Now we’re off to meet scholar athlete, Ryan. Ryan has played for the Bearkat Football Team for three years now, and his team just won the FCS NCAA division one championship title. Ryan is gonna share with us how Bearkat athletics defines the student athlete experience. With 17 teams competing at the NCAA division one level in the Western Athletic Conference, the 13 teen conference provides an amazing opportunity for programming student success while continually raising the profile of SHSU’s athletic teams, including the championship football team. Ryan, I passing it over to you my man.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I’m Ryan Humphries, a member of the 2020 National Championship Bearkat Football Program. I began my Bearkat football career as a walk on. And after a year of hard work and dedication, I received an athletic scholarship. I’ve learned a lot about the student athlete experience and my appreciation for college athletes has definitely deepened. We were a closely knit the Bearkat family. We practiced together, studied together and worked really hard to cheer on each other’s teams. Rarely will you go to a sporting event and not find other student athletes cheering each other on. Another way I’ve supported my fellow athletes, is serving as the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, which works with faculty and staff and reports to the university president. Our council makes policy recommendations and advocates on behalf of the student athletes. The Bearkats athletic staff is another group that ensures that student athletes are successful. They give us everything we need to be great on the field and in the classroom. I’ve been so lucky to be a part of some incredible moments as a Bearkat football player. I’m throwing the touchdown on my first collegiate snap to playing quarterback in a win against the ninth ranked team in the country. However, my favorite memory came this past season in the FCS semifinals against James Madison University. When trailing down 21 at the half, we rallied back and completing one of the greatest comebacks in FCS playoff history. We then went on to win the national championship in Frisco, Texas against South Dakota State, for the first ever FCS national title in Sam Houston history. It was an unforgettable game to end an amazing undefeated season. Bearkats athletics is near and dear to my heart. Overall, being an athlete at Sam Houston State has been a fun and unique experience. It has taught me that discipline and dedication will take you far and has given me teammates that will be a part of my family for the rest of my life. I’ve bled Bearkat orange for the past three years competing and rooting for this university. And I will do so long after I graduate. Once a Bearkat, always a Bearkat. Back to you, Alex, and eat him up Kats.
– Wow, thanks Ryan. 2020 FCS NCAA division one football champions. What an amazing accomplishment. Sounds like an incredible season and an excellent student athlete support program. Congratulations to you and all Sam Houston State University Bearkat athletes. Thanks again, Ryan, that was great.
One of the cool things about Sacred Heart is its proximity to New York city, only 60 miles away. That means students have great access to incredible opportunities, including Broadway. SHU has a phenomenal performing arts program, which includes theater arts led by a Tony and Grammy nominated producer as well as amazing choral, dance and band programs. Here’s Ryan at Sacred Heart’s community theater to tell you more about his experience in performing arts.
– Thanks Alex, I’m an exercise science major on the pre-physical therapy track and I’m so excited to tell you all about why I love SHU and specifically all the wonderful things I’ve done here thanks to the performing arts program. I chose a school because it offered exactly what I wanted in a university, the ability to study exercise science and keep my passion for the performing arts alive. Within the program I’m a part of the Sacred Heart Dance Company, where I work closely with professional choreographers, both locally and internationally. Each semester, our program holds numerous performances that showcase all the groups within our program. Since coming to SHU, I have received endless performance opportunities outside of our regular showcases. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with different performing arts groups, dance at local dance conferences and travel abroad to take classes with dancers from all over the world. My freshman year, I performed at a multimedia event that showcase the collaboration between dance, band and the school of communication, media and the arts. The show is then broadcasted afterwards for the community to watch. That summer, I traveled to Italy with the dance company members to take classes and perform at the World Dance Movement international workshop. For a week, I learned different choreographic works from world renowned choreographers, and I had the opportunity to audition for Royal Caribbean cruise line, where I received an offer to sign a contract and work with them as a performer. Going into my sophomore year, a few of the dances from our regular showcases were selected to be performed at a local dance conference at Peridance Center in New York city. Another great part about the performing arts program here at Sacred Heart is that my options are not limited to just the dance company. I have been fortunate enough to perform with a theater arts program in their musical productions of Hair and Once, where I was cast as a feature dancer and got to perform with a whole new group of individuals. Collaboration between the performing arts is very common here at Sacred Heart. While I partake in dance and theater, a lot of my friends are in more than one performing arts group, whether it be choir, bands and orchestra, theater arts or dance. Within the choir and band, there are also a variety of ensembles for the students to be a part of, ranging from gospel choir, concert choir, marching band, orchestra and many more. I hope that I was able to give you just the slightest look at the wonderful opportunities I’ve been given thanks to the performing arts program here at Sacred Heart. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us, Ryan, that was impressive. I love the fact that the skills you have can be found in all of SHU’s performers, no matter if they’re dancers, musicians or singers. I hear you don’t wanna miss their shows and performances throughout the school year, take care.
Here at SHU, there is a club for everyone. Seriously, with over a hundred clubs and organizations, it’s easy to find your people at you SHU and with first year experience courses to help students transition from high school to college, here’s Vanessa at the Toussaint residence hall to tell you more.
– Thanks, Alex. Getting involved was always something I enjoyed, so when it came time to looking for the right college, I knew that I had to find a school that supported my wish. I can confidently say that Sacred Heart has provided me with more than that. The endless opportunities and the various choices that Sacred Heart offered me truly influenced my college experience and who I have become today. With over a hundred clubs and organizations ranging from academic to social, multicultural and service, as well as student government, volunteer programs, fraternity and sorority life, athletics, campus ministry, student activities and events, there is something for everyone. Some opportunities that I hold near and dear to my heart, are student government, habitat for humanity spring break trips, education club with volunteer opportunities and being a student ambassador, allowing me to share my experiences with future Pioneers. Coming in as a freshmen, I was nervous to get involved but SHU made it so easy. The upperclassmen were so welcoming and the sense of community that I felt truly helped make my transition to college easier. During freshman year, SHU incorporates a course for all first year students called First Year Experience or FYE, which focuses on ensuring that all students are supported during their transition to college. At the beginning of the fall semester, there is the Just SHU It Fair, which is a chance for students to meet all the clubs and organizations offered on campus. Additionally, SHU celebrates what we call the first 50 days, which consists of plentiful programming for students to engage with one another, meet and greet with clubs and get a feel for campus. I believe that everyone at SHU is connected and we truly are a family. The desire to get involved is a quality that all SHU students have. Everyone from the faculty and staff to the students are there to support you and truly want you to make the most out of your college experience. With the immense support that the Sacred Heart community has given me, I have been able to grow, hold several leadership positions and become more prepared for my future. Thanks for letting me share my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Vanessa. SHU students have no problem finding their footing with so many clubs and activities to keep them involved. That was a lot of fun, take care.
Named after a former university president and his wife, the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center is a world class academic and performance center. Home to the university’s dance department, it also provides performance spaces for the university’s music and theater departments and boasts an 800 seat concert hall, 150 seat dance theater and 175 seat recital hall. Considered one of the most amazing art centers in the United States, it attracts some of the best faculty and students. Meet Jennifer. She is a graduate of the university’s television and film program. Since Jennifer has worked with the College of Arts and Media to produce some great films and promotional pieces, she can give us a firsthand look at all the amazing art programs here at Sam Houston State University. Jennifer, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey guys, I’m a first-generation college student and recent graduate of Sam Houston State University. I majored in mass communication with an emphasis in film and TV production. So I hope to be in the movie making business someday. My freshman year, I lived in Belvin Buchanan Hall, which is dedicated to the students who are in the College of Arts and Media, also known as CAMP. The basement in Belvin Buchanan is amazing. It has a dance hall, a theater, recording studio, practice rooms, you name it, an art studio even. It’s awesome. All of these amenities are open 24/7 to the students who live there. And it’s pretty much where I spent most of my time. Belvin Buchanan is located right down struggle hill. And one trek up the hill, is the Dan Rather Communication Building. That’s right, Dan Rather. The award-winning journalist is a graduate of Sam Houston State University. Even though the campus is 368 acres, everything is pretty easy to get to. The Lowman Student Center or LSE, is our living room on campus. And there you’ll find the Kat Klub with pool tables, big screens and a bowling alley. The LSE has some really awesome dining options as well. I love being able to place a mobile pickup order with my phone, grab my food, maybe a latte, and then head back to class. I served as a student videography intern for the Dean’s office of the College of Arts and Media and got to film students doing their thing in the dance theater, as well as the university theater center. I also had the opportunity to film students’ artwork in the university gallery in our state-of-the-art point, Hoyt Fine Arts Building. My senior year was mostly spent in Studio A where I got to produce a game show for YouTube. I loved learning all the ins and outs of the TV process. There’s so much to explore here at Sam Houston State University. Students really have access to it all. Sam Houston State University is located about halfway between Houston and Dallas on I-45, in the Piney Woods of Texas. It neighbors the Sam Houston National Forest, and it’s beautiful here. Being from the Panhandle myself, I’ve loved that the change of scenery, you can go on hikes or enjoy the lakes. The Blue Lagoon is nearby where students can cool off or even adventurous scuba diving. Downtown Huntsville is just a short walk from campus where students can find fun food trucks, local coffee shops and some are really cool stores. During my last year, I was selected to switch places with the university president for a day. I got to work in the president’s office, meet with administrators from all over campus and attend events on her behalf. Meanwhile, she went to my job, classes and org meetings. Sam Houston State University has given me so many great opportunities and I’ve loved my time here. I’m so excited to see where I’ll end up after graduation. Okay, that was my story, back to you, Alex.
– Jennifer, you’ve certainly stayed busy on and off campus exploring all the great things that Huntsville has to offer. And it sounds like your time as the president for a day was one for the books. Good luck as you head off into television and film. Hopefully, we’ll see you in Hollywood real soon, take care.
SHU encourages its students to embrace the Pioneer spirit and explore the world around them. With international campuses in both Luxembourg and Ireland, Sacred Heart students can study abroad in a variety of programs. These programs range from two weeks to a semester long. Secret Heart also has several service learning opportunities where students travel abroad to work alongside their outreach partners, giving students the chance to use their classroom knowledge, to make a real world impact. We’re gonna hear from Nikki, a communications graduate student over at the Martire Center for the Liberal Arts to learn more, Nikki.
– Hey everyone, today I have the privilege of talking to you about my study abroad and global experiences. Growing up on the North shore of Massachusetts, I always knew I wanted to attend a university that allowed me to push my limits and explore the world. Sacred Heart study abroad programs gives students limitless opportunities to travel the world and give back all while creating lifelong memories. In undergrad, I majored in communications with a minor in film and television. During my sophomore year, I was presented with the opportunity to take a two-week course in one of our international campuses located in Dingle, Ireland. This program was the gateway to my study abroad experience that taught me new methods within the film industry and international cultures I would soon learn to love. The second we landed in Dingle, Ireland, I knew it was going to be the trip of a lifetime. During these next two weeks, I was able to indulge myself into the culture of Dingle and the Irish heritage. From endless cliff walks along the greens of the countryside, and listening to live music in the pub, even to exploring world famous movie sets like Star Wars, Last Jedi and traveling to beautiful cities like Killarney, the memories I made were truly life-changing. They were so life-changing, I decided to go back for a second time, the winter of my junior year. SHU’s other international campus in Luxembourg is another global hub. I was once again allowed to take a two-week intensive course in one of the business capitals of the world. Since Luxembourg is such a unique and commutable location, I was able to see and create the most during my time on our campus. From a weekend trip in Paris to visiting the historic city of Trier in Germany, the memories I made in Luxembourg gave me such a surreal experience in a short amount of time on their campus. Many of my other peers got to travel to countries like England, Italy, China and Australia, due to the partnerships our university has with programs around the world. I want to leave you with this one piece of advice, study abroad. Five years ago, when I walked onto this campus for the first time, I did not realize that my opportunities went beyond the Fairfield campus. Today, I have been to five different countries, created lifelong friends and memories all while pursuing an educational opportunity I will carry with me forever. So, during your time at Sacred Heart, travel to new places, learn new cultures but most importantly, wherever you go, go with your heart. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, so many amazing experiences. With two global campuses, you have the opportunity to travel, volunteer, be exposed to new ways of life and make an impact on the world that is absolutely awesome. Thank you for sharing that, take care, Nikki.
Okay, let’s hit over and meet Erin, an education major who’s chosen Sam Houston State’s nationally ranked College of Education to help her become an elementary teacher. She is waiting for us near Austin Hall, which is located on the historic end of campus. Austin Hall is the oldest building, west of the Mississippi River to be used continuously by an educational institution. And it’s the oldest structure on the Sam Houston State campus. Erin, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I’m Erin Griffin and I’m a senior here at Sam Houston State, majoring in education. Ever since I can remember, pursuing my education has been a big goal of mine. ‘Cause I knew that a good education would help me overcome the many obstacles I faced while growing up. Due to unfortunate events, my family and I were homeless for a while. So my mom’s sister and I frequently moved around Texas to stay with different family or friends that could help us. Nevertheless, I challenged myself in every way that I could in school ’cause I knew that was the key to securing a brighter future for myself and for my family. The day that I graduated high school in the top 5% of my class, I knew that my hard work had paid off. But, I also knew that I wasn’t done yet. Since education impacted my life so much, I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to positively impact the lives of others through education as well. The start of my journey here, at Sam Houston State University. Sam Houston was founded as a teacher’s college right here in one of our most iconic buildings, Austin Hall. In 1879, four faculty members set out to make teachers out of their first 110 students. While we don’t hold classes in this building anymore, we do still a whole special events here, which students are always excited to attend. To this day, teaching is an integral part of our university culture. With a nationally ranked education program, I knew I would have the opportunity to be the best teacher I could be here at Sam Houston. With a ride of variety of helpful resources available to students, I’ve been able to take care of myself and become financially stable for the first time in years. I know that my hard work and dedication to my education has opened up opportunities that I never thought I would have. My time here at Sam Houston State is just one piece of my journey, which I am thankful for every single day. I look forward to teaching, mentoring and caring for my future students, just as all of my teachers and professors have done for me. Anything is possible with an education. Thanks for letting me share my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Erin, what a journey you have had up to this point in life. I know your time in the College of Education is gonna prepare you to be an amazing teacher. Students would be very lucky to be in Miss Griffin’s class. Thanks for sharing your story, cheers Erin.
Next, we’re headed over to the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center, the hallmark of the nationally ranked College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State. Here, we’ll meet Francisco, a criminal justice major who came to the university as a military veteran. Take it away, Francisco.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. Transitioning from the military to Sam Houston State University as a first-generation college student, the challenges I faced were tougher than I expected. Thankfully, Sam Houston State University offers great resources and is considered a military friendly school. To start off, the Veterans Resource Center assisted me with my VA education benefits and provided academic support throughout my college experience. The Veterans Resource Center is a great location to use the computer lab, to study, to meet with veteran students or to meet with veteran support staff for services and information. The Collegiate Veterans Association also helped me with my transition. We are a student club who provide support to our members during their transition from a military culture to a college culture. One of my favorite events is a yellow ribbon, which occurs every year during the fall semester. During Veterans Week in November, we hang yellow ribbons with note cards to display the many sacrifices that our service members and families make. And to also show community support and wishing them a safe return back home. I chose Sam Houston State University because of its prestigious criminal justice program. One of the things that I love about the program is the variety of internships offered at the federal, state, local agencies, nonprofit organizations and private corporations. Halfway through my junior year, I decided to change major to homeland security, which is a new program offered to us. And let’s just say that I loved the new program and loved the classes offered. Sam Houston State University is a great college for anyone looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections or their justice system. I am thankful for all of the people that made my university experience memorable. And I am proud to be part of the veteran community here at Sam Houston State University. Thank you guys for letting me share my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Francisco, thank you for your service to our nation and to the veteran students of Sam Houston State University, the Veterans Resource Center is a great resource for veterans students and their families to transition and connect with the university. It’s fantastic to see how you found your home here. Best of luck as you head into your career in homeland security, take care.
– Okay, everyone. Let’s meet Carla. She’s a senior majoring in Communication. She’s gonna tell us why St. Edward’s has been the perfect school for her. And we’ll hear how St. Ed’s location and connections in Austin provide incredible opportunities for Hilltoppers. Okay, Carla, it is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone! I’m a first-gen student. So when I first started looking for a college, I had no idea what I was looking for. I did know that I wanted to live in Austin for its thriving job market and to surround myself with creative and inspiring individuals. When I found out St. Edward’s is located on SoCo and is a school that values diversity and community, I knew it was the college for me. I love the way St. Edward’s has helped me grow and build a strong path for my future through mentors and networking. I chose to study Communication with a focus in Public Relations and Advertising. Because classes are small, you really get to interact and connect with your professors. In class, we’re given real-world projects, like creating a PR plan for an Austin non-profit. My professors guided me and taught me how to gain connections that have truly launched my PR career. As the Media Manager for the Bumble Ambassador Program on campus, I get to lead and create social media content, host events, and participate and grow in marketing. I am also interning at an amazing PR firm here in Austin, where I get to work with some pretty cool clients. And back on campus, I’m proud to serve as the President of the PR club. St. Edward’s has made it easy for me to navigate school, have an exciting social life, and find my place in a big city. The hands-on learning environment and prioritization of experiential learning is a big reason for my success. Not only is there inspiration and resources everywhere you look, but you get to live in one of the most exciting and beautiful cities with a great combo of nature, art, and a strong job market. I love hiking at Zilker Park, paddle boarding at Ladybird or Barton Springs. And of course, walking down SoCo and grabbing pizza at Home Slice. St. Edward’s supportive and diverse community has helped me grow professionally and personally in many ways. I have gained the knowledge and a passion for PR, all while having a blast in the Live Music Capital of the world. I cannot wait to start working at a PR agency here in Austin once I graduate from St. Ed’s. Back to you, Alex!
– Carla, thank you for letting us see what a phenomenal city Austin is for St. Ed’s students. I can’t wait to experience Zilker Park and SoCo, and try the pizza at Home Slice And congrats on your cool internship with an Austin PR agency and being a Media Ambassador with Bumble. That is incredible. You’re building terrific job skills. Keep up the great work, Carla!
Next up is Evan, a big adventure-seeker. He’s a junior majoring in Communication and he’s excited to share his personal story about being a student at St. Edward’s. We can’t wait to hear about all the academic and social activities he’s involved with on the Hilltop. And there are many. Okay, Evan, you’re on.
– Thanks for the welcome, Alex. Hey everyone! When it came to finding the college that was right for me, I knew that I wanted to go somewhere where I could have my own fun, exciting adventure, and also be kind of far away from home. At St. Edward’s, it’s been the perfect fit for me. I’ve always been someone who likes to try new things and have many different interests. Whether it be academics, athletics, clubs, or internships, I’ve been able to find them all here at St. Edwards and experience them, which has resulted in an adventure of a lifetime. Although we may be considered a smaller university, the opportunities for involvement are endless. In just three years alone, I’ve been able to leverage so many of the opportunities that St. Edward’s has to offer, like club volleyball, Ooh! Honors program, student government, orientation, campus ministry, admissions, and internships. But the best part is I get to do all of these great things in the heart of the city where my school life blends perfectly with Austin’s food and music scenes and not to mention, outdoor recreation. My favorite thing to do is to play beach volleyball at Zilker Park, grab some Torchy’s Tacos, and then some Amy’s ice cream to finish off the perfect day. I really do get to have the best of both worlds. There are so many ways to get involved here at St. Edwards, and there’s something for everyone. You can find your fit here. Because at St. Ed’s, I’ve received a top-tier Holy Cross education, made lifelong friends and memories, and I’ve been able to pursue an acting career with a highly reputable agent and manager in Hollywood, while also having a job offer for me at one of the country’s fastest growing tech companies in snowflake after I graduate. St. Ed’s has given me the opportunity to have an active social life and also to chase and pursue my dreams. I couldn’t be happier as a Hilltopper and St. Edward’s has truly given me the opportunity and adventure of a lifetime. Well, I think it’s time for me to go back to class. Take it away, Alex!
– Evan, you are one busy guy between your academic achievements, internship, club sport teams, band, volunteering, and enjoying Austin. You’re absolutely taking advantage of everything St. Ed’s offers. Congrats on your job offer with a big tech company and pursuing your career in entertainment. We all know you’re gonna do great things, and I hope we bump shoulders in Hollywood down the road. Cheers, Evan!
Let’s head over to meet Maryam. She’s an international student from Tabriz, Iran, and I know she can’t wait to talk about what she’s found at SDSU and the opportunity she’s had to dream big. Maryam, you’re up.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up in Iran, even with all the limitations, I was always encouraged by my parents to dream big. And that is why I chose to study abroad and found myself at South Dakota State University. Ever since the first day I came to SDSU, I was welcomed by a diverse and friendly community of students, and I immediately made friends. Especially during events such as orientation day, homecoming, and international night, which I performed at. I also lived in the university town homes with my roommates, who later became some of my best friends. There are always opportunities to do new things and step out of your comfort zone, while in the process you are gaining new skills and new friends. The university staff and professors have always shown great passion in actively helping me find my path. The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering has a long standard of excellence. In fact, a Fortune 500 Company started within our faculty years ago. And just down the road, there are opportunities to work with some nationally recognized companies, such as 3M, Daktronics, and Larson Manufacturing. I have been working in the asphalt lab of the college for the past two years, studying civil engineering. This opportunity has allowed me to do impactful research and even publish two papers. If you like getting involved, you can combine your studies and your hobbies with clubs that compete nationally in robotics, engineering, and many other areas. Finishing my degree from SDSU means a new beginning for me, as I hope to continue conducting research that will lead to more sustainable pavements and improve the lives of many. That is my story. Thank you so much for letting me share it. Back to you, Alex.
– Maryam, that is awesome! We have no doubt that like the founders of Daktronics, other community partners, or the outstanding SDSU engineering graduates who make a positive impact on the world, will soon see your name as a leader industry. Take care, Maryam. Okay, our next segment is all about innovation and leading the way.