Besides academic excellence and opportunities to cultivate multiple talents, Illinois Wesleyan is known for its friendly and supportive community. Lots of small schools talk about their supportive atmosphere, at IWU, the faculty and staff back up that talk with action. Meet Ellie, a senior English major, whose life took a turn she didn’t expect. When it did, the Illinois Wesleyan community was there with open arms. Ellie, it’s your time to tell your story.
– Thanks, Alex. I wanted to attend Illinois Wesleyan University, since I was 12 years old, and I started going to the Chamber Music Festival. I wanted to go to Wesleyan so bad, but it was the only school I applied to, which was pretty nerve-racking. I had no idea how much this school would change my life. On the first day of orientation, I met my now fiance, Hector. Going into our sophomore spring semester, we were met with a wonderful surprise we chose to embrace. We were expecting a baby. We immediately reached out to the school to discuss what kind of accommodations we could get to ensure our future academic success. They really went out of their way to help us. Our son was born exactly one week before the start of junior year. Thought first day of classes was really hard because I didn’t feel ready to leave him yet. However, one of my professors pulled me aside and told me how happy she was to see me. I immediately felt better because I knew that she didn’t just see me as a student, but as a whole person. The pandemic heightened everyone’s anxiety. I was particularly stressed with a newborn baby at home. I reached out to my professors, and every single one of them allowed me to go online for two weeks while the case is decreased. While this created some extra work for them, they were all willing to do it to keep my son safe and also ease my anxiety. Completing my degree ensures my son’s future, and I am so thankful to be a part of a university that understands that life happens outside of the classroom. Our son has truly become a part of this university. He is greeted and passed around not only by my friends, but also by my professors. I am so thankful to be raising my son as a part of this community. Here at Illinois Wesleyan, we have a tradition of walking across the stage at graduation and touching the pineapple. Not only a symbol of hospitality, but also about going into the world and doing good. And my graduation, I can’t wait to touch the pineapple and hopefully, one day, my son will too. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Ellie, you, Hector, and Raphael, make a beautiful Titan family. Building relationships and support, between faculty and students isn’t unique to Ellie. Professors and staff alike are known to host students at their homes for dinner, a 10 backyard barbecues at the president’s house here on campus or me at the local coffee shop to discuss ideas from class. IWU is a family that truly cares for one another, and that is awesome.
Illinois Wesleyan is a proven starting ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. College Factual ranked IWU as the best university in the Great Lakes region, and the ninth best undergraduate school in the US for entrepreneurial studies. What sets them apart is that students in any major, like Roshan in pre-engineering, can pursue their dreams to create new things supported by faculty mentors. Roshan, take it away.
– Thank you for the fantastic introduction, Alex. What’s up, guys? I first came to Illinois Wesleyan, when I was a middle school student for a science camp. I had no idea at the time that I’d end up choosing it for college. When it came time to choose a college, I was unsure of what direction to go in. Did I wanna stay close to home? Did I wanna go to a big school or a small one? What choice was the best for my career? My goal was to become an engineer, and one day, I received a call from a physics professor at Illinois Wesleyan. He told me about their 3-2 program that would be fantastic in helping me get degrees in both physics and engineering in just five years. That professor has become my mentor today. Because Wesleyan is a smaller school, I’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know my professors and have them get to know me as well as support my development. We get hands-on access to cutting edge equipment that most schools only offer to grad students. This year, I was even given my own lab to work on my project to develop new smart workout equipment. I hope to develop a prototype and apply for funding through IWU’s Titan Venture Challenge for student entrepreneurs. The Shark Tank-Style Challenge is one of the many ways in which IWU fosters innovation. Whether you study chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or math, IWU professors are always proud to see their students present their research at conferences or publish in scholarly journals, a distinctive opportunity to have as undergraduates. Not only has IWU prepared me for my career, but it’s also provided me with many great experiences that I will cherish throughout my lifetime. I’m happy to be a student at IWU, and I hope that one day you will as well. That’s all from me, Alex. Back to you.
– Great job, Roshan. It will be exciting to see what you come up with. Illinois Wesleyan envisions a bright future for student innovators with its Petrick Idea Center as a living, learning and creating community, a residential student space, combined with innovation hubs for conceptualizing new ventures. Students are given the tools, resources, and knowledge to solve the world’s problems right now, while they’re still students. Thanks again, Roshan.
IWU has become known as the and university, and you’re about to find out why. J.D. is a senior majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Advocacy. A Leader on the track and in student government, he’s a perfect example of the way students at Illinois Wesleyan get to explore their multiple interests and talents. Passing the baton to you, J.D., take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Growing up in a small town and attending a small school, I was involved in many things. I ran cross-country and track, started on the scholastic school team, dove in the student government and even played a prince in the school musical. I knew in college, I wanted to continue to be involved in as many things as possible. Going into my college search, I was looking at places as big and small. After visiting a few schools, I quickly learned that a bigger school, doesn’t necessarily mean bigger opportunities. Illinois Wesleyan University, offers a breadth of opportunities for students who want that well-rounded experience. In my time at IWU, I’ve competed at a high level on the cross-country and track teams, advocated for the student body through my role as vice president, and even jump-started my career goals by landing four different internships. By being a well-rounded student, my opportunities after IWU will be bountiful. In fact, 96.8% of the class of 2021, have jobs or are continuing their education. That makes us at IWU ranked number one in Illinois for job placement and number seven in the nation. That only was an experience, we’ll do that for you. Something I appreciate as an athlete only at Wesleyan is that our coaches are committed to us getting a stellar education first and foremost, and yet our teams win. IWU has nine National Division III Championships, and we’re ranked in the top 25 for Academic All-Americans, for all NCAA colleges in the US. IWU truly is that and university, you can be this and that. I was an all-conference tracked athlete and an elected leader on campus. What will your and experience be? Well, that’s my story y’all. I hope to see you rocking that Titan Green soon, since, well, Titan Green is over everything, #TGOE. Back to you, Alex.
– Very impressive, J.D. Thank you for highlighting Illinois Wesleyan’s tradition of winning. There’s another IWU tradition I learned about that I really love. Each year, during new student orientation, first year students chalk their college goals, around aspiration fountain, setting their dreams and intentions in motion. Four years later, in the very same spot, faculty and staff proudly chalk the names of each and every graduate celebrating all the goals achieved and dreams realized. What a powerful, powerful tradition.
While some students come to college raring to go with a list of clubs to join and activities to partake in, others take a little time to figure out what they wanna do and even who they want to be. Meet, Josh, an IWU student who discovered that one of the best parts of Illinois Wesleyan community, is the way it meets you exactly where you are. Josh, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I’m a junior studying computer science and history with a minor in Greek Norman studies. Yeah, I know, I’m nuts, and look, I’m gonna be honest with you here. Wesleyan wasn’t my first choice, but it was the right choice. How do I know? Because Wesleyan gave me a place that I could call home, that welcomed me for who I am and what I do. You’ll often hear people say that, “In order to get something out of college, you have to put everything in,” and there’s some truth to that. But the thing is, I started university at the height of the pandemic. When I got here, I didn’t have a whole lot to give. I had no on-campus involvement, and yet I still called this place home, because even though I wasn’t on a sports team or in an organization or in Greek life, my professors, my advisors, and most vitally my peers, made me feel welcomed here, even when I had so little to give, even when I didn’t join every club, and be part of every organization. Wesleyan is the and university because every time I thought it had given me all that any college could offer, I rounded a corner and found something new. And nationally ranked eSports program, advisors that are the most supportive people, I’ve ever worked with, professors who are excited to see new ideas and attitudes, peers that are willing to get to know me for who I am. Now, a lot has changed in my life since I first got here. I’ve gotten more involved, and I’ve worked hard to make use of the incredible resources available here, but even when I didn’t, I still felt welcome. The and university had more to offer than I could have ever imagined. Think about that for a second. Most of you probably have clubs and activities you wanna be a part of. You have goals, drive, ambition. When I got to IWU, I had none of those things, and I still felt welcome here. If this place is home to me when I wasn’t fully on-campus with three jobs and no discernible free time, imagine what it could be for you. Back to you, Alex.
– Josh, I absolutely love your story, and I’m so pleased that you found your home at IWU. As you can see, Illinois Wesleyan helps to take away the fear and confusion of who will you be and turn it into a bright future through countless opportunities and a supportive environment. Thanks again for sharing, Josh
Illinois Wesleyan is consistently ranked, among the top liberal arts schools in the entire country, a stellar reputation that attracts students from across the US and all over the world. Bea is one of those international students who found her home right here. She’ll tell us how that exceptional education is surprisingly affordable. Bea, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m an incoming sophomore majoring in business. Also an international student coming from the Philippines, I’m very grateful to be able to pursue an education at Illinois Wesleyan, due to the amount of scholarships and financial aid that was given to me. The generosity shown to me by the alumni have helped motivated me to continue pursuing my education. As of the previous semester, I was able to make the dean’s list. Being unsure of my major at first, I found it very helpful that the Hart Career Center at IWU bring so many alumni back to campus for job fairs and panels. It gave me an idea of a lot of different career possibilities, allowing me to better envision my future after college. However, my favorite part of Illinois Wesleyan is the tight knit and accepting community that we have here on campus. Coming from a different country, you might think that it would be hard to make friends, but with the help of the events and activities set up by the many student organizations, I was able to get to know more people as well as to celebrate other people’s cultures. I consider myself to be a people-oriented person, and I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the Asian Pacific American Coalition, the Spanish and the Teen Student Association and the Campus Activities Board, which helps plan major events for the student body, like Fall Fest, Globe Golf, and the Annual Drag Show. Whether you’re coming from around the corner or across the globe, you’ll find a community at Illinois Wesleyan, I sure did. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Bea, sounds like you really, found your place to shine. I can see why the alumni are so involved in giving back to support new generations of Titans like you. And with a streamlined financial aid application process, more than 95% of incoming IWU students qualify for scholarships or grant assistance. Thanks again, Bea.
Illinois Wesleyan’s home of Bloomington-Normal is on many lists of the best places in the nation. It’s ranked by Business Insider as a top 10 college town. We’re about to meet a townie, Carson, a senior biochemistry major on a pre-med track. He’ll tell us how the social scene in the twin cities, makes Illinois Wesleyan a great place to be. The floor’s all you are, Carson.
– Thanks, Alex. I chose to go to Illinois Wesleyan University because their outstanding pre-med program, scholarships, and because it’s in a great town where I also grew up. Sister Cities Bloomington-Normal or Blo-No, as we call it, provides ample opportunity for travel, entertainment, history, and great food. With some major corporations headquartered here, it’s conveniently located between Chicago and St. Louis, close enough for a day trip to either, and it has some unique history with Abraham Lincoln, Constitution Trail, and Route 66. One of my favorite parts about IWU is the benefit of being a small school, the small classes, more one-on-one with teachers that we also get the benefits of a big school just up the street. The big college town feel that surrounds IWU brings an energy that sets us apart from other schools this size. Blo-No offers shows, concerts, festivals, restaurants, and extremely fun night life. While Blo-No is a blast, IWU has a tradition of surveying the community with things like Blood Drives set up by Tri Beta, a Biology Honor Society I’m in, and volunteer opportunities like the Midwest Food Bank and my fraternity, Alpha Chapter of No matter what you may have an interest in, IWU and Blo-No will have something you enjoy. Going here has given me opportunities, some of the best friends and memories and been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Back to you, Alex.
– Great job, Carson. The town gown connections at IWU, really gives students the chance to not just have a lot of fun, but also get involved to make a difference in the community. The campus has annual do well and do good awards to honor the accomplishments of students and student organizations, which is so incredible. Thanks again for sharing your story, Carson.
Let’s meet Ally. She’s a junior from Dudley, Massachusetts and she’s taking the world by storm one trip at a time. She’s gonna tell us about the transformative study abroad program here at Western New England University, including her own recent trip to Sorento, Italy. We can’t wait to hear all about Alley, please take it away.
– Why, thank you, Alex. While choosing a college is a big decision, it was such a relief to find a home in Western New England University. The tight knit community and individualized attention here allowed me to explore all of my interests and find my place. One of these interests is traveling and seeing the world for myself. Ever since I traveled internationally with my high school, studying abroad has been a big item on my college bucket list. Western New England University’s study abroad program offers faculty led summer seminar trips, semester long experiences, and winter break opportunities so that you can participate on your own schedule. Plus, there is a wide variety of courses offered so that you can continue working towards your degree while you travel. Finding your place in the world is a major component of the WNE experience. Our study abroad program is way more than an excursion. It’s a transformative experience that crosses disciplines, cultures, and borders. You’ll expand your worldview and increase your understanding of our global society, it is truly life changing. When I heard about WNE’s summer session in Sorento, Italy, I was all in. In just three weeks, myself and 16 other WNE students explored historical and cultural sites such as the Ancient ruins of Pompeii and attended classes and demonstrations, including an authentic Italian cooking class. We spent time in and out of the classroom learning from our WNE professors about Italian culture and history and business communications concept. It was a dream come true to grow close with my classmates and make memories I’ll never forget. Regardless of what you want to do in the future, engaging in the global community through studying abroad will teach you lessons that will apply to both your career and your life. So, pack your suitcase and grab your passport for the trip of a lifetime. That’s it for me, ciao Alex.
Grazie Ally, there’s a whole big world out there and WNE is ready to help you explore it alongside your professors and classmates. It’s so cool to hear about how travel has changed your worldview and given you added benefits to your future career. Please keep us all posted on your amazing adventures. That was awesome, take care, Ally.
We’re heading over to the College of Business in Churchill Hall where we will meet Aditya, an international student from India who is living here in Springfield. He is double majoring in finance and business analytics and information management, and he’s gonna share his story about coming to WNE from India and getting involved. Aditya, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Coming to the US to go to college was definitely a challenging experience for me, but my family made sure that the transition was excellent as possible. I fell in love with that beautiful campus almost instantly, and it wasn’t long before I felt like I was already a part of the community. Joining American University from India was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I realized early on that there was much more to the college experience than just academics. I made a promise to myself to get involved on campus and WNE makes sure international students have plenty of options to choose from. My personal favorite is the International Club, which helps our international students feel at home on campus through events like the International Welcome Reception, International Week, and activities that highlight different cultures. I’m also the vice president of the Investment Club, which is fueled by my passion for finance. I feel genuinely connected to both the international student community and the general student body here at WNE. There’s plenty of resources on campus to help students succeed, such as the international Student and Scholar Services that helps international students navigate everything from culture shocks and housing, defining curricular practical and optional practical training opportunities. There’s always someone to go to on campus when you have questions about American or campus life in general, or practical matters about traveling and re-entering the US et cetera. None of would’ve accomplished so far be possible without the invaluable support and guidance of our faculty and staff here at WNE that encouraged my abilities and interests. WNE prepares graduates to adapt and thrive and has positioned me well to achieve my personal and professional goals, which include being an analyst at a hedge fund or an investment bank initially and someday, running my own hedge fund. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Aditya, you really are making the most of your time at WNE. It’s true, Golden Bears really do get involved and it’s the best way to feel part of the community, no matter who you are and where you’re from. Personal growth and exploration at WNE is best done by putting yourself out there and being part of the college experience.
Let’s hear from Sam and how she’s taking charge of her own education at WNE by customizing her experience to fit her passion and goals. She’s a marketing, communication and advertising major interested in the entertainment industry, and she is already making her mark. Let’s head over to Sam.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. From a young age, I knew I was going to work in entertainment from community theater to working in professional settings to interning and entertainment, I dreamed of fulfilling myself as an artist. WNE is a place that values learning, agility and creativity. I get to customize my academic experience and indulge in my creativity while learning about entertainment and business. From behind the curtain, I found so many ways to explore avenues in marketing and entertainment. My entertainment management professor provided me with the opportunity to attend the Television Academy’s Virtual College Summit where I networked with fellow artists and attended panels hosted by industry professionals. In a marketing class, I got to work with engineering students to market a product that they created. My team designed a remote to assist people with disabilities. I also work as a web production assistant with WNE’s marketing office, where I conduct social media research and create content. As a first year student, I was even on the executive board as chair with special events for our annual concert spring event. This year, we hosted Girlfriends 303 and Olivia O’Brien. This taste of entertainment management helped teach me how to plan and advertise an event, collaborate in leadership settings, communicate with third parties, and most importantly, ensure the audience has fun. The skills I’ve learned from these opportunities helps land me an internship with an event and talent booking agency. I get to work on outreach and planning for the artists and events that we represent. Here, I get hands on experience under talented professionals learning through experience, working on the agency side of entertainment. Because WNE empowers me to pursue my passion and customize my education, I know I will have many more of these opportunities. Cut, that’s a wrap for me and action, Alex.
– Thank you, Sam. You’re doing some really cool things in writing your own ticket to Hollywood. At WNE, each student is empowered to make their education work for them and what they want in their lives. The future is truly in your hands at WNE. Thanks again, Sam.
Let’s switch gears to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. We’re gonna hear from Richard, who is a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, which is just one of the professional programs at this national university, which also includes a doctor of pharmacy program and a school of law. You’ll learn about how he is preparing to be a healthcare leader and how his well-rounded education allows him to collaborate with other professional students. Over to you, Richard.
– Thanks Alex. So growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the health field. From my previous experience working with patients at my local hospital, coaching youth soccer and volunteering with kids with disabilities, it was clear to me that helping people and healthcare was a passion of mine. A career and occupational therapy fits to build perfectly. OTs help people of all agents who are sick, injured, or with disabilities participate fully in life. Pursuing my doctorate in occupational therapy at Western New England University has been the perfect choice for me because I feel connected on campus through my academics and social life, and I feel as if I’m growing as a professional and healthcare leader each day. The WNE Occupational Therapy Program provides applied learning in realistic environments to students through three clinical laboratories in the off campus health and wellness house. The program allows students to engage with the local community by observing and participating in patient care activities during our level one field work. For students who want to get a head start into the occupational therapy career, our undergrad three plus three OTD health science majors offers students the academic foundation they need and a direct path to transition seamlessly into the professional phase of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Our OTD program provides an inclusive and collaborative environment that allows us to team up with other professional programs such as engineering, pharmacy, and law. The program equips us with research evidence and policy perspectives necessary to be leaders in the global healthcare workforce. Occupational therapy is a growing and evolving healthcare profession. My colleague experience has been unique and enriching so far. I’ve learned to work hard in the classroom, enjoy the journey while pursuing my dreams. That’s all from me, Alex, take it back.
– Wow Richard, all of that real world experience means that you’ll be ready to practice as an occupational therapist before you know it. WNE makes it so easy for its graduates to transition into professional studies. We all know you’ll provide the best care possible for your future patients, and we all appreciate that. Take care.