Next up, is a spot on campus that’s familiar to anyone who’s ever filled out a match madness bracket. Gampel Pavilion, home of the national champion men’s and women’s basketball teams. Adam just completed his bachelor’s degree here and is working on his master’s degree now. He’s gonna tell us what it means to have Husky spirit. How’s it going Adam?
Hey, everyone. I’m so excited to talk to you about athletics and the Husky spirit here at UCONN. Cheering on the Huskies has always been near and dear to my heart growing up in Connecticut, my whole life. And while you may know about the men’s and women’s basketball teams here on campus there’s so much more to cheer for. But first I wanna tell you why I chose UCONN.
First, yes, the athletics – but second, also my education. I’ve always been really good at math and I always really, really wanted to help people. Becoming a math teacher was always a really easy decision for me. And my stance on math is that it’s not something that you can or cannot do. It’s something that you need to practice and everyone can do some form of math. Choosing which teaching program was a bit of a struggle for me though, until I read about how great the Neag school of education was. One campus tour and a childhood of watching UCONN basketball later and I was sold.
On campus, I’ve been the president of the UCONN future educators where I found a great group of people to play intramural sports with be it flag football, soccer, handball, volleyball, or my personal favorite inner tube water polo. The math teacher in me can’t help but spew some Husky stats. 20 division-one programs led by men’s and women’s basketball, which have always been the top dogs here on campus and with good reason. 15 national championships between the two of them, they bring an excitement and buzz to campus come October when basketball season starts. And for some of the biggest games of the year the line can go all the way down Fairfield Way. And once you’re inside, you’re in for two hours of nonstop yelling and screaming from the Husky fans. There are memorable games in Madison square garden and exciting tournaments in Downtown Hartford.
And there’s more than just basketball to support here on campus. We have football down at Rentschler field and you can’t forget about our hockey team. They have a brand new arena on campus or you can take the ice bus to see the games in the city. And there’s our baseball team getting the national recognition it deserves, with some proud alumni making it up to the big leagues. For me, all these athletic events – it’s all about going with a group of friends and cheering on the Huskies. I’m a proud member of the UCONN gold patrol, the best student section in all of college soccer. You can expect Moroni stadium to be packed and rockin’. There isn’t a better place in the country than the UCONN student section. Jonathan, you wanna go to a game back to you, Alex.
Great job, Adam, and good luck with your masters program.
Alright, let’s check out the maker space. Cydney is a Biomedical Engineering major who’s been able to spend time in multiple labs at UCONN doing research as an undergraduate. One of the many things that sets UCONN apart. She’s gonna to tell us what it’s like to have a hands-on role at a research-one university. Take it away Cydney.
Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I’m originally from Albany, New York and I chose UCONN for its sense of community, proximity to home and how well-rounded it is. Many other schools I looked at excelled in one department whereas UCONN had great programs all around. So I had to take advantage of all these opportunities. In the past, I’ve served on the executive board for the undergraduate student government as well as UCONN’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. Additionally, I’ve worked as a teaching assistant, a campus tour guide and I even sing the national Anthem for basketball games, volleyball games, and many other events.
One thing you’ll find out about UCONN is that there’s opportunities for everyone here no matter your major. I’m a biomedical engineering student, yet I work in a material science engineering lab and a civil engineering lab which I was able to do after speaking with my professors. UCONN is an R1 institution, meaning that nearly every professor here is conducting some sort of research. In order to get involved students can simply send an email to the professors and set up a meeting to find out more. Additionally, if students have a particular project or idea in mind, they can receive funding through UConn’s Idea Grant of up to $4,000 to begin a project of their own. My friend Walla received this award the Summer after her freshman year, which goes to show that UCONN wants to get involved as early as your first year here on campus.
Students can also find out about opportunities from our center’s career development, research fair, as well as our amazing research website, which details all of the programs that are currently going on. These resources all go to show that UCONN wants you to excel in your classes, conduct research, and still have time to take part in extracurricular activities.
Let me tell you a bit about my research. I currently work in the Castleman Building in the center of campus, which is our main engineering building. There, I assist Dr. Kai and graduate students to understand and analyze the properties of nano fibers within ultra-high performance concrete. My daily tasks range from mixing samples, casting samples, grinding, and polishing them. Afterwards, we conduct a series of stress and compression tests to understand the benefits of each individual mixture.
The state of Connecticut is currently experiencing a concrete crisis which is affecting the foundations of people’s homes. So I’m so glad to be a part of the group working on solving this problem. When I’m not in this lab, I’m in a material science engineering lab funded by Pratt and Whitney. There, I work alongside another undergraduate student to analyze thermal barrier coatings at high temperatures. We also analyze CMASS samples through viscometers optical pyrometry and a gradient rig. I wish I could show you guys the inside of this lab but it’s currently top secret. So, I guess that’d have to be another time.
So if you couldn’t already tell, UCONN really wants you to become a part of something bigger than yourself. I know that I’m beyond grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to help make a difference but also because of the connections I’ve made with undergraduate students and graduate students. So thanks Alex for letting me share my story back to you.
Cydney, that’s fantastic. I love how even with all the work you’ve done in labs on campus you’ve been able to fit in all kinds of other activities, even singing the national Anthem before basketball games. It goes to show how much opportunity there is at UCONN regardless of what your passion is. Thanks Cydney.
Okay, let’s check out one of the most popular spots on campus. The statue of Jonathan, the Husky right in front of the famed Gampel Pavilion. Nicole, a special education major, is gonna tell us about some of the incredible student groups and activities she’s participated in. Nicole, what’s the good word?
Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I first started my college search I knew I wanted to go to a big university with loads of school spirit, challenging academics and lots of clubs and organizations to join. When I first stepped foot on UCONN’s campus I knew that I found my perfect fit. Flash forward to today, I’m now a senior special education major in the NEAG School of Education.
I have joined countless extracurriculars that has shaped my experience here at the university as an unforgettable one. I lived in Husky Village, my sophomore year which is on-campus housing exclusive to fraternity and sorority members. Something unique about Husky Village is we hold late nights which is food fundraisers for our philanthropies. I also joined the Women’s Club Basketball team. UCONN is home to 37 different club sports. I was a three sport athlete in high school and knew that I wanted to get involved with athletics when I came to UCONN. Considering UCONN’s women’s basketball team is ranked number one in the nation right now, joining the varsity team wasn’t in the playing cards. However, my time here on the club team has been nothing short of amazing.
The most rewarding organization I am a part of is Husky-thon. Husky-thon, is a year-long philanthropic fundraiser that raises money for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This year, we raised over $1 million for the kids. Every Spring we celebrate our fundraising efforts with an 18 hour dance marathon with no sitting. On top of the hundreds of clubs and organizations to get involved with. There are countless traditions that are unique to UCONN. My favorite tradition is One Ton Sunday, where during winter weekend students can fill an entire bucket with as much ice cream and toppings as they want. And it is something that is so fun to do with your friends. Another really cool tradition is Ooze Ball, which is a very muddy volleyball tournament held every Spring. And it is a favorite tradition that has gone back for decades.
From the friends and memories I’ve made through Husky-thon, Gamma Phi Beta, and club sports. I could not imagine my time here without these organizations. UCONN offers the student body so much. You just have to go out and find it. That’s all from me back to you Alex
Panhellenic council, club basketball, dance marathon – talk about a full slate of activities! Really impressive stuff, Nicole. And the fact that the Husky-thon has raised millions of dollars for children’s healthcare is such an inspiring example of how UCONN students can make a difference in the world. Thanks again, for that insight, take care Nicole.
Now it’s time to head over to the Wilbur Cross building, or just Wilbur Cross as everyone calls it here. We’re excited to talk to Shane Young, a Finance major who founded a business group for underrepresented students, who plays on the practice squad against the best women’s basketball team in the country. Shane, tell us about some of the incredible experiences you’ve had here.
Hey everyone, one of my favorite aspects of UCCON is the breath of opportunities available to students. As a research one institution with over 700 student organizations the university provides an amazing selection of opportunities to find yourself, as well as your people. This breath has challenged me to hold leadership positions in six of the nine organizations. And I’m actively involved in, as well as, applying knowledge attained from the classroom to real experiential learning opportunities that can have a real impact on people’s lives.
I‘ve been able to merge my interest in consulting for my passion on racial equity to embark on a really unique leadership opportunity within the UCONN consulting group. And if you can’t find an organization that fits your interests, you can create your own club which is exactly what I did last Fall. I founded business leaders of UCONN, an organization focused on supporting underrepresented students interested in business. Not only have we supported Bi-pod in achieving the most ambitious professional goals but more importantly, we’ve created a safe space for Bi-pod to share their experiences and discuss racial equity to maintain collective consciousness of marginalized experiences. With the extensive selection of opportunities available you’ll be sure to find something that pulls you out of your comfort zone.
A significant decision I had to make in high school was whether I wanted to play college basketball. It would have been a huge commitment. Instead, I found the best of both worlds where I can stay connected to a sport that I loved my entire life while also having a diverse college experience. The UCONN Women’s Basketball team takes on male practice players each year through their practice team. I’ve been able to stay connected to a significant sport in my life while also competing against and building relationships with some of the best women’s basketball players in the country.
I’ve also discovered different parts of the world and learn how my existence is shaped by history and my place in the world. My involvement has brought me to New York to give a consulting presentation to a startup company to Detroit, tour and housing discrimination but like in the privatization of education is currently subjugating black communities and to Tampa to cheer on the women’s basketball team in the NCAA final four. Beyond the US, one of the greatest influences in shaping my ideology has in my study abroad experience in Barcelona where I studied photography, fashion marketing, and contemporary neocolonialism. In college, I’ve embarked on a journey to find myself in my identity in this world. And it would not have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing extracurricular opportunities here at UCONN. Thanks Alex, back to you.
Amazing stuff, Shane getting a chance to study in Barcelona sounds like a life changing experience on top of everything else. And how cool is it to say you played basketball against players with multiple final four appearances to their credit. Thanks for sharing your story cheers Shane.
Okay, everyone let’s head over to Mirror Lake, the spot on campus for studying, people watching and soaking up the sun. There, we’re gonna hear from Laura, who has an individualized major Organizational Behavior and Leadership. And she’s gonna tell us about life in Storrs and all the amazing opportunities available to students in the area. Laura, please take it away.
Thanks Alex. Hi everyone! Growing up in the Northeast, I knew that I wanted to come to a school that gave me the opportunity to experience all those seasonal changes that I love so much while I was growing up. There’s nothing like the first snowfall of every Winter where our campus is blanketed white. It’s really like we’re living inside of a snow globe.
My favorite day of the Spring is the first warm day of the year. All of our students gather on the lawn behind our Student Union, hanging out, chatting with friends and getting some homework done. I do have to say my favorite season in Storrs must be the Fall. Whether you wanna get into the UCONN spirit by going to a football or soccer game, or if you go to a local farmer’s market to pick up some fresh fruit there are so many different things that you can do in the Fall.
Another one of my favorite parts about being a UCONN student, is the sense of community that we have here. Our main campus is located in Storrs, where you can expect to find that traditional college town feel. We also have bridged campuses across Connecticut in Avery Point, Hartford, Stanford, and Waterbury. These campuses each have their own unique culture, but regardless of where you attend classes we have a sense of Husky pride that unites us all. While our Storrs campus is located in a relatively small area of Connecticut, there’s no shortage of activity. And this keeps our campus exciting. I’m standing here on our Mirror Lake, which is relatively close to our Downtown Storrs area. I love to head into Downtown Storrs with my friends to grab some coffee and hang out.
At first UCONN might seem like a big school but it’s amazing how small it begins to feel because of the sense of community that we’ve built here. I hope hearing my story has given you a sense of what it’s like to live and learn here at UCONN. Back to you, Alex
Laura, thanks for telling us what makes this campus so special. No matter where you’re from. When you say there is no better place to experience the best that all four seasons have to offer. I know a lot of people who agree with you. Thanks again.
Okay, everyone, first, we’re gonna head to Fairfield Way. This is the heart of campus where you’ll find everything from the library to the Student Union, to a farmer’s market in the fall. Sean, a double major in Urban and Community Studies and Psychology is gonna tell us about UCONN’s residential life and learning communities. I can’t wait to hear about life on campus here. It’s all yours Sean.
Thanks, Alex! When I first came to UCONN, I was a little worried. It was such a big school and I felt overwhelmed by all the opportunities, the size of the campus, and everyone I saw walking around. I was worried that I might get swallowed up by the size of the university, and I knew I needed to have a strong base to be able to explore all the amazing opportunities a big school like UCONN had to offer. I was able to find that home in my residential community on campus.
Our res life staff puts so much effort into making sure that you connect with your roommate and floor mates to give you a solid support group here at UCONN. I remember my first weekend was packed with so many different events, from scavenger hunts to concerts, that by the end of it, I felt like I’d already known my floor mates for forever. As you continue throughout your time at UCONN, you’ll just grow closer with your floor mates. Doing homework together, going to events together, even joining clubs together. Some of my favorite memories have been spent sitting out hanging in the hallway with my floor mates late into the night, spending all day long, playing volleyball with them on the sand courts right outside our door.
Past just making amazing friends though, living on campus also gives you easy access to all the great opportunities, events, and dining that UCONN has. It’s just a quick walkaway to any of our eight dining halls, Downtown Storrs, or the Student Union, all which have delicious food. It seems like every day on campus there’s a different event happening, whether it be our learning community field day competition, one of the many late night activities our Student Union plans. My favorite is the paint night. Living on campus truly allows you to get the full UCONN experience.
And if you’re looking for an even closer sense of community that’s more specialized like I was you might wanna consider joining a learning community or LC as we call it. We have 20 different residential learning communities all across campus, which are groups of students who share common interest and live together. Now these interests can be major based like our women in STEM learning community, which allows you to live and connect with students of similar career interests and in the same classes. These can also be interdisciplinary, like the one I chose to join, the Leadership Learning Community, which is more focused on a common interest.
Learning communities also put on even more events, trips, and professional development activities to help you better yourself as a person and connect with other students at UCONN. Some of my favorite events at UCONN have been through my learning community, like our annual trip to six flags or at four arrows leadership retreat. With such an amazing experience that living on campus at UCONN provides, it’s no wonder that we have one of the highest percentage of students living on campus out of any public university in the nation. I hope you’ve learned a little bit more about what it’s like living on campus here at UCONN and I’ll send it back to you, Alex.
Sean, that was great. When you talked about how you instantly connected with people in your residence hall it reminded me how important the residential experience is for college students. And it sounds like the learning communities are a way to make those connections even stronger. Congrats on everything you’ve accomplished, and good luck in the master’s of public administration program.
This is going to be great. We’re now going to go to FAU stadium and meet Michael, he’s a senior from East Haven, Connecticut, majoring in multimedia journalism. Michael is a campus tour guide, and he’s going to tell us all about the campus experiences here at FAU. I got to tell you, I am loving FAU’s energy and vibe. Michael, take it away.
– Hey everyone. Florida Atlantic University has been my home for close to three years now and has given me the college experience that I’ve always wanted. From the first day stepping onto campus, I knew that FAU was the place for me. I found myself in an environment with the opportunities to grow both inside and out of the classroom. Through unique degree programs, a diverse student population, athletics, and of course, the beach. FAU is always working to create a better on-campus atmosphere. Everywhere you look, there’s new residence halls, buildings, and study areas popping up, including the newly renovated student union, which includes an e-sports area with more than 40 gaming stations and setups for consoles. Since I love to work out, my favorite place to be on campus is the fitness and recreation center. I’m there almost every day, either lifting weights or playing pickup basketball. One thing I look forward to most is Saturdays during football season. Our football games are an all day affair and you can find our students tailgating outside the stadium, followed by taking in the action from the student section. We have 19 division one athletic teams here at FAU, and we love cheering on our owls on the field, or in the arena. FAU gave me the on-campus learning experience I needed in order to thrive in journalism. Here, I worked with South Florida Journal, a student produced radio show covering news all across South Florida, which allowed me to express my passion for broadcasting. Looking back on everything I’ve experienced and accomplished leading up to graduation, I am forever grateful for my owl community. Thank you, Florida Atlantic University. Now back to you, Alex.
– Did you all see that stadium? What a fun place to spend on Saturdays! It’s football in paradise. Thanks again, Michael.
Valpo student athletes also find community on one of the university’s 17 Division One programs and cheering each other to victory. The comradery and mutual support of what Peyton loves about being part of Valpo athletics. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Let’s hear from Peyton right now.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone, at the age of 10 I decided I wanted to play Division One Volleyball. I worked extremely hard and began looking at colleges. I heard from coach Carin Avery at Valparaiso University and from the second I stepped on this campus, it felt like home. Not only did Valpo gave me the opportunity to become a Division One athlete, they gave me the chance to grow as a person, on the court and in the classroom. The tight-knit community helps with time management as student athlete. Our coaches work to help us be the best students we can be and our professors work with our schedules while supporting us as student athletes. You can catch many professors attending games and even rooting us on from the sidelines. And if win, when we head out here and ring our victory bell. . Each year, the volleyball team works with the local Y to help coach kids from the area. I love when the kids attend our games and go through autograph line, just to tell us how much they enjoyed working with us. You don’t have to be a part of a Division One team to be an athlete here. You can join an intramural or club team or the e-sports team. No matter the level of commitment to your sport, you’ll be part of the Valpo athletics family. The people I’ve met here and the things I’ve learned help prepare me to go out into the world. When I graduated from Valpo, I will leave with job confidence, countless memories, and a second home. Go Valpo.
– Thanks, Peyton. The support from your coaches and professors can be so important to success and not just for athletes. I can’t wait to catch a game at the ARC real soon. Take care.
let’s shift the conversation over to sophomore Emily, who’s majoring in Political Science with a minor in Professional Writing. In addition to her studies, Emily is very involved with campus life. She’s busy with more clubs and activities than I can count on one hand. The connections she’s making are cheering her on now, and they’ll definitely be helping her reach her career goals after graduation. Emily, tell us more.
– Hey guys. Like many others for the majority of my life, I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I didn’t know how. it wasn’t until I came to Valpo and started getting involved that I saw how much you could do for others and how many opportunities you have to do so. Getting involved and trying new things is a big priority at Valparaiso University. This can be seen in the more than 100 student clubs and organizations offered here. With this and the countless leadership roles bestowed on students, the university is training the leaders of tomorrow. No matter what you wanna try, there is always an opportunity at Valpo. I am the vice president of Alpha Gamma Delta, a student Senator, a member of the Dance Marathon Executive Board and the Campus Tour Guide. And the great thing is with most clubs and organizations being student led, they understand the importance of flexible scheduling. In the future, I plan to attend law school in Texas. I want to continue my involvement and service to others through becoming an attorney. Some of the connections I have made through clubs and activities here at Valpo, will be ones I use in my daily career as an attorney. Here, I can see Valpo’s dedication to students and giving us the most meaningful opportunities possible. No matter what you enjoy, at Valpo, there’s something for everyone. Well, that’s all for me, sending it back to you, Alex.
– How awesome, Emily. With so many new experiences and activities available to you, it’s great to see you’re jumping in and growing so much in the process. This is truly a campus where leadership is put in the student’s hands. Great job.
Now, let’s meet Lauren over at the library. She’s a senior majoring in international studies with minors in anticipatory intelligence and Asian studies. A combination that has given her tons of opportunities for learning outside the classroom and around the world. Take it away, Lauren.
– Thank you so much, Alex, I really appreciate it. It is so nice to be here with you at Utah State University. So, like Alex said, I’m an international studies major here at USU. And one of the coolest things about being an international studies major is that a lot of my learning takes place outside of the classroom. And in many cases outside of the country. I’ve been able to conduct research and complete internships, all while being a student here at USU. I’ve conducted anthropological research in Thailand, competed in Model United Nations in Canada, and worked with small businesses in the Dominican Republic. In fact, I’m completing an internship right now in Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., And will be heading to the Philippines next spring to do some more work with small businesses. So, I’ve been able to do all of this by getting involved with different USU organizations. One such organization is called the Small Enterprise Education and Development, or SEED program. Which sends interns to work with small businesses and communities abroad. Another organization is called the IOGP, or the Institute of Government and Politics. Through them, I have been able to meet notable alumni, and apply for internships, like the one I am currently completing in Washington D.C. with a member of Congress. While its main focus is on government and politics, the IOGP also arranges events with nonprofits, business owners, and other professional alumni from across the world. The Aggie network is truly unparalleled. We have alumni in every area of study from all across the world, that love to come back and speak with current students. The coolest thing about these events is that they are offered all students from any major or any program of study. Now, while I do love repping USU abroad, there are also many cool opportunities happening on campus. One of these opportunities is called the Connections Program for Incoming Students. While USU does like preparing you for your career after college, they also want to make sure that you are ready to start college with this program. In this course, you’ll be able to meet cool people, go to awesome events, and spend one-on-one time with professors. This class was especially helpful for me, since I came from out-of-state and didn’t know anybody on campus. Now, as a peer mentor for this course, I have the incredible opportunity to meet with new students and help them find their place in the Aggie family. Utah State University has been an incredible opportunity for me, I love it up here in Logan. And thank you guys so much for listening to my experiences. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you Lauren. Now, that is gonna be one impressive resume. It’s great to hear how Utah State helps students be successful right from the start. And good for you for giving back and passing on your own expertise, you have a lot to share. That was fantastic.