Let’s meet Parker, a senior from Owatonna, Minnesota, who is majoring in Precision Agriculture with a minor in Agronomy. Being the first university in the nation to offer both a major and minor in precision agriculture, SDSU has doubled down on leading the future of sustainable agriculture with the opening of the Raven Precision Agriculture Center on campus. Parker, we’re ready for you.
– Thanks Alex. Hello, y’all. I always knew I wanted to go into agriculture as it was a way to help get back to a more sustainable planet, to help feed the world, and to be on the cutting edge of technology. I love the feel of SDSU as it is a large campus of 12,000 students, with a small town feel where everyone is kind, willing to help, and provide guidance as a way to keep you from getting overwhelmed. The Brookings community becomes home to students quickly, as there’s never a lack of hunting and fishing and outdoor things to do in the surrounding areas. Like the state motto says, “great faces, great places.” There are so many things to do and people to see that it is worth a trip out here to see the Black Hills and to learn about the history that makes South Dakota so great. One of the most impressive facilities SDSU has built in the recent years has been the Raven Precision Ag Center. This center combines agronomy, engineering, and advanced technology. I’m so excited to see the innovation that comes out of this building for the future of autonomous technology, to the advances in soil science that will have brought more sustainability to the world and agriculture. We are leading the next generation of agriculture at SDSU. With being a first generation college student in my family, I really had no idea what impact SCSU would have on my life, let alone a four year degree, but coming into SDSU has shown me so much from the community and how you can bring so many people together, to the amount of applicable education that I am being given with all the hands-on experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. SDSU has given me opportunities I never would have imagined. That’s a glimpse of my story, so I’ll hand it right back to you, Alex.
– That’s a great story, Parker. The value of a four year degree is so important. And it’s great to hear about you making the most of the opportunities here at SDSU. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Okay, let’s meet up with Dominique. She’s a busy lady, double majoring in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in legal studies. She’s also the Black Student Union president and is using her voice to make a difference on campus. Let’s learn more about diversity at SUU with Dominique. Please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. I’m originally from the Bay Area, but I grew up in Las Vegas. So naturally, moving to Southern Utah for college was a major culture shock. I made the decision to come to SUU because of its proximity to my home, it’s affordability, and scholarship opportunities. Like many college students, I wasn’t sure if I had any friends or access to people from different backgrounds. To my surprise, I found that SUU has a culture that promotes diversity and allows students to be a part of that work. Throughout my time at SUU, I’ve been able to give my input about SUU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. SUU actively proves it’s commitment to diversity through listening to critical feedback and utilizing lessons to improve. I’ve had meetings with the mayor, Cedar City, the university president, and other members of SUU’s administration. A major campus resource for DEI efforts is The Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The CDI houses nine clubs, including the Black Student Union, which I’m proud to be the president of. Initially, I did not want the responsibility of being club president. I prefer just lending a hand in the background, but stepping up into this position really showed me what I’m capable of. The leadership opportunities that I’ve held here have taught me delegation, collaboration, service, and so much more. The CDI offers resources to students from marginalized backgrounds, like career counseling, academic advising, scholarships, financial aid, mentorship, and even study abroad trips. Above all, my favorite part about the CDI is the relationships that I’ve built. In 2019, a group of us traveled to Chiapas, Mexico for a life-changing week-long cultural immersion trip. We visited culturally significant places like Palenque, met with committee members from the Afro-Latino and indigenous communities, and planted a community garden as a service project. Just being able to have the opportunity to leave the country and experience new things is something I can’t fully describe. Sometimes conversations about DEI issues are uncomfortable or difficult, but they are vital. Don’t shy away from being involved in pushing for change. I’ve seen so much growth and progress, not only in myself, but also at the university. To be able to see the integration of diversity and ongoing trainings curriculum, and a commitment to improvement is so fulfilling. You matter here and have a voice at SUU. SUU will listen and continue to work towards building a more diverse and inclusive campus. Alex, back to you.
– Wow, Dominique, you are doing some incredibly important work here at SUU. It’s clear, SUU is working hard to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Thank you for opening up and sharing your story Dominique. We really appreciate it, take care.
Now being a T-Bird means you’re joining a campus that cares. SUU students have volunteered for more than 200,000 community service hours, allowing students to serve, learn, gain experience, and ultimately make a difference. And there’s no one better to talk about SUU’s caring campus community than computer science major, and chemistry minor Skyler Clark. You are on Skyler.
– Thanks Alex, what’s up guys. Attending SUU is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I grew up in a low income family. And often we required financial assistance to get by. Opportunity was made possible for me, thanks to the kindness of others, and naturally I developed a desire to pay that kindness forward. And it wasn’t til my brother went through detox for a severe alcohol dependency that I realized becoming a doctor was the best chance for me to reach that goal. I then asked a surgeon on advice, where to start this journey. And he promptly told me to attend Southern Utah University. I was immediately sought out by advisors and student leaders who wanted to ensure that I was succeeding, not just academically, but also emotionally, socially, and mentally. This had a profound impact on me to the point where I later volunteered to be a freshmen orientation leader myself. One of the great things about SUU is that over 40% of our clubs are classified as service-based organizations. For the last two years, I have been the , or big brother, for alpha Phi, one of our Greek communities. The sisters at alpha Phi, spend significant time and efforts in philanthropy and service. Their annual red dress events raises thousands of dollars for women’s heart health. Both on and off campus students at SUU are getting involved. For example, I volunteer for the nonprofit Needs Beyond a Medicine where we help Utah based cancer patients pay for their nonmedical expenses. We also host regular seminars all across the state where we discuss the various aspects of cancer prevention. Through these opportunities of service, I’ve recognized that I’ve changed during my time at SUU. Students and faculty at SUU prioritize cooperation and collaboration rather than competition. I became a tutor for organic chemistry after being inspired by the tutor who helped me to pass the class. Additionally, after being accepted into medical school, I hosted a free workshop where I helped other pre-med students prepare their own application. All of these things were made possible, thanks to the support and encouragement of SUU’s faculty members. It’s just the SUU way. For my computer science capstone project, I created an algorithm that can look at any chest x-ray and determine whether or not that individual has COVID-19 with a greater accuracy than that of a trained physician. All of my classmates, regardless of their own goals, assisted me in completing this life-saving technology. Being a T-Bird has prepared me to one day be the type of doctor that doesn’t just care for people, but cares about them. Similar to the type of doctor who allowed my brother to have a second chance. That’s my story Alex, back to you.
– Skyler, you’re an absolute rock star. Thank you for paying kindness forward and selflessly serving others. You’re gonna make an amazing doctor someday. You are a force to be reckoned with my man, and we appreciate you opening up and sharing your story. Thanks again Skyler.
Next we’re meeting up with Jordan at the Southern Utah Museum of Art, which is part of the Beverly Center at SUU. Also home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Jordan is working on his master’s of fine arts in arts administration which blends his passion for the arts with professional business skills, preparing him for a future career. Jordan it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex. I first came to Cedar City to work a contract at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. While working at the festival, I had an amazing opportunity to participate in an educational tour where we offered to all of Utah’s public district high schools, performances of a play addressing mental health, suicide ideation, and the importance of openly discussing depression, mental illness, and suicide. Heavy, I know, but it was an impactful experience. During that time I worked alongside graduate students in SUU’s arts administration program. I watched as they worked in professional arts organizations, gaining crucial experience while also earning their master’s degrees. I was intrigued, I decided to apply and was quickly accepted into the program. I never thought I would end up at SUU, but I’m grateful for the shift that brought me here and for the opportunities that have come thus far. Currently, I have an assistantship in SUU’s institutional advancement office, where I help fundraising and development staff meet with potential funders, plan events, raise money, and build meaningful relationships with important state leaders and donors. This year, I had the privilege of attending Utah’s legislative session with SUU’s executive director of development and government relations, Donna Law. It was such an incredible opportunity to meet with different state legislators, watch committee hearings, and speak about the goals and needs of the university. I witnessed Donna’s mentorship about advocacy and stewardship, having direct applicability to a very important high stakes political arena. It was truly a unique experience that enhanced my career trajectory and marketable skills. I’ve also learned a lot by watching Donna’s ability to build relationships and network with people. My brain thinks in the ways of systems, patterns, and processes, so to be paired with a mentor who can teach me how to view the world from a different perspective, gives me an opportunity to stretch and grow beyond my comfort zone. She’s so proactive and interested in my success, always looking for ways to increase my responsibilities and ownership over my projects. It’s really reassuring to know that my work matters and has an impact on the university. Where I once focused exclusively on theater, I now have training in administration, higher education, politics, fundraising, and stewardship. All of these real-world experiences, in tandem with my coursework, have opened up new paths for my career. SUU’s focus on experiential education has led to my own personal growth, civic engagement, and professional excellence. I’m now prepared to take the next step in my professional career. No matter what your chosen field of study is, as an undergraduate or a graduate student, you’ll be given opportunities for professional advancement and excellence at SUU. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Jordan. What an incredible opportunity it must be to work on campus and advocate for the arts in a political setting. You definitely will have the skills and competitive advantage for the job market. Cheers Jordan.
Sacred Heart prides itself on its commitment to innovation, after all, they are pioneers, that applies everywhere, the classroom, the athletic field and onstage, but the place you can find that the most is in the IDEA Lab. Please meet, Gabe, a computer engineering student from the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology who is here to tell us more, Gabe.
– Thanks, Alex. When I was applying to college, I wanted to choose a place that felt like my home away from home, but also inspired me to grow. Sacred Heart’s small class sizes compared to being in a big lecture hall, really pushed me to commit. SHU never stops at status quo, it teaches its students to lead and succeed. The world and its future is going to depend on young minds, bringing fresh takes, solutions and creative ideas. At Sacred Heart we take that seriously through having the right faculty and facilities for students to be at that front. For those of us who were interested, we came together to create what today has evolved into the IDEA Lab. IDEA standing for innovate, design, engineer, apply. It’s my favorite spot on campus where I’d spend most of my time working on projects, hanging with friends and training others in digital fabrication. The lab is equipped with machines ranging from 3D printers to an electronics area with an array of sensors, a characterization lab for performing your own biology and chemistry experiments and a textile room for embroidery, sewing and vinyl cutting. It’s staffed with experienced professionals and students like me who were there to help you to become self-sufficient in making your dreams a reality. There is truly no better feeling than seeing a project come to life and sharing that joy with the friends you made along the way. Drones are everywhere nowadays and the engineering program here at SHU really embraces the technology as a teaching tool. Students learn how to design the hardware and tune the software to get their drones up and flying. We’re lucky to have a Quanser Autonomous Vehicles Research Studio where students have the opportunity to learn how to program the drones and ground bots to complete tasks autonomously. SHU really pushes the idea of helping technology and business meld together by hosting events geared towards helping young entrepreneurs have the tools and resources that they need to drive their ideas forward and even onto shelves. Having the opportunity to work with passionate professors and mentors alongside other like-minded individuals really helped me to go out into the world. Well, that’s it for me, back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Gabe, for showing us around the IDEA Lab and telling us about your work. It’s such a great place to find students of all majors and it is full of opportunity. Great work, take care, Gabe.
Okay, so we’ve seen the campus and heard about classes, athletics, service but what about after graduation? Where will SHU take you? The university prepares students for post-college life with on-campus job fairs, internship opportunities and networking events with alumni. SHU’s Center for Career and Professional Development, help students with resume building, interview coaching and job and internship placement. Let’s head over to west campus to hear from Mary, an alumni of the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology who currently works at Reebok in Boston.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone, it feels amazing to be back here on campus. It feels like just yesterday I was a student and I know that if I had to do this all over again, I would definitely choose Sacred Heart for my college experience. I remember touring Sacred Heart as a high school senior and instantly getting an amazing feeling. Something about the campus, the student ambassadors, all the academic and extracurricular opportunities, it all just made me feel instantly at home and that SHU was really the college for me. I made my best friends, I got to study abroad and I was involved in countless campus clubs and activities. In the five years since graduating, Sacred Heart has remained a part of my life. Every year, my friends and I look forward to homecoming weekend and we even went on an alumni trip to Dingle Ireland in summer 2019. Professors keep in touch with students over the years and the skills I learned under their guidance really helped me get where I am today as a footwear product manager at Reebok headquarters in Boston. I love my job and I’ve been able to grow as a professional and individual there over the past five years. SHU truly cares about student’s success post-graduation. There’s a spirit of opportunity and a go-getter attitude throughout the university that you can just feel. Professors and staff encouraged us to go after any opportunity we could, whether it’s on campus, an internship, or even just a chat with a connection they may have. I remember giving a presentation at my internship and they were quite impressed with how I presented but that was something we did in class all the time. In the business school, internships are part of the curriculum and there are plenty of networking events, industry speakers and career prep opportunities available. All of these resources plus classes, shaped me into a well-rounded graduate who was ready to join the workforce. SHU’s career center is open to us for life even years after graduation, if we ever needed any support or assistance. I know that if I had to contact the career center, they would help me with whatever I need, whether that was resume help, career advice, job listings, contacts or more. My experiences at SHU were so diverse, rewarding, challenging and fun, which translated into my career. At work, I’m open to any new projects or opportunities that come my way. I look for solutions rather than focusing on problems and I can work with anyone. I thank SHU was so much for being such an integral part of my journey and I will always be a Pioneer. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Mary, that was absolutely fantastic. Now, how lucky was married to attend SHU, get such great exposure to her industry and get an awesome job.
SHU is a division one school and offers 33 varsity sports, but don’t worry, if you’re not at that level, you can get involved in one of the university’s 36 club sports. SHU student athletes are known for keeping up their GPA’s and dedicating thousands of community service hours. Women’s ice hockey player, Sophie, who’s over at the William Pitt Athletic and Convocation Center is gonna tell you a little bit more about what it’s like being a student athlete and why she loves shredding the ice as a Pioneer, Sophie.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m so excited to be here and share my experience as a division one athlete here at Sacred Heart University. For as long as I’ve been able to walk, skating has always been a passion of mine. Growing up, my dad played and got me and my older siblings involved in hockey. Being the youngest, I was always trying to keep up with my siblings. I started playing hockey when I was three years old and from there I immediately fell in love with the sport. I played with all boys teams until the age of 13, played on girls travel teams, and then started a woman’s team at my high school. When I reached high school, I knew I wanted to take my game to the next step and play at the college level. By the end of my junior year, I committed to Sacred Heart University for my academics and athletics. On the first day of college, I immediately had 29 best friends. We spend endless hours together on and off the ice. The level from high school to college was a change at first, but all my training paid off. I learned to eat, sleep and breathe hockey all while balancing academics and a social life. My coach always tells me, academics is one and hockey is 1A. Playing on a team with 29 other student athletes who are just as passionate about hockey as I am is what makes our team so special. We all have the same angle, which is to win a NOHA championship and get a spot in the NCAA tournament. My coach has taught us to win and lose as a team together. My experiences at Sacred Heart University have given me a great education, immediate best friends and an athletic career that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My experiences are also going to give me countless opportunities that I can bring into the real world. Everyday this university helps me become a better student, a better athlete and a better person. I’m grateful that I’m able to represent SHU as a student and as a division one athlete. Thank you for letting me share my story, now back to you, Alex.
– What passion Sophie, that was great. There is no doubt that all of SHU’s student athletes are passionate about their team and teammates, they really are a family. Thanks again for sharing that, take care, Sophie.
Next up, is Lalo, a senior majoring in Biology. He’s gonna share a little about his background and why he chose St. Edwards. And he’ll tell us about some cool neuroscience research he’s involved in with his professors and classmates, and where he’s headed after graduation. Lalo, take it away!
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone! I grew up in South Texas and I was raised by two first-generation Mexican-Americans. Living close to the border, I saw the healthcare disparities present in Mexico compared to the U.S. These disparities alongside my family’s experiences as migrant farm workers, gave me the desire to become an Emergency Medical Technician, to use my skills to help underserved communities. I chose St. Edward’s University because this Liberal Arts College was known for having smaller class sizes and a great teacher-to-student ratio. This allowed me to get close to my professors that were teaching my science courses and led me to be a part of a research team, which has exposed me to the side of scientific inquiry. My interest in Biology stems from a yearning to understand how the fundamentals of life came to be, from DNA to neuronal development. Having a Liberal Arts education offers crucial aspects to building strong communication skills and the ability to understand different perspectives, which is important for healthcare. The overall diversity with the students on campus has enriched my educational experience. My sophomore year, I joined Doctor Andrea Holgado’s Neuroscience Research Team, where we learned more about the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans to study autophagy in neurons. Currently, my lab partners and I are exploring mutations, which can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This hands-on learning experience has given me the opportunity to develop presentations for the Society for Neuroscience, work with the National Science Foundation Grant, and conduct experiments involving western blotting techniques and fluorescent microscopy. Obtaining a Liberal Arts education here at St. Edward’s University has broadened my capacity for social responsibility. I’ve applied for a Fulbright Student Grant to study and teach English in another country after graduation. Upon my return, my plan is to continue with my EMT certification to gain clinical experience. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Lalo, you’ll be a fantastic EMT and Physician Assistant. Thanks for letting us see how professors at St. Ed’s get to know their students and team up with them on amazing research. Those experiences are awesome for your future, and we’re all pulling for you to win that Fulbright Grant to teach overseas. Take care!
Let’s head over to meet Michelle who has an awesome story to share. She’s a first-generation student, majoring in Political Science. Her opportunities at St. Ed’s as well as being in Austin, the Texas state capital, have opened amazing doors and she’ll tell us all about them. Okay, Michelle, you are on.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. Being born and raised in El Paso, Texas, I always felt very at home as a first-generation, Mexican-American. However, I knew that I needed to leave my community in order to step into my fullest potential and follow my passion for advocacy and changemaking. I wanted to attend college in the capital city, Austin and felt a calling to the Texas State Legislature. The guidance and mentorship I received at St. Edward’s has been priceless. I became involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, Senator for Student Government, and President of a Pre-Law fraternity. Earlier this year, I became a full-time Legislative Assistant as a fellow for a senator that represents my hometown. Then over the summer, I interned for a Congresswoman that represents the district my family lives in through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. As a St. Edward’s University McNair scholar, I conducted research, “Studying how Educational Attainment Impacts the Representation of Latinos in Congress”. I found that even though Congress is the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, it is still not proportional to the Latino population in the U.S. I hope to fill one of those spaces one day. St. Edward’s has given me the tools that I need to live fully and follow my passions. With guidance from my professors and other faculty, I have been able to create the college experience of my dreams. When I committed to St. Edward’s, I knew that they were committing to me, too. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Michelle, congrats on following your dream. Your leadership activities and research are super, super impressive. So are your internships at the Texas State capital and with the Texas Legislature. Thank you for showing us how your St Ed’s experience is preparing you for your goal of joining Congress and making a difference. Thanks again.
Okay, this is gonna be great. We’re heading to the SDSU Dairy Bar to hear from April. April is an Agricultural Leadership major with a double minor in Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations, and Spanish. She’s one of many students who take advantage of SDSU’s unique farm-to-table on-campus operation that ends with a sweet treat of world famous SDSU ice cream. April, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone! Growing up on the farm, I always knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. I spent time on the South Dakota State University campus for multiple events while I was a kid and during high school. And the welcoming atmosphere made coming to SDSU an easy decision when it came time to apply for college. My favorite place on campus is College Green because it is a place where I can relax and be outdoors. Here, I like to read my Bible, do homework, hang with friends, and to make it a little sweeter, eat ice cream. It’s not just any ice cream though. Here at State, we have a unique farm-to-table operation that starts at our own dairy unit just north of campus and ends with world-famous SDSU ice cream being served at our campus dairy bar and throughout South Dakota. One of my favorite flavors is cookies ‘n cream, which was invented right here at SDSU. Yep, that’s right. The popular flavor came to life on campus in 1979 and is still part of the lineup of regularly produced ice cream. That farm-to-table operation wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our students who gain valuable experience while combining their passion and studies. Our ice cream is made from milk that comes from our dairy unit. It’s then sent to our processing lab and soon after, ready to be consumed and sent all around the region. The dairy bar is a hot spot for campus and community members to eat ice cream at any time of the day. It is also a place where the dairy industry engages with our-world class faculty and students to conduct research to benefit agriculture in our region and the world. I plan to pursue agritourism and give tours on local farms about South Dakota agriculture. SDSU has helped me strengthen my passion for agriculture and the knowledge I’ve gained. Thanks for letting me share my story and experience with you. What’s next, Alex?
– April, that was awesome. Send a scoop of Barry Berry, a flavor name for SDSU’s current president, my way. Thanks again for sharing your story. Have a great day, April.