Okay, everyone, now it’s time to turn up the volume. We are excited to meet an SDSU alum who makes a career out of having fun. Dr. Kevin Kessler is SDSU’s Director of Athletic Bands and as a graduate of South Dakota State, is living his dream leading the Pride of the Dakota’s Marching Band. One of the nation’s largest collegiate marching bands. Kevin, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex! Hello, everyone. As a student at SDSU, I was fortunate enough to be the drum major of the Pride of the Dakota’s Marching Band. It was the most important part of my college experience. Little did I know that someday I would be the director of this amazing group. The Pride is one big family. Lifelong friendships are made while we create entertaining and exciting shows for our audiences. We’re approaching 300 members strong, making us one of the largest college marching bands in the region. Students do not need to be music majors or audition to be a part. In fact, students from nearly every major on campus are members of the Pride. While we work hard to present our amazing performances, students also have a lot of fun. We have dress up days at rehearsal. We are hype in the stands throughout the game, and sections become like families, spending a lot of time with one another outside of rehearsal. It doesn’t matter to us if you’ve never marched before, we have incredible student leadership that will help you learn what you need to know and to make you feel part of something special. The Pride has a tradition-rich history of performing on the world’s largest stages, while creating a great game day atmosphere for our nationally ranked football team. We’ve marched in two Tournament of Roses parades, two Presidential Inaugural parades, and we were chosen to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. We’d love for you to join us and be part of the next chapter of the Pride’s incredible history. If you love music, if you love being a part of excitement and hype, and you want to be part of something special, then the Pride of the Dakotas is for you. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Kevin. Sign me up for a spot. It’s great to hear from an alum who was inspired during their time as a student and is now paying it forward by leading one of the nation’s top collegiate marching bands. That was awesome! Take care.
– First up, everyone is Meriam, a senior majoring in both Environmental Science, and Policy and Political Science. Meriam has been involved in some impressive internships and research at St Ed’s and has given her fantastic real-world experience. She’s gonna share her story and where she’s headed next. You’re on Miriam.
– Thanks Alex. Hey, everyone! Welcome to the Hilltop. Over the past four years, St. Edward’s University has empowered and encouraged me to take on my world, both inside and out of the classroom. One of the biggest growths you go through is when you start college. You move away from home. You meet new people and you really grow into the person that you’re meant to be. St. Edward’s both educates you and helps you get your foot in the door. So by the time that you graduate, you have connections in your field and a sense of direction. You’re also connected to internships that align with your studies and passions. I’ve interned for Environment America, MOVE Texas and their Civic Leadership Program, and most recently, for the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality. Here, I helped create policy recommendations to help winterize water systems across the state. This past summer, I was funded through the St. Edward’s Hook Fellowship to do research on soil sequestration in the Hill Country Grasslands. My research partner and I are currently working on getting our findings published in an academic journal. Had it not been for the one-on-one relationships with my professors at St. Edward’s, I would’ve never thought something like this was possible, especially in undergrad. I also serve as the Head Tour Guide where I get to connect with prospective students, help them navigate the college search, and share what I love most about St. Ed’s, like the personal relationship with your professors. At a small university, your professors are a part of your support system, sharing their wisdom and their experience. With endless support for my advisors, professors, and peers, I’ll be graduating this year with a plan to make my dream a reality, becoming an environmental lawyer pursuing climate equity for a more just world. Because of St. Edward’s University, I’ve developed into the best possible version of myself. Well, that’s my view from the Hilltop. Back to you, Alex!
– Meriam, thank you. Your experience is such a great example of the incredible academic opportunities, hands-on learning, and personal support that make the St. Edward’s experience so rewarding. Congrats on your amazing internships and research, and best of luck as you pursue your dream of being an environmental lawyer. You’ll be brilliant. Take care.
Next, we’re visiting the Nest to meet the one and only Tiffany Chin. Tiffany is an interdisciplinary studies major and a student peer mentor with the ACES. SUU is known for its outstanding retention rate, which means students like to stay at SUU to finish their degree. Resources like the Nest and peer mentors make SUU a place where students feel like they have the support to succeed. Take it away, Tiffany.
– Hey everyone, before I came to SUU, I hoNestly thought college might not be for me. I came in as a first-generation student without really knowing what college would entail or what resources were available to help. It felt like no matter what I tried, I couldn’t get it to work for me. And I was really unhappy. I decided to take a semester off of school and I toured almost every university in the state of Utah as a last ditch effort to find a place I could make college work. I was immediately drawn to SUU. People were happy here. From the beginning, I felt that people took a genuine interest in me in a way that’s just not possible at bigger universities. I remember during the tour wanting to meet with an academic advisor, but not having an appointment. I awkwardly kind of stumbled over to where their offices are and was immediately invited in to sit down for a full fledged appointment, something that would have never been the case at my previous institution. The culture of SUU is very much based around that mentality that students come first. Our door is always open and we care about you as a person, which is exactly what I needed. One of the biggest resources on campus that demonstrates that culture, is the ACES program. ACES are peer mentors for incoming freshmen who work in the Nest, which serves as a one-stop shop for any and all student questions. It’s crazy to think that attending a new student orientation once could teach you everything you need to know about campus or about adjusting to college life. You’re learning how to study at a college level, how to live on your own, how to balance a budget, and how to balance work and school. Who better to learn this from than a current student who’s been through it before. You come in as a freshman, and there are things you simply would never know without the help of your ACE. I can tell you firsthand as a peer mentor, it is so much more than connecting freshmen to campus. ACES really are in the business of changing lives. You become a friend of these students. As an ACE, I’ve been able to foster connection with students to where, they text me to tell me they passed their exam, or tell me they’re struggling with a roommate, or ask me for date ideas. There’s really no other way to say it, but I’m honored to have been that person for any student. So whether it’s your ACE, your professor, or an academic advisor, people genuinely care about you here, that’s undeniable. College at SUU is so much more than simply going to class and coming home to do homework. It is been gaining mentors in my professors, getting a job on campus and working with my best friends. I really have created a family away from home here. From someone who thought that college might not be for me, who almost dropped out completely before coming to SUU, I wanna say college is for you. Not only can you make it work, but college can be the best time of your life. SUU has been that for me. Alex, back to you.
– Tiffany, thank you. It’s wonderful to see so many resources and support systems are available to students at SUU and the lifelong connections that are built from them. Thank you for dedicating your time to helping others succeed, that was awesome. Cheers Tiffany.
Next up is Sam Nelson. He’s an online business management major who actually lives in Los Angeles, California working as a professional dancer. SUU’s online degrees are super flexible, affordable, and accessible for students like Sam. Plus, he’s speeding up his time to graduation with SUU’s three year degree program. Sam it’s all yours.
– Hey everyone, my name is Sam, and I am a professional dancer and choreographer living in Burbank, California, but I am also a senior at Southern Utah University. As high school graduation was approaching, I knew that I was gonna be faced with a really, really tough decision. I had to decide whether I wanted to move to LA to pursue my career in dance, or if I wanted to go to school. But luckily I didn’t have to make that choice. My brother actually was able to recommend the online degree program to me at SUU. My degree is being earned 100% online, which has allowed me to take opportunities to work as a dancer in LA that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to accept. Some of these jobs include, So You Think You Can Dance season 16, The World of Dance Championship season three, The Creative Arts Emmys Awards, and appearing in music videos for artists such as Nia Sioux, Clinton Kane, Tame Impala, just to name a few. Because of the flexible nature of SUU’s online business program, I’ve been able to do it all. Choreograph, teach, travel, perform, all while still earning my education online. SUU offers a three-year bachelor’s degree program. So I’ve been able to take classes throughout the year and study throughout the summer. As much as I value my time in school, I couldn’t help but want to finish my degree as fast as possible due to the opportunities waiting for me post graduation. I would be nowhere near as far along in my education or in my career if it wasn’t for SUU. Having that personal interaction with faculty and other students online has helped me feel so connected to SUU even though I’m not an on-campus in-person student. Many of my classes are self-paced meaning that I can work around deadlines to get those readings and those assignments in, even though my schedule is so crazy and unpredictable. Looking back on all the classes I’ve taken and the professors who have taught me so much, I now have a clear understanding of how I can combine my passion for dance, with my new understanding of business management. One day I plan to open my own dance related business, either a professional dance studio or a national dance convention, which will give me the chance to share my passion for others while utilizing my degree that I’ve worked so hard to achieve. Because of my love for dance, my business degree, and SUU, I can open the door to so many opportunities for my future. I encourage students like me who need a more flexible schedule and who need affordable tuition to highly consider the online degree program at SUU. No matter how far along you are in your educational journey and your career, SUU can help you achieve your goals. Back to you Alex.
– Sam, thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us. I’m glad you’re following your dreams and rocking the world of dance while also earning a degree. I can’t wait to see where you go next. Cheers Sam.
Now we’re heading over to Thunderbird Gardens to meet outdoor recreation major, Jessica. At the University of the Parks, many T-Birds, like Jessica, are able to explore and learn in the great outdoors. Each year, SUU places more than 300 students in outdoor internships and research positions in the nearby national parks and public lands. It’s easy to get outside and reap the benefits of nature when you go to school at the University of the Parks. Jessica, please tell us more.
– Hey, everyone, welcome to Cedar City, Utah, also known as Festival City, USA. This small town in beautiful Southern Utah is not short of excitement. There’s something for everyone year round, like a world-class Shakespeare Festival, a local sheep parade, and of course, adventuring in the great outdoors. SUU is located within a five-hour drive of more than 20 national parks and monuments in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, which is why SUU is trademarked the University of the Parks. SUU’s incredible location and connection to the outdoors is ultimately what brought me to campus. When I was deciding on a college to attend, I discovered SUU was offering a special adventurous 18 credit semester in Bryce Canyon National Park. I knew that was for me. I spent my first semester with 11 other students living and working in Bryce Canyon, just an hour and a half away from campus. Our professors brought our classes to us in the park and on weekend camping trips. The outdoors truly became our classroom. That semester set the stage for me pursuing an outdoor recreation degree. Now I’m on campus learning the foundations of the industry and how to be an outdoor leader. My professors are great at teaching us concepts and connecting them to the real world. For most of my class assignments, I get to collaborate with local outdoor organizations on projects they are currently working on that bring what I learned in the classroom to life. All of this work is preparing me to fulfill my dream of developing programs that empower people through outdoor adventures. When I’m not in class, I work with one of the coolest departments on campus, SUU outdoors. We know that Southern Utah has so much to offer. You could be skiing down the powdery snow in the morning, and climbing the red rocks in 70 degree weather that same afternoon. We don’t want students to miss out on this. So we rent tons of outdoor gear at amazing prices and organize free weekend trips. We do everything from snowshoeing to canyoneering, backpacking, river rafting, and more. Our trips are so much fun, and as a trip leader, I love to help students try new things, make new friends, and experience some of the most beautiful places on earth. And if free trips and outdoor classrooms aren’t enough, SUU is home to the largest federal internship program in the nation, the IIC. It connects students to careers in the national parks and public lands. Last summer, I led a unique crew the IIC created to work in our local community. We were the hands for a wide variety of projects, left undone due to the pandemic. For 10 weeks, my crew and I spent every day outside working on these projects. My favorite was building a bridge on a hiking trail we fixed. We learned lots of new skills and grew as leaders while we served our community. So there you have it, being the University of the Parks means we get to play, learn, and work outside. At SUU, we literally have the world’s best backyard. Come see it yourselves. Top that Alex.
– Jessica, I don’t know what to say. There’s no way I can top that. Your story is epic, wow. SUU truly has an amazing backyard. From skiing at local resorts, to hiking in the national parks, to hammocking here on campus. There’s an adventure for everyone here. Thanks again for that tour Jessica, take care.
Okay, now let’s meet student doctor, Kensley at our next stop. The brand new state-of-the-art, College of Osteopathic Medicine, only the third in the state of Texas. Kensley is a small town guy doing big things here at Sam Houston. Today, he’s gonna talk about how his passion for helping others brought him to Sam Houston, as well as this amazing new medical program and the healthcare opportunities it will provide for all Texans. Kensley, please take it away.
– Hey everyone. And thanks Alex. Welcome to the new Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine down in Conroe, Texas. My name is Kensley Grant, I’m a second year osteopathic medical student here at SHSU. And I’m proud to be part of our first year of student doctors. Over the past year, our faculty and staff and students have worked hard to create a learning environment that is truly diverse and collaborative. We’ve been able to join national organizations like the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Our faculty have led us down a path to really look at medical policy. And they push us every day to advocate for changes. We’ve done this by speaking to our state representatives about creating initiatives and fostering changes in policies that we can control. We’ve worked together to create outreach partnerships, student organizations, interest groups, and we’ve developed a free clinic for the underserved at the Salvation Army. Like many others, I knew that I wanted to be a physician from a young age. I grew up in an extremely small town out in rural west Texas with a population of about 1000. I’ve seen firsthand members of my community miss their medications or miss doctor’s appointments because of lack of healthcare options. The nearest clinic is a 60 mile round trip drive. These types of access to healthcare limitations create incredible difficulties for people living in rural America. Sam Houston State’s mission, is to increase access to healthcare in Texas by promoting primary care, and teaching students not only how to treat patients, but also how to care for their communities. Our program is designed to immerse student doctors in hands-on practices. And our state-of-the-art facilities really make that possible. We have a mock hospital wing with an operating room and a full doctor’s office suite. Each of which allows faculty oversight and observation through specialized rooms. At SHSU, we believe that the measure of life is its service. And we try to put that saying into practice here every day. As a small town guy from rural West Texas, I know that this COM is gonna make a difference in the lives of Texans for years to come. We wanna thank you guys for stopping by, we appreciate you, back to you, Alex.
– Kensley, you’ve been busy. Thank you, your fellow students and faculty for your impressive work to provide greater access and quality healthcare for all. And for sharing your story and the amazing facility at the college of osteopathic medicine. We are all wishing you the very best in your future endeavors. Take care.
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.