It’s time to meet Adam, a Salish Kootenai College alum whose journey is one of resilience, service, and innovation. He has overcome challenges of his own with fortitude and purpose and now finds ways to empower the youth of the reservation in partnership with SKC and the Boys & Girls Club. Tell us how you’re making an amazing impact. Adam, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. I am originally from China, Montana, and especially the Flathead Reservation has been my home for the past 10 years. Since I was six, I dreamed of going to college. With the support of my adoptive family and the Salish Kootenai College, that dream is now a reality. The faculty and staff played a pivotal role in my journey, providing the encouragement for me to succeed despite being legally blind. Their commitment and encouragement inspired me to give back, a value that deeply resonates with our community. While studying, I worked as a work-study intern at our local Boys & Girls Club, which became a full-time role after graduation. People often ask me, “What is your why?” I wanted to be there for others because SKC was there for me. With their support, my time in the education department didn’t just prepare me to be a teacher. I flourished in my role and have become an advocate for those in need. One of the most incredible initiatives I am involved in is a laser cutter entrepreneurship program at the local Boys & Girls Club, which empowers teens to turn their creative ideas into reality. This program, backed by generous SKC grants and resources, enables me to guide teens in utilizing technology to innovate and launch their own businesses. I even led our teen leadership group to Washington D.C., where we advocated for what’s important to our communities in front of senators and representatives. I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact SKC and my family has had on my life. My time at SKC combined with my community service has equipped me to continue making a difference and guide future leaders. Tossing it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Adam. Your powerful story is an inspiring example of how support, perseverance, and purpose can spark real change. Your advocacy and innovation continue to uplift others, both in and out of your community. We’re proud to share your accomplishments, and keep doing great things, Adam. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Wacey, a first-generation descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe. Wacey brings a powerful purpose to his education as he works to revitalize the Salish language through SKC’s Culture and Language Studies program. Let’s hear how he’s preserving Indigenous knowledge for future generations. Wacey, you’re up.
– Growing up, I always heard Salish spoken by elders who are no longer with us today. Their voices remain in my memory, inspiring my desire to learn our ancestral language. Living near the longhouse where the Salish Culture Committee is based, I was always surrounded by cultural knowledge and tradition. I was fortunate to join the language apprenticeship program at the Longhouse, dedicating two years to learning the Salish language. Afterwards, I entered the Cultural Language Studies program, or CALS, at SKC. Now we apply our language skills in the field through hands-on cultural practices. In the fall, we gather mountain tea and foliage to make traditional teas, and in the spring, we harvest cattails to weave mats. We also create tools such as fish traps, cordage, and fire kits from Native plants. These traditional ways of being have been honed over many generations as scientific observations guided our people to become some of the first naturalists, scientists, manufacturers, and managers of their homelands. The CALS program is truly unique, and SKC is one of the few colleges offering such an immersive cultural experience. The surrounding Mission Valley serves as a living classroom, helping students engage with their education on a much deeper level. Thanks to the language apprenticeship and CALS programs, I’ve become the first proficient Salish speaker in my family in nearly a century. SKC supports every student’s journey, whether you know your path or are still finding it. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wacey, your dedication to language revitalization and traditional knowledge shows how SKC supports academic and cultural excellence. We’re so honored to hear your story guided by your heart, your language, and your land. Thank you for carrying your ancestors’ voices forward into the future. Keep up the amazing work, Wacey. Thanks again.
Let’s introduce Eric, also known in the drifting world as Ricky Rips. Eric is a recent graduate who studied automotive technology and high performance motorsports. Clubs at UNOH are more than just hobbies. They’re pathways to real industry experience. From starting the university’s very first drift club to changing tires at pit crew practice, Eric found his passion and his people. Eric, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I came to UNOH all the way from Colchester, Connecticut. Cars haven’t always been in my life, but things that go fast and create adrenaline have. I got into cars when I was 14, and since then, it has progressed, leading me to UNOH to learn how to design and build race cars. Once I got to campus, I met many like-minded people. I made new friends and made connections that I’ll have for a lifetime. Not knowing what type of racing I fit into yet, I explored a handful of clubs and quickly met my people. I got introduced to drifting through students involved in these clubs and quickly became close friends. We worked on drift cars day and night. Soon enough, we found ourselves all working together to put together the first-ever university-sponsored Drift Club. Thanks to the school’s support for students finding their passion, we’re able to partner with professional drift teams, which can lead to jobs immediately after graduation. What other school can you go to and drive your own car on their personal test pad? And Drift Club isn’t the only one. There are many other clubs with perks tailored to their interests. There’s Off-Road Club, Drag Club, Over-The-Wall Club, which focuses specifically on pit crew skills. Outside of racing, There’s clubs for boxing, eSports, agriculture. You name it, it’s here, and with many doorways to professional connections that students can only find at UNOH No matter your major, whether it’s diesel, accounting, robotics, motorsports, marketing, or high performance, like me, you’ll find what you’re passionate about, enjoy yourself, and gain tons of experience all at the same time. Keep your foot floored, your RPMs high, and I’ll see you at the racetrack. All you, Alex.
– Unbelievable, Eric. Imagine a college that lets you burn rubber at a university supported event. We don’t have to imagine it. It’s all at UNOH. Eric’s story shows how getting involved can launch you straight into a career. Clubs, hands-on learning, and lasting friendships, it’s all part of the Racer experience. Keep up the great work, Eric, and thanks again.
Say hello to Mayce, a proud UNOH alum from Muncie, Indiana. With a business administration degree with a focus on marketing and a lifelong passion for racing, Mayce’s journey is proof that UNOH helps students turn dreams into thriving careers, both on and off the track. Mayce, tell us your inspiring story.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. I’ve been drag racing since I was 13, so I knew I wanted to build a life around things I was passionate about. Racing taught me a lot, discipline, focus, and how to think fast, but I also knew I needed a strong foundation outside of the track. I wanted an education that supported my goals long-term, whether I stayed in the racing industry or shifted gears entirely, and that’s what led me to University of Northwestern Ohio. UNOH stood out because it offered the perfect mix of hands-on education and real-world experience, especially in the industries I already loved. As a business administration student with a focus in marketing, I found so many ways to get involved. I joined the American Marketing Association, worked in Admissions, became a Racer Leader, and ran the Rotoract Club, which focuses on service and community engagement. Those roles shaped me into a confident communicator and leader, and they’ve opened the door to friendships and professional connections that have reached far beyond campus, even across the globe. What made UNOH different for me was how it turned my passions into a launching pad for a career. I wasn’t just learning marketing, I was living it. From giving campus tours to representing the university at events, I was able to tell stories, build a brand, and find my voice. I realized I can use those same storytelling and strategies in the racing industry and beyond. After graduation, I went on to lead marketing at my family’s racing engine building business, and now I focus on another passion of mine as the marketing director for a mental health counseling center. UNOH helped me turn my passions into a lifelong career, and I could not be more grateful, and that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Mayce, from the racetrack to leading a mental health center’s marketing team, your journey shows how the University of Northwestern Ohio builds students flexible real-world skills that can take graduates anywhere. Thank you for showing us how passion and education go hand in hand here. Take care, Mayce.
Let’s all welcome Jeb, a junior from Bloomington, Illinois. Jeb’s passion for racing and marketing came together at UNOH where the university’s Career Services Office and well-developed industry partnerships fuel big dreams. From NASCAR internships to motorsports marketing, UNOH makes career connections real. Take it away, Jeb.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, guys? As a kid, I got my love for racing from my grandpa. As a teenager, I worked on a professional Dirt Late Model team. UNOH happened to sponsor the series that we competed in, and I never looked back. I always knew that I wanted to go to a school that supported my dream career. UNOH provides so many opportunities to get involved and get hands-on experience. Students are able to make industry connections with companies like Monster Jam, Formula DRIFT, NASCAR, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. When I was on the technical side of the college, I completed two years as a crew chief for the UNOH motorsports team. Through the team, I interned as a crewman for Garrett Alberson’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series team. Now as a business marketing student, I’m able to learn about the business side of the industry I love. I’m learning how to manage teams and propose marketing options to sponsors across the country and the world. Nowhere else can you learn in the classroom on the weekdays and then work at the highest levels of racing on the weekends. This is all thanks to UNOH’s Career Services. They have connections throughout so many industries and can help students build resumes, train for job interviews, or even get internships. With the hands-on I’ve gained on the tech side, the marketing expertise I’m learning on the business side, the connections I’ve made through Career Services, and the numerous opportunities I’ve had on the motorsports team, I have everything I need to succeed. I don’t know where I’d be without UNOH. I know that this is the place for me, and I’m proud to be a Racer. Back to you, Alex.
– Great work, Jeb. We are so pumped to see your success, and thanks for sharing how a UNOH education in the classrooms and shops can lead straight to a career at the racetrack or the boardroom. UNOH truly does turn your passion into a career. Thanks again, Jeb.
Say hello to Lane, a Sports Marketing and Management major from Lewisburg, Ohio. UNOH’s small campus delivers big opportunities, and Lane experienced this firsthand. Imagine working events like the Super Bowl while still in college. Ready to see how a supportive campus can lead to life changing experiences? Tell us all about Lane. Take it away.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I wasn’t sure about going to college until my senior year of high school. when Professor Gunder came and gave a speech that changed everything. He told us how UOH gave real-world experience to students, not just boring classroom lectures, and I was sold. As a Sport Marketing and Management major, I realized if I wanted to work in sports, I was gonna need to build connections and gain experience. UNOH students had worked the Final Four, the NFL Draft, and even the Super Bowl. My first thought was, “Wait, I actually have a chance to work the Super Bowl?” Sure enough, I went to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the NFL Draft in Green Bay and Detroit. I’m also a member of the soccer team, so I get to meet students from almost every continent. I’ve learned so much about different cultures, shared stories, and created friendships that go far beyond the field and even UNOH. It’s crazy to think that one small university in Ohio brought that all into my life. My professor says that UOH is a small campus with big opportunities, and honestly, that couldn’t be more true. It’s the kind of place where professors know your name and help you land once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly prepare you for your career. UNOH has taught me that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens on the field, in new cities, and through the friendships that you make. I’m ready for what’s next in the sports world, and I’m grateful that UNOH gave me the tools and confidence to go out there and chase it. Passing it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Lane, what an unforgettable experience you’re having here. Your story shows us exactly how small campuses can open doors to giant opportunities. UNOH’s real-world connections and supportive community gives students a major headstart. Thank you for the inspiration, Lane. We look forward to seeing you working in the sports industry real soon.
It’s time to meet Riley, a Business Administration major from Delphos, Ohio. At UNOH, Riley found the perfect balance between academics, work, and giving back to her community. With early access to major-focused classes and buzzing campus life, UNOH offer students a full, vibrant experience. Riley, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. I’ve always been driven to make a difference, and I knew that studying business would be the key to turning my goals into a reality. My family has always encouraged to chase my dreams. Their belief in me has shaped my hardworking nature and my desire to be a leader. As a Business Administration major, I knew I wanted a university that had a strong academic program that allowed me to get hands-on experience right away. At UNOH, students that dive into major-related courses from the very first quarter. At other colleges, I’d have to wait until my junior year to learn the core subjects I’m passionate about. The focus on a practical education helps me understand how to apply business concepts in a real-world environment and prepare for my future career. Also, classes wrap up by 3:00 p.m. With this flexible class schedule, it gives me plenty of time to hang out with friends, work my job at the library, and stay involved in my community by volunteering with the cheerleading program. This balance has truly enriched my college experience. UNOH has a well-rounded student life, and that’s something I’ve really come to appreciate. The campus is buzzing with energy, offering a wide range of activities that go beyond academics. We have an amazing athletic complex, and I can never miss a Taco Tuesday. There’s always something going on. The support staff at UNOH isn’t just there for academic advising. They truly care about your wellbeing, and I’m so grateful for that. At UNOH, it’s not just about what you learn in the classroom, it’s about gaining real world experience that prepares you for your future career. I’m confident by the time I graduate, I’ll be ready to take on whatever comes next. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Riley, it’s so great to see how involved you can be in your community while still reaching your educational goals at UNOH. You prove that success isn’t just what you learn, it’s how you live it. Thank you for showing us how UNOH helps students balance education, work, and service. Well done, Riley.
Let’s catch up with Bret, a senior from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, who combined an automotive/high performance degree with a business degree at UNOH, future-proofing his career. With industry driven programs, like Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology, UNOH is preparing students for tomorrow’s jobs today. Bret, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex, and hello, everyone. I’m a senior here at the University of Northwestern Ohio, and I’m also the head engine builder on the school’s motorsport team. I’ve always had an interest in racing, and UNOH has helped me turn that into my soon-to-be career. Being on the UNOH motorsport team has provided me with so many great opportunities to meet friends, learn, and grow into an adult. I did not have any previous knowledge on automobiles or race cars, and now I’m the head engine builder of our team. This is why I chose UNOH and why UNOH has been nothing short of perfect for me. There are so many degrees offered here that are in high demand in today’s world, such as Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Automotive Technology, and Robotics. Some other programs include HVAC, Construction Equipment, Logistics and Supply Chain, and many more. Classes go in-depth on the material and teach you how to fix real-world problems. With only 20 students in a class, I get one-on-one attention from the instructors and learn how to tackle problems head-on with my hands. They do not teach you what to think. They teach you how to think about solving the problem. After I finished my Automotive and High Performance degree, I decided to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Business at UNOH. I believe that having extra knowledge about marketing and good business practices, along with the technical degree, gears me towards promotion opportunities and hopefully opening up my own shop one day. Transferring to UNOH is the best decision that I’ve ever made. All the experiences, knowledge, and opportunities that UNOH offers makes it all worth it. I can firmly say that UNOH has prepared me for my future career, especially in the racing industry. Shifting gears back to you, Alex.
– Bret, your experience shows that a UNOH education isn’t just about today. It’s about building a future-ready career. Students can take a tech-focused two-year degree and turn it into a business-focused bachelor’s degree. Flexible paths towards your educational goals prepare graduates for rewarding career opportunities. Thank you for showing us how to shift into success, Bret. That was great.
Let’s catch up with Tumi, a senior marketing major from Johannesburg, South Africa. Tumi’s story highlights how UNOH offers top quality education and exciting campus life, all at affordable cost. Scholarships, student activities, and new friendships make UNOH a place to thrive. Tumi, tell us more.
♪ Ooh, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪
– Thank you, Alex. Greetings to you all. So many people asked me, “Why UNOH?” Well, the answer’s quite simple. UNOH has provided me with a better opportunity than many other schools that I was looking at. I came to the U.S. from South Africa and was scouted by four schools for soccer, but I knew I had to choose a university that gave me a chance to go far in life after graduation. UNOH is one of the most affordable schools in Ohio that is regionally accredited. I was blessed with athletic scholarship, so I had the chance to study for two degrees and play soccer at the same time. At UNOH, focusing on academics and sports is easy. Outside of that, there are student events year-round, giving everyone opportunities to mingle and make new friends. Student Activities always offers free food and entertainment, like electric bull riding and inflatables. There’s also intramural sports, mod volleyball tournaments, and if cars are more your speed, they host car shows, even drifting demonstrations. Having the opportunity to witness a mini tank on campus on a Tuesday afternoon, that is so fun and so American. As a student worker, I get to speak to other students and get to know some of the people on campus. I love learning why they came to UNOH and see what their goals are after graduation. I would 100% recommend the University of Northwestern Ohio due to the amount of experiences that one can get from being here, and the people that you meet here will make it worthwhile. Thank you for walking with me, and now back to you, Alex.
– Tumi, it’s awesome how UNOH makes a great education accessible, fun, and full of unforgettable experiences. As one of the most affordable universities in Ohio, UNOH provides a world-class education that is within reach for students from anywhere in the world. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey from South Africa to Lima. Cheers, Tumi.
We all can’t wait to meet Hunter, a proud UNOH graduate from Bloomington, Indiana. Hunter’s story shows just how fast UNOH students hit the ground running from graduation day straight into dream jobs. With real-world training, UNOH builds workforce-ready pros in in-domain career fields. Hunter, tell us your story.
– Thanks, Alex. While growing up on the farm and at the racetrack with my family, I always had a passion for racing and working on engines. My path to UNOH actually started on an online marketplace. While looking for race car parts, I saw an ad for the school and knew this was the place for me. The biggest draw to UNOH was the motorsports team. For 2 1/2 seasons, I worked as a member of the team’s engine department, where I built, maintained, and documented all the work being done to the engines for the stocks, mods, and drag cars. As I learned more about the engines through the race team and through our classes, I got an internship with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, where I got to work on professional teams and learn more about their engine programs. At a race, I met Jack Cornett, one of the top engine builders for Dirt Super Late Models. Meeting him led to an internship with Cornett Racing Engines, where I got to see how a professional engine shop was run compared to our classes and the motorsports team. We stayed in contact, and shortly before I graduated, I had a job offer I could not refuse. I graduated on a Thursday, moved down to Somerset, Kentucky over the weekend, and started work on Monday. Less than five days after graduation, I was assembling 900 horsepower, naturally aspirated Dirt Super Late Model engines at Cornett Racing Engines. Because of all the opportunities offered at UNOH, from the motorsports team and from our classes, I was ready for the workforce immediately after graduation. Every day, I get to go into work and have fun doing what I was trained to do at UNOH. It’s an absolute dream. Alex, back to you.
– Well done, Hunter. You showed that UNOH students don’t just graduate. They accelerate into their careers. Launching into your career just days after graduation shows us the power of hands-on training paired with industry connections. Thank you for taking us along for the ride and best wishes on continued success in your dream job. Congrats, Hunter.