All right, everyone. Are you ready to meet David? He’s a junior majoring in Theatre. He’s going to meet us in the Shanklin Theatre to talk about the renowned theatre program at UE. For nearly 50 years, UE productions have garnered recognition and awards on a local, regional, and national level. Okay, David, this show is all yours. Break a leg.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I always had a myriad of things I wanted to do. I went from wanting to be an astronaut, to a Supreme Court Justice, to finally deciding on majoring in Theatre in college. The Theatre Program at UE is one of the top programs in the country. Theatre students at UE all have exceptional talent and are the best of what we do. My classmates challenge and nurture me, which means that everyone just ends up getting better and better. This intense theatre training and classroom rigor allows us to put on six productions a year. Our theatre artists are empowered to go out in the world and make a difference through their art. Community outreach initiatives like our Traveling Shakespeare Troupe Rouge & Peasant Aces showcase our commitment to enriching the greater Evansville area with world-class theatre. I was born in Nigeria and moved to Houston, Texas at six years old. My parents instilled in me values of excellence, kindness, and leadership. UE shares these same values, and appreciates and welcomes people from all over the world. There’s a thriving international community on campus, and students here are so accepting. My time here has only bolstered my commitment to telling stories that change hearts and minds. Regardless of your major, UE is an amazing place to be. Come join us. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even come out of here another Oscar winner like UE Theatre’s very own Rami Malek. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, six productions a year? That is so impressive. I’ve also seen the star-studded list of Emmy and Oscar winners, along with the many on and off camera talent throughout the country. Theatre alumni from UE can be found everywhere. Thanks for that, David.
Next up is Kara who loved her undergrad experience so much she’s now back for her PhD in language, literacy and culture. Kara was pretty much born a Retriever. Most of her family went here. So she’s got a special perspective on why students are such an important part of UMBC history. Take it away, Kara.
– Thanks, Alex. My name is Kara Seidel and I come from a whole family of retrievers. Not only did both of my parents go here, but my brother went here and works here. You may know him as the Twitter guy from UMBC’s historic run in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. After graduating as valedictorian of my class, I went on to do my masters at another institution while working full-time. Now I’m UMBack as my family called it. I’m currently doing my PhD and it’s easy to see why people come back like I did and why I missed it. Students have quite literally shaped UMBC’s history from the design of campus and how our pathways are literally paved based on where students walked to intellectually and how students dedicate and foster spaces for collaboration and democracy. We now have a Center for Democracy and Student Life created by UMBC staff who are also alum. The center engages students from all major colleges on campus. And it all started from ask from a classroom discussion. After doing my master somewhere else, I realized an even more profound level of appreciation for the student-centered culture at UMBC. Though I started my doctorate during the pandemic, there were still numerous ways for students to collaborate and stay involved. A fellow student and I formed a Graduate Student Success Committee for the Graduates Student Association, dedicated to student wellbeing. As a campus community, we center student voice in a way that empowers co-creation from students all the way up through administrators. And that’s one of the many reasons why I love it here, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kara, that’s true Retriever spirit. I loved hearing about your journey and how cool is it that students have literally designed elements of UMBC over the years, that is just amazing. Best of luck with studies Kara, well done.
Tapping into one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. The University of Montana is the first in the state to field an Esports team. Now we’re heading over to the game room in the University Center to meet Tessa, a business student, and Esports team member. Tessa game on.
– Thanks Alex, I’m really excited to share my story with you. I’ve lived in Missoula for all of my life and I’ve always known about the university here, but it wasn’t until I heard about the Esports team that I decided it might be the right place for me to start my college studies. I’m a gamer and finding this community in my hometown is a gift. The University of Montana is one of the few places in the state that offers junior varsity and varsity levels of competitive play with teams from around the country. League of Legends is the game that I play competitively and joining this team has improved my play dramatically. I knew what I tried out last year that I had found a place to call home on this campus. Now I’m teaching a class for other University of Montana students to understand the fundamentals of Esports. One of the things I appreciate coming from the Esports club is that we are a tight knit community, of all different kinds of people. You’ll meet students from every major and every possible background. Connecting with other students through gaming is a great way to make friends and learn about different opportunities here in the university. When I joined the Esports club, the director stressed that inclusivity is what they strive for. I love being a part of something that is welcoming to anyone who wants to join. During my experience in Esports I’ve made plenty of connections to my business classes. I’ve learned how to communicate in different styles to get my point across for various people, whether it’s in a game or teaching in the classroom. I’m also very excited to start a new internship with the Esports program. Connecting my passion for gaming and my interests in business has made the University of Montana the best place for me. I hope that this story inspires more students to join us. And now back to you, Alex.
– I love your story Tessa, gaming provides a platform for everyone to connect and build community, and it’s great to hear about the leadership opportunities you’ve found within your team as a teacher. Take care of Tessa.
Okay, now it’s time to meet College of Business student, Matthew. Matthew is majoring in Management Information Systems and with the student support and hands-on learning, he’s getting at UM. He sure to find success in this high demand, high paying field. As a Missoula native, Matthew took a different path to earning his degree, let’s hear his story, Matthew.
– Thanks Alex, I’ll go ahead, take it from here. Growing up in Missoula, the University of Montana and this great community have always held a special place in my heart. It was adventurous to be found around every corner and the academic quality just lined up with my educational needs. My story is a little different. I’m a little older than some of the students gonna meet here today. I started my studies straight out of high school like most of you, but for me, that probably wasn’t the best idea. So what did I do? I took a break, and that was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Got some good life experience in this community, had some fun, and it was time to go back, the University of Montana was willing to take me back. At the University of Montana, it’s the care and intention for students that really stands out to me. All the professors have an open door policy to make sure the student is learning the way they need to be learning. And we have a world-class health center that is there to support your physical and mental health needs. I will graduate with my Management Information Systems degree. The UM has one of the top MIS programs in the nation. They constantly get top equipment from big four tech firms like KPMG, local firms, such as ATG, and even companies such as Fast Enterprise work closely with the students, but save your applause ’cause my journey with the University of Montana, doesn’t end here, I’ll be attending graduate school for business analytics. I’m excited for the opportunities presented to me from the University of Montana and Missoula community. And I’m sure you’ll find something to love about this great community as well. Once my schooling is finished I’ll hope to stay in this great community and be able to solve real business problems and people problems with data and changing technologies alike. Thanks for the time, Alex.
– Thanks, Matthew. It sounds like you on the path to success with the degree you’re earning in the College of Business, it’s always inspiring to hear from students who returned to school and really hit their stride. Good luck with graduate school and your career and management information systems, take care of Matthew.
Let’s head over to meet Cam and learn more about the Griz athletic experience. In addition to 15 intercollegiate sports teams that compete at the top of Division 1, the University of Montana offers a wide range of clubs sports and intermural programs. This campus community loves supporting one another on the field and in the stands, let’s hear your story Cam.
– Thanks Alex, I play goalkeeper for the University of Montana Women’s Soccer team. And I’m excited to tell you about what it means to be a Montana Grizzly. From the excitement surrounding the Griz camp rivalry to the passionate fan base that fills the stands of South Campus Stadium. UM athletics adds so much to our tight knit community. I always do, that I wanted to continue playing soccer after high school. So when it came time to choosing a university, the most important thing for me was to find a place where I could compete at a high level while also enjoying my surroundings. When looking at my options for the next four years, the University of Montana was an easy choice. On my first visit to campus, I knew that this would be my new home. UM offers solid academics, great community support, and the opportunity to compete with the strongest athletes in the game. The Griz athletics community is something special. In our world-class training facilities, you’ll see team members from every sport supporting one another. We are 15 teams united in one goal, to be the best of the best and to make Griz Nation proud on and off the field. Whether you’re playing inter-collegiate, club or intermural sports, athletics at UM provides a sense of purpose, connection, and pride for our campus community. Some of the best memories I’ve made with my Grizzly family have been in competition or cheering on my friends. Representing Griz Nation has been the greatest honor of my life. And I’m so proud to call the University of Montana home. Go Griz and back to you, Alex.
– We’re cheering you and all the Griz teams on Cam, and by the way, the Griz Soccer Team makes regular appearances at the big Sky Conference Championships. Thanks for sharing your story and giving us a view of life as an athlete at the University of Montana. Good luck this season and Go Griz.
Living on campus is one of the most impactful parts of the college experience. And that’s definitely true at the University of Montana. More than a thousand students call the UM campus their home. Josh is one of those students. In fact, he’s a Resident Assistant in Knowles Hall. Here’s Josh to tell us how living on campus enriches the student experience at UM.
– Thanks for that warm welcome Alex. Growing up in Colorado, I had a huge family and school community to encourage me, and I was hesitant to move all the way up here to Montana. But when I visited the City of Missoula and the campus community really welcomed me, and I felt like I was home. I oversee the living learning communities for the Davidson Honors College in Knowles Hall as a resident assistant for RA. Let me in close proximity to so many new people can be intimidating, but with the help of our great RAs, we build community around every student. Being able to step out of your room and see a familiar face, or have a comforting conversation with your RA is what UM is all about. We can’t recreate home, but we will do everything we can to create a home for you. Living on campus puts you right in the middle of all campus activities, allowing you to really get out and explore all the UM has to offer. Here in the residence halls you were just steps away from sporting events, clubs, social activities, and cultural events. It’s easy to meet up with friends and hang out at The Oval or at the University Center, whether it’s grabbing a snack, attending events or going to club meetings. By living on campus I have developed hundreds of relationships with fellow Grizzlies and no matter your major, your hometown or your background, you will find your place here on the campus of University of Montana. And now back to you, Alex.
– Awesome, Josh, it’s really cool to hear how you were so warmly welcomed into the campus community at UM and how now you’re providing that kind of community for the next class of incoming students as an RA. Thanks for showing us around the residence halls, take care.
Okay, let’s head over to the Payne Family Native American Center to meet Zachariah. Zachariah has a passion for native language and culture, and he helps organize UM student run powwow, take it away, Zachariah.
Thank you, Alex. Hello, my name is Sammy Sepastu, I’m Blackfeet, I’m from Browning, Montana and I reside here in Missoula. I’m a fourth year student here at the University of Montana, double majoring in native American studies and anthropology. I’m also the Vice-President as a Kyiyo Clip here on campus. I came to the University of Montana to find something I love doing and something I could bring back to help the people in my community. It started out very fair. The place where campus clubs come out to recruit new students for their organizations. And that’s where I found the American Indian Student Services or AISS. I met people who showed me around the AISS office and the Payne Family Native American Center to help me connect with resources and people around campus. I wanted to get more involved and that’s when I started a work study in the AISS office. Helping others, if they had questions and doing my best to create a safe and home-like feeling for new native bridge students. My classes and native American studies have helped me learn more about indigenous histories, cultures, and languages, not only my own, but of other cultures too. In addition to helping me learn and understand myself, it also I’m one of it to be to help others who don’t have access to these things that connect us to family and the history that wasn’t taught in most classes, languages is a gift has to be spoken and protected, so that it lasts, for the next generations to come. Thank you and see all later back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Zachariah. It’s really special to hear your native language spoken. What a beautiful dialect it’s clear that UM strives to provide a supportive community for native students. They could not do it without the student leaders like you, UM is very lucky to have you, take care.
Up next is Katie, who is a senior majoring in Biology with direct entry into the Physician Assistant Program at UE. She’s going to tell us how UE students get to work on research projects in their freshman year, and how experiences empower students, create opportunities to impact careers, and can really shape your future. Take it away, Katie.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When college decision making was approaching in high school, I had a difficult time finding a school that stuck out to me above the rest. Since my hometown is a short drive from UE, I scheduled a visit as a practice college tour, never expecting to one day live, study, and grow here at the University of Evansville. My aspirations for medicine came from my relationship with my handicap brother. I wasn’t sure of my path when I first came to UE, but it was my time and experiences here that really revealed which career was best for me. One of those experiences in particular was undergraduate research. In the Biology Department, our faculty are passionate about research and lead projects for students to participate in. There are many different opportunities offered in our native plant garden, greenhouse, and labs inside Cook Center. The unique projects give students a better understanding of science, as well as a competitive edge when applying to jobs or graduate school programs. At UE, science focused majors get to work in the labs starting freshman year. In one of my classes, we took on a research project involving bacteriophage, or viruses that infect bacteria. Each of us took soil samples throughout the Evansville area, then isolated unique phage species from the samples to catalog and publish on a national database. Through this project, I realized my passion for research, which led me to taking an upper level elective the next semester to continue it. This experience early in my college career allowed me to explore different avenues in science and choose to become a physician assistant. Looking back, I’m thankful for my practice tour that caused me to fall in love with this place. Back to you, Alex.
– Katie, it’s inspiring to hear about your passion for medicine and how UE’s opportunities really fuel that for you. This is definitely something that benefits students for years to come. Nicely done.
Next, we have Ellen at the Schroeder School of Business. She’s a senior majoring in Business Management. I’m pretty excited for you to hear about Ellen’s exceptional experiences at UE, and how the many opportunities to get involved on campus can grow leadership skills and even lead to being a CEO while you’re still a student. Take it away, Ellen.
– Hey, Alex. I’m so excited to have you here at UE. I grew up with three older sisters who all attended college. One of my sisters attended UE. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew I would once call it home too. The Schroeder School of Business is AACSB accredited, which is impressive since only 5% of business schools in the world receive this accreditation. UE equips students through hands-on work and real experiences. Also, every business student completes at least one internship during their time here on campus. One of my favorite parts of the business school is the exclusive opportunities. For example, this year, I’ll be able to test my management skills by serving as the CEO of Embrace, which is a student created and led for-profit marketing agency. I have developed my leadership abilities through a highly competitive program called LEAD Forward. LEAD Forward works with students to develop core leadership abilities, engage business leaders, and impact the community. Lastly, I love that I’ve been able to combine my social experiences and academics by joining a professional business fraternity called Delta Sigma Pi. For the last three years, I have served as an Admission Ambassador, giving personal tours to high school students. As you can see, I’m heavily involved on campus. And so many students here are. That’s why UE was recognized in 2020 by the Wall Street Journal’s Annual US College Rankings for Student Engagement, placing just 16th in the nation among over 4,000 other four-year colleges and universities. UE has not only prepared me for my career, but how to be successful in life. I have gained confidence and courage during my time here, and I know I’ll have the right tools to conquer whatever comes my way. What’s next, Alex?
– Thank you, Ellen, for letting us know about all these amazing opportunities. Imagine being as busy as you are and having fun doing it. Great job, Miss CEO. Take care.
Now we are off to the Performing Arts and Humanities Building, aka, the Pub to meet Katelyn, a sophomore dance and political science major and a Linehan artist scholar. Some folks think of UMBC as a science and tech school, but Katelyn is ready to tell you and show you all about UMBC’s community of creatives. Katelyn, you are on.
– Thanks, Alex, I’ve been dancing since I was two years old. I’ve explored the world of concert, competitive and theatrical dance. So the choice to be a dance major was an easy one. Once I found UMBC’s dance program, I immediately knew that I belonged in this welcoming community of artists. The arts are truly appreciated at UMBC, which is why I found the program was such a good fit for me. Something that really drew me in was the Dance Cube, which is a huge window wall studio that looks out over the campus. Being able to work in such a technologically advanced space with a spectacular view makes it so easy to find inspiration in your work. And artist in other disciplines, such as visual arts, theater and music can find just as many technologically advanced spaces in the Performing Arts and Humanities Building and beyond. I have been extremely fortunate to be a Linehan artist scholar at UMBC, which allows me to pursue my dance major on scholarship. And although UMBC is typically known as a tech school, it might surprise you to find out how well respected UMBC is in the arts community. Not to mention the arts program here at UMBC isn’t just a program but it’s a family. With cutting edge facilities, scholarship opportunities and wonderful professors, the UMBC arts program will give you an experience you won’t forget. While I’m only a sophomore at UMBC, I have already gained so much experience working professionally as a dancer and an artist and I cannot wait to see what the future may hold. Take it away, Alex.
– Wow, imagine being on those stages, thank you Katelyn for showing us around some of UMBC’s beautiful spaces for performance and creativity. It’s truly inspiring to hear about your work and see your art, excellent job, Katelyn, take care.