s the conclusion I’ve reached. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Bodhi. It looks like you found exactly what you’re looking for. DePauw’s Ethics Institute is nestled inside a picturesque, 500 acre nature park. Talk about keeping your mind and body active. It’s hard to imagine a better setting to talk about big ideas with friends. Thanks again.
Close relationships with professors are a big reason why students choose a small, liberal arts college like DePauw, but it’s not just class sizes where these connections pay off. I’d like to introduce you to Haley, a vocal performance major who knows the true value of having professors who see and hear you. Haley, tell us more about your experience and your story.
Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Knowing I wanted to further my education as a vocalist, it was important for me to plant my roots in a place where I could grow exponentially as a musician and artist, as well as foster meaningful relationships with professors and friends. Little did I know that my professors and peers would not only challenge me academically and help me flourish, but would also help me through the most difficult season of my life. In February of 2021, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, undergoing nearly six months of cancer treatment while at DePauw. What could have been an incredibly isolating experience was one in which I felt overwhelming support from the DePauw community. Professors were not only accommodating to my physical health during this time, but they were also dedicated to my personal wellbeing beyond my academic needs. At DePauw, I am more than just a number or even a student. I am known and loved by my community. This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the transformative experiences I have been fortunate enough to partake in at DePauw. The music program has furthered my vocal development while inspiring my creativity through rigorous classwork, discussions, and even choir tour in Amsterdam and Germany. These experiences and the professors who’ve led them inspired me to pursue a career as an operatic vocalist. As I prepare to embark on the next step of my journey, I have nothing but pride and gratitude for the campus I’ve called home for the past four years. Despite undergoing unexpected difficulties during my college experience, I learned the value of an attentive community and support system. Thank you, DePauw, for making my dreams a reality. What do you say, Alex, does being a DePauw Tiger sound pretty cool to you?
Wow, Haley, that was moving! It sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you. What happens in the classroom is only a part of the story of your education at DePauw, knowing that professors are concerned about more than just your grades really means a lot.
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.