I don’t know about you, but this is the point in the episode where I start to get a little hungry. Luckily there’s no shortage of delicious, nutritious and sustainable food options at the University of Montana. Sophomore John is here to tell us more about the dining scene on campus and in Missoula.
– Thank you, Alex, what’s up everyone. Like many of you choosing a college was a tough decision for me, but in the end, the accolades earned by UM’s Business College convinced me to come to this beautiful campus. Of course, another attractive feature about UM and Missoula is the food scene. I have found so many great dining options, both on and off campus. The University Center Dining Hall has some of the most diverse food options, including my favorite big sky burgers. Off-campus my favorite lunch place is a Brazilian grill called Five On Black, which was actually started by UM alum. And for breakfast, my personal favorite is a little burrito shop called the Breakfast Club, which easily has my vote for best breakfast in Missoula. Another great thing about the university is its commitment to sustainability through the use of compostable dishware and an impressive garden. Each year we grow 3000 pounds of food, which we eat through university dining or our catering services. The best part is when we have more food than we need, we give it back to the community. And if you’re ever on campus, you have to come visit our gardens ducks. The two best ducks, in my opinion are poppy and duckobery fen. Let’s face it. You’re going to be spending a lot of time on campus and you need great food to fuel your studies and activities. While there are many great reasons to come to the University of Montana, the good food is just the icing on the cake. See what I did there, back to you, Alex.
– Good one, John, I’m impressed with the dining options on campus and the ways UM incorporate sustainability into their food service. And that’s also true of the restaurant scene here in Missoula, which I am loving by the way, especially that Brazilian grill. This is clearly a community that values delicious food and sustainable practices, thanks again.
All right, everyone. Let’s hear from Arthur. He’s a sophomore who is majoring in Sports Communication. He’s going to share how, starting as a freshman, he was able to already be on ESPN as a commentator for a Division One university. Let’s go, Aces! Take it away, Arthur.
– Hey, everyone. I’m so excited to talk to you about the sports programs at the University of Evansville. The Purple Aces play at the Division One level and are members of the Missouri Valley Conference. The MVC, or the Valley, as we like to say, is one of the top 10 major conferences in the country. Growing up, it was my dream to be on ESPN. I came to UE for the Sports Communication Major, but I also got an opportunity to be a part of the Fellow Scholars Program, which allows underrepresented students like myself to attend tuition free. At UE, students and staff broadcast Ace’s home sporting events on the Valley on ESPN, which is prominently featured on ESPN+ and ESPN3. This gives students the opportunity to direct, produce, and announce games. As a freshman, I jumped in and was able to be a part of the Purple Aces Production Crew. This gave me a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes and on camera. Evansville currently competes at 17 varsity sports at the Division One level. Being located in Indiana, we are most known for our basketball programs. Our men have won five national championships, while our women have competed in multiple Division One NCAA tournaments. While basketball is a huge deal on campus, each of our other sports have endured a great level of success. In the last year, we have won conference championships in women’s golf and track and field, while our other sports have built a strong foundation for an amazing future. I believe what surprised me the most was that I was able to come in my freshman year, be on stream, and a commentator. The program is truly top notch, and I am very excited for the future. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Arthur, for sharing your story. It is amazing, the opportunities that UE is able to offer their students. That was fantastic. Take care.
Okay, everyone. Let’s head to downtown Evansville to meet Robert. He is majoring in Ethics and Social Change, and is going to talk to us about being a UE change maker not just on campus, but in the city of Evansville. This city is a community that cares, and one that you can truly make a difference in. Okay, Robert, it’s all yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. The city of Evansville is a vibrant city located right here on our very own Ohio River. We have an absolutely amazing river walk, and our Main Street is chalked full of local restaurants and shops. And while there’s certainly plenty to do here in Evansville, as Indiana’s third largest city, my passion is for change-making and for making this city a better place. You see, Evansville truly is a collaborative community that’s just small enough that you can not only meet the mayor, but bounce ideas off of him and whoever else to impact change. I worked with both the city and the university in order to create an innovative downtown stormwater park to help clean our Ohio River. Through change-making, I’ve not only been able to continue to work on my project with full support from both the city and the university, but earn college credit in my very own customized ChangeLab course right here on the University of Evansville. With creative spaces like our ChangeLab incubator and professors from all practices so involved in our change-making, our campus truly is a home for the creative and change seekers. With classes dedicated to understanding ethics and social change and the core ingredients needed for innovation, I always feel prepared to take on my next big change-making project. I’ve worked with UE as a student and the city as a citizen, all while using our change forward campus as a home base to garner all the support I need to help clean the Ohio River that we call ours right here in Evansville. And thanks to UE, I know that no matter what city I’m in, I’ll always be on the lookout for the next challenge that needs changing. Back to you, Alex.
– Robert, thank you for sharing your change-making inspiration with us. I can’t wait to hear what amazing projects you have in store that will truly change the world. A big congrats on all your work and future accomplishments. Thanks again, Robert.
Now we’re gonna welcome Hannah who earned her undergraduate degree from UMBC and is now pursuing her masters in community leadership. With all that time spent as a Retriever, it’s no surprise that Hannah knows this place inside and out. And so she’s gonna share how best to take advantage of every experience, Hannah you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. When I first came to UMBC I had no leadership experience whatsoever. Although I felt like I possessed the skills to be a leader in high school, I wasn’t pushed to achieve my full potential. That wasn’t the case at UMBC, after taking my first leadership position in the Persian Student Association, I met from all different areas of study. This led me to join Greek Life, to study abroad and to play club soccer. Working with Refugee Youth Project in Baltimore was the most fulfilling part of my college career. Through these activities, I was introduced to the Student Government Association and from there, my passion to make change motivated me to run for treasure and I won. This is where my connection to campus really exploded. I could walk into any classroom and know at least one person, whether that be student, faculty, or staff member. I expanded my network and had an incredible time doing so. I leveraged these connections my senior year to earn a part-time job as Program Assistant for Financial Literacy and Education. After graduation, I was offered a full-time position for financial literacy at UMBC. Using tuition remission, I’m able to complete my master’s degree in community leadership while staying connected to and serving the community that introduced me to my best friends and fostered an environment for my best memories. As my graduate studies come to an end, I will carry on a spirit of curiosity while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone as I continue my career in public service as a clinical psychologist, back to you, Alex.
– Amazing job, Hannah. It’s clear to see why you love being a Retriever so much. Thanks for giving us a peak at so many unique student clubs and orgs and inspiring everyone to get involved and explore every angle at UMBC, cheers.
Next up we’re heading to the labs in UMBC’s spectacular new Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building to meet Lauren, a senior biology major. She’s here to share a story about the mentorship she’s received as a student researcher and how that special faculty relationship has pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of. It’s all yours, Lauren.
– Hey, thanks, Alex. For the longest time, I wasn’t sure where I was headed on my career path, I loved biology but I didn’t know what my options were or what my degree could let me pursue. I wasn’t aware of how many doors I could open for myself. It wasn’t until my second year here at UMBC when I started to discover my interests. I joined a research lab and got to know the professor I was working for Dr. Tamara Mendelson. She became a mentor for me and has been a strong influence and sense of encouragement while I’ve discovered my major’s possibilities. She has made me feel welcome in her lab at all times by introducing me to her colleagues and she continues to encourage me to apply to a number of different biology internships. In my most recent internship, I studied agricultural weed evolution presented my research, and now I’m on track to have my work published in a scientific paper, which is something I never could have imagined possible in my undergraduate experience. The professors and staff here at UMBC are all about mentorship, hands on research and helping their students to be the best that they can. To sum it all up, if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t stress, here at UMBC research and career building is grounded and caring and encouraging student mentor relationships. With a little help you’ll discover your passion. Good luck you guys and back to you, Alex.
– What an amazing story, it was so cool to get a peek into what undergraduate research looks like at UMBC and to know how mentors can really make the difference. I love that you found your passion through that experience, Lauren, great job, take care.
Now we’re gonna hear from an inspiring UM student on how she combines dancing, research and academics to create a unique experience at UM. Andi does advance research and is a member of the UM dance team, which performs at Grizzly Athletic events. Take it away.
– Thanks Alex, hi y’all. Being born and raised in Montana, I have great love for the outdoors and the interconnectedness of the big sky state. When the time came for me to begin looking at schools, I knew I needed a combination of high quality education, fresh air, and a close knit community. Well, the University of Montana is the perfect fusion of these traits. The university and the state of Montana make quality education accessible in a beautiful area. I am honored with the distinction of Presidential Leadership Scholar class of 2024 and the Davidson Honors College. Through my honors section of genetics and evolution I was provided with the opportunity to join Dr. Douglas Emlen’s research lab on campus. While getting research experience as a freshman is nearly unheard of at most schools. It’s pretty common here at UM. in the Emlen lab, I am one of four undergraduates that study rhinoceros beetle behavior. Through individual projects, I have worked with cutting edge technology using techniques new to the science realm. This hands-on learning is applicable to many of my studies, now, and in my future. One of the many things that the University of Montana prides itself in is making sure it’s students are well-rounded. I’m a member of the University of Montana’s dance team, that cheers on the football, volleyball and both men’s and women’s basketball teams, Griz nation support runs wide and deep. It is a very special part of my University of Montana experience. No matter what you study or where you’re from, the university of Montana feels like home. The connections I continue to make with my peers and professors confirms that being on a Griz was the best decision for my future. That’s all I’ve got, back to you, Alex.
– Andy, that was amazing. Thank you for sharing all that you’re passionate about. And now I know what a rhino beetle is. It’s impressive, you have the opportunity to serve as undergraduate researcher in a nationally renowned biology lab while creating some serious Griz spirit in your community as a dancer. That was fantastic, take care, Andi.
Let’s get to it, y’all ready. We have Arwen on deck, Arwen is from Idaho, but she has deep roots in Montana and a special connection to the university. Arwen is studying Musical Theater and English Literature. And when she’s not in class, you’ll find her outdoors soaking up all the outdoor recreation Western Montana has to offer. Take it away Arwen.
– Thank you, Alex, and hello everyone, welcome to Montana. This is where my grandparents met, and I am happy to share my perspective on the University of Montana as a third generation student. I always knew that I wanted to be a performer and a writer. When I toured campus, I learned that UM offers creative challenges and intellectual opportunities, and a deeply connected community. At the school of theater and dance I performed in five theater productions, helped write musicals, tried my hand at opera, taken dance classes and perform my own choreography and got to learn from seasoned professionals. UM is also home to the Montana Repertory Theater, a professional touring company that offers hands on experiences for students. Here at UM, I’ve also had the chance to connect my interest in ecology with my major in literature, taking classes like eco-criticism and exploring the environmental humanities. Some of my poetry and photos were even published in UM’s literary magazine, The Oval. So if you wanna blend the arts and culture and outdoor recreation like this, Missoula is the place for you. We enjoy hiking, skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking. You can hike up Mount Sentinel to watch the sunset or drive just 10 minutes to Pattee Canyon or the Rattlesnake Recreation Area. There are tons of hot Springs in the area and huge swath of public lands. Or you can just walk down to the Clark Fork and enjoy an evening paddle or swim. The University of Montana has helped me make strides in my chosen field of study. And it’s helped me clarify the kind of person I want to be. I don’t have to choose between the arts and ecology or between a thriving city center and a connection to Western wilderness. It’s all here at my back door, literally. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Arwen, musical theater and kayaking, you really know how to make the best of your time here at the University of Montana. Thanks for showing us what it’s like being a student at UM, Arwen it sure seems like you found a special place here in Missoula, that was amazing.
Okay, next, let’s head over to Ridgway University Center to meet Will. He’s a junior majoring in Music Education. Yes, he has quite a course load between his classes at the Music Conservatory and student teaching, but he has so much energy and passion for UE. He still is engaged in student life, and won RA of the Year last year. Will, we’re ready to hear about your experience at UE. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. The University of Evansville is well-known as a prestigious school, but what really surprised me was how affordable it was. And from the minute I stepped on campus, I knew that this was my home. Now, I’m a Music Education major. So first, let’s talk about music here at UE. My experience with the UE Music Conservatory first began when I was a senior in high school. I started taking private lessons, and was immediately greeted by all the faculty. They really made me feel like family. Since then, I’ve had so many opportunities to grow as a musician from small, five-member ensembles to an entire symphony orchestra. I get the experience to hone my skills in an open, welcoming environment, without fear of judgment. And best of all, I’ve made friendships that’ll last me a lifetime. Now, when it comes to education, UE does it better than anyone else. For my first week of classes as a freshman, I got involved with the local school system. I got hands-on experience with students K through 12, from all different backgrounds, better allowing for me to prepare for my future teaching career. I also get the chance to meet new incoming educators through our Education Ambassadors Program, a program specifically designed to introduce prospective students to our campus and welcome new students to their home away from home. I also get the chance to be a Resident Assistant, allowing me to practice those highly valued interpersonal skills. College decisions can be stressful, and it may take years to find your dream school. It may be daunting, but when you make your decision, UE is here to welcome you home. Back to you, Alex.
– Will, great job. The variety of experiences available to students on this campus is so impressive. It sounds like no matter what your interests are, UE has something for everyone. Cheers, Will.
Okay, now we’re going to hear from Justin. He’s a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and he’s going to tell us about the real world projects that engineering students can get involved with through all four years of their undergraduate experience. Wait until you hear about the internships and hands-on learning that is accessible for engineering students at UE. Okay, Justin, you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everyone? Coming from a small Illinois high school with a graduating class of only 100 students, I knew what was important to me entering the college search. I was looking for a university that could offer me a tight knit, caring community. And that’s exactly what I found at UE. Within just a few weeks into my first semester, I was placed on a project team with other mechanical engineering students, where we worked closely with a faculty advisor to explore real, practical engineering methods. The project required us to create thorough design sketches, mathematical analyses, and detailed CAD models to satisfy the project objectives. We ended up with a fully functioning tennis ball launcher, utilizing only surgical tubing, an air cylinder, and common construction materials. This early exposure to an in-depth example of the engineering process has equipped me with skills that I have carried with me throughout my coursework here at UE. This includes my senior-led engineering project, where we are performing unique research on our thermosiphon device to present data at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Another more recent and exciting engineering project on our campus is the Walnut Streetscape. A few years ago, the city of Evansville announced the project on the street that runs directly through our campus. The design featured five new pedestrian crosswalks, raised speed tables, upgraded signage, upgraded lighting, and a pedestrian plaza. This project has been completed, and it is a huge improvement on our campus. I couldn’t be more grateful to have selected such an amazing university to grow me as both a student and a future engineer. Back to you, Alex.
– That was fantastic, Justin. Thanks for telling us about those great projects. We appreciate you being part of The College Tour and sharing your experiences here at UE. Take care.
Are you ready to take a trip to England? Well, you can as a UE student. Let’s talk about it with Brea, who just graduated with a degree in Communications. She’s going to tell us all about Harlaxton College, the University of Evansville Study Abroad Center located in Grantham, England, which is just 90 minutes from London. Students can spend a full semester or a summer living and learning at Harlaxton. It’s a magnificent manor house located in the English countryside. Take it away, Brea.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. I fell in love with filmmaking during high school and decided to pursue it as my college degree through UE’s Communication Program. I was able to combine my passion for filmmaking with my desire to travel, giving me an education well tailored to my interests. My first experience traveling outside of the country came with an opportunity to travel with UE’s Habitat for Humanity group to Guatemala. I traveled with our team for nine days, filming everything from interviews with locals, to the bill, to the surrounding landscape. After a semester-long edit, the doc premiered on campus to a group of students and faculty. Later that summer, the film won a Student Emmy. I was also able to travel to Harlaxton College, which is UE’s Study Abroad Center in England. Harlaxton is consistently ranked as one of the best study abroad programs in the nation, and has a 50-year history of sending students abroad to live and study in this historic manor house. Over my semester at Harlaxton, I traveled to seven different countries, took a video course, filmed a documentary over the history of the manor, and directed and lensed 30-minute short film. Europe is a cinematographer’s dreamland. So of course, I had my camera with me everywhere. Over the semester, I accumulated imagery from my travels and wrapped up both of my short films before heading back state side. Film school was a big consideration for me, but I was able to hone my craft sharper with a degree in Communications from UE. I was able to accumulate hours on set, pursue passion projects, and utilize high quality resources to further realize my dream of becoming a director of photography. That’s a wrap. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Brea, that is a transformative experience that you will remember for a lifetime. By the way, I want to go. It’s remarkable that you were able to study abroad and integrate your multimedia experience, all while creating positive change. Very impressive. Thanks again, Brea