College: Zimpleman College of Business
Double Major: Business Law and Finance
Hometown: New Hampton, Iowa
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: I chose to attend Drake University because it offered the perfect balance of academic challenge, professional opportunity, and personal support. As a student in the three-year degree option within the Zimpleman College of Business, I knew I needed a school that would allow me to accelerate my learning without compromising on quality or experience. Drake’s strong business and law programs stood out immediately, but what truly set the university apart was its emphasis on individualized support. Before classes even began, my academic advisor scheduled time to help me plan my course load and map out my goals when I was feeling overwhelmed. That early investment in my success gave me confidence that Drake wasn’t just focused on enrollment; it was focused on helping me thrive.
Small class sizes have made a meaningful difference in my education. At Drake, I’m not just a face in a large lecture hall. I’ve had the chance to build real relationships with my professors, ask questions openly, and get direct feedback. The open-door policy many faculty members embrace has made it easy to access guidance outside the classroom, whether I’m seeking academic help or career advice. These opportunities for connection have created an environment where I feel seen, supported, and intellectually challenged.
Coming from a small town, I also appreciated that Drake gave me access to a more urban setting without losing the sense of community I valued. Des Moines has opened doors professionally through networking events, internships, and community involvement, but it still feels manageable and welcoming. The strong ties between Drake and the surrounding business and legal communities have been instrumental in helping me explore different career paths, including my initial interest in law school. Although I’ve since decided not to pursue law right away, knowing that Drake had those resources available was a key reason I chose it in the first place.
Beyond academics, Drake’s vibrant student life and deep-rooted traditions helped it feel like home. I visited campus several times before enrolling, especially during the Drake Relays, and each time I felt more certain this was where I belonged. There’s a strong sense of pride and spirit that runs through campus, and I’ve loved being part of a community that celebrates its history while constantly evolving. I’ve been able to get involved in leadership, service, and professional organizations that have helped shape me beyond the classroom.
Drake has truly been more than a university to me. It’s a place where I’ve been able to lead, learn, and grow in ways I didn’t expect when I first applied. Choosing Drake wasn’t just about earning a degree, it was about finding a community where I could challenge myself, build meaningful relationships, and make an impact that extends far beyond graduation.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: One of my favorite campus memories is living in the residence hall during freshman year with my friends surrounding me. While not everything about the residence hall experience was the right fit, like the shared bathrooms, the constant noise, or some people, it didn’t really matter because of the people I had surrounding me. What made it all feel okay, and even meaningful, were the friendships that formed just across and down the hall. I could walk a few steps and find someone to talk to, laugh with, or simply sit beside after a long day. Whether we were studying late, grabbing food, or just hanging out on the floor, those small moments created a strong sense of comfort and belonging.
That experience taught me how powerful it is to have a community during times of change. It gave me confidence and a deep appreciation for connection, especially when everything else felt uncertain. It also shaped how I approached the rest of my time at Drake. I wanted to give others that same feeling of being supported and understood. That is what pushed me to take on leadership roles in the Drake ambassador program, Delta Sigma Pi, and other student organizations. I saw leadership not as a title but as a way to create spaces where people feel welcome, valued, and included. The friendships I made that year reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from simply showing up for others.
Q: How has Drake shaped who you are today?
A: Drake has shaped me into a more confident, grounded, and purpose-driven version of myself. When I arrived as a first-year student, I was excited but unsure. I had a plan on paper, enroll in the three-year business track, explore both law and finance, but emotionally, I was still figuring out how to navigate everything that college brings. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the pace of it all, but what made the difference was the people. Professors who took the time to learn my name. Advisors who walked me through my schedule and reassured me when I felt lost. Peers who invited me in. Drake quickly became a place where I didn’t feel like I had to have it all figured out, although I will always have a plan just in case. This is a place I could grow, ask questions, and be surrounded by people who genuinely cared.
One of the most meaningful parts of my college experience was living in the freshman residence hall. Even though the hall itself wasn’t always the right fit, the friends I made in the hall made it one of the most memorable times of my life. We supported each other, stayed up late sharing stories and stress, and created the kind of community that made every challenge feel easier. That sense of belonging stayed with me and became something I wanted to help create for others.
As I became more involved across campus, I saw just how many ways Drake encourages students to step up and lead. Being part of the ambassador program for the Zimpleman College of Business, and eventually serving as president, gave me hands-on experience organizing events, mentoring new students, and representing the college to visitors and leadership. Through Delta Sigma Pi, I learned to balance communication, planning, and chapter-wide coordination with a sense of care and accountability. And in groups like Women in Business and Best Buddies, and through my role as a floor representative for Crawford Residence Hall, I saw how important it is to build spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Each of these experiences taught me that leadership is not just about managing, it’s about creating a sense of trust and making sure people feel supported and heard.
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve connected my academic path with real-world experience has been through my job in Aliber Hall working alongside Cindy Liska. That position gave me a behind-the-scenes look at university operations, strengthened my organizational and communication skills, and reminded me that practical learning happens outside the classroom just as much as in it. I was able to apply the concepts I learned in finance and business courses in a hands-on environment and gain confidence in how I show up professionally.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for how many people believed in me along the way. I’ve grown into someone who leads with empathy, stays focused under pressure, and isn’t afraid to take initiative. Drake didn’t just help me earn a degree, it allowed me to be myself and find my people. It gave me a place to grow, to lead, to connect, and to belong. And it also gave me a place that I am so very, very sad to leave.
As I step into my next chapter at the FDIC, I carry with me the values Drake helped me define, accountability, trust, and the importance of building spaces where others feel seen and supported. I know my time with Drake isn’t ending, it’s just evolving. I hope to give back to future Bulldogs the same way others gave to me. Whether it’s through mentorship, encouragement, or simply showing up for people when they need it, I want to be part of the support system that makes this university so special. Drake has shaped not only what Iíve accomplished, but who I am, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
I will always be grateful it gave me a place that I am so very, very sad to leave.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: I’ve been interning with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in Des Moines since the summer of 2024, and after graduation, I’ll be transitioning into a full-time position with the agency. This role has already given me meaningful exposure to financial regulation, risk management, and public service, and I’m excited to continue growing in that space. Alongside this, I’m currently pursuing my MBA at Drake University, which I plan to complete by spring 2026. Looking ahead, I’m also considering law school within the next three to five years to build on my foundation in finance and policy and to open doors to future leadership roles at the intersection of law, compliance, and financial systems.
Q: Who have been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
A: Royce Fichtner, Amy Vaughan, Brian Sweeney, Cindy Liska, Tom Root, Annette Watson, Katherine Coady, and Karen Pomeroy.
Q: Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
A: Throughout my time at Drake, I have been actively involved in student organizations and service efforts that have shaped my character, leadership style, and sense of purpose. I previously served as president of the Zimpleman College of Business ambassadors, where I led a team of more than 30 students, coordinated campus tours, and represented the college to prospective students and families. I also served as vice president of chapter operations for Delta Sigma Pi. In that role, I managed chapter records, facilitated communication with national offices, and ensured we stayed on track with key responsibilities and deadlines. I have also been an engaged member of Delta Theta Phi, Women in Business, and Best Buddies. Each of these groups gave me the chance to grow as a leader, form meaningful connections, and serve the Drake community in unique ways.
Best Buddies has had a deeply personal impact on me. I have family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so the mission of inclusion and friendship has always been close to my heart. Through Best Buddies, I had the opportunity to form one-on-one friendships that were filled with laughter, mutual respect, and genuine connection. Whether we were attending events, catching up throughout the week, or simply spending time together, those relationships reminded me of how important it is to make others feel seen and valued. I also saw how much it meant to their families to know that their loved ones were embraced and supported by their peers. This experience helped me grow in empathy, patience, and understanding. It continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey.
My community service work has also been an essential part of my Drake experience. At the Ronald McDonald House, I helped create comfort for families during incredibly difficult times. I baked cookies, cleaned shared spaces, donated essential items, and wrote uplifting cards for children. These small acts were ways to offer kindness and peace in moments when families needed it most.
With Meals from the Heartland, I worked alongside other volunteers to package meals for food-insecure children and families. Every bag we packed represented a family that would have something to eat. It was a powerful reminder that addressing global challenges starts with local action and commitment.
I also participated in World Walks, a service initiative focused on maintaining the neighborhood surrounding the Drake campus. We picked up trash and helped keep the area clean and cared for. It may have been a simple task, but it felt important to give back to the community that has welcomed and supported us as students.
At Furry Friends animal shelter, I helped care for rescued animals by feeding them, cleaning their enclosures, and making sure they had a safe and comfortable space. It was a rewarding and humbling experience to be part of something that improves the well-being of animals in need. I also volunteered with the Food Bank of Iowa by writing encouraging cards to accompany food distributions. Through the Color Me a Smile project, I created cheerful artwork and messages for people facing hard times who simply needed a reminder that someone was thinking of them.
These experiences, both on and off campus, taught me that leadership is about more than titles or positions. It is about showing up, serving with intention, and making others feel cared for. The lessons I have learned through student involvement and service are lessons I will carry with me for life.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: Drake has prepared me for my future career by combining strong academic learning with real-world application. In the Zimpleman College of Business, I was consistently challenged to go beyond memorization and actually apply what I was learning. Many of my classes included presentations, group projects, case studies, and analysis of current financial news. These experiences taught me how to communicate clearly, think critically, and stay engaged with what is happening in the world around me. They also helped me build the confidence to speak up, collaborate with others, and solve problems in real time.
Beyond the classroom, my leadership roles in student organizations gave me experience in managing responsibilities, planning events, and supporting a team. I developed strong time management skills, learned how to stay organized under pressure, and gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with purpose.
My internship with the FDIC has also played a major role in preparing me for my next steps. I have been able to apply classroom knowledge to real regulatory work, build professional relationships, and gain hands-on experience in financial oversight. As I transition into a full-time position at the FDIC and continue pursuing my MBA at Drake, I feel well prepared for the challenges ahead. Drake has given me the tools, experience, and mindset I need to succeed in my career.
Q: Based on your experience, what makes Drake special and sets it apart from other schools?
A: What sets Drake apart from other schools is the specialized and personal approach they take to academics and student success. Every individual on campus is seen as more than just a number. From the first day, it is clear that the people here genuinely care about your growth and want to see you succeed. Whether it is your professors, faculty members, advisors, the dean, alumni, or the many connections you make along the way, there is always someone ready to support you, guide you, and invest in your journey.
Drake is also a place full of opportunities beyond the classroom. There are countless ways to get involved through leadership roles, student organizations, service work, and professional development. No matter your interests, you can find your place and your people. The university encourages students to take initiative, step into meaningful roles, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for whatever comes next.
This culture of care, connection, and opportunity is what makes Drake truly different. It is not just about earning a degree. It is about becoming part of a community that believes in your potential and helps you grow every step of the way. People here do not just want you to pass your classes. They want you to discover who you are, what you care about, and how you want to make an impact. They encourage you to lead, to serve, to build relationships, and to trust your ability to contribute in a meaningful way. Whether you are stepping into leadership, giving back through service, pursuing research, or still figuring out your path, there are people at Drake who will walk alongside you, offer support, and celebrate your growth.
Drake is a place where your ideas matter and where the small wins are just as valued as the big ones. It is where I learned to take risks, to trust myself, and to show up for others with intention and care. The support I received here helped me become a better student, a stronger leader, and a more confident person. That kind of investment in your success, your well-being, and your future is what truly sets Drake apart. It is not just a university. It is a lifelong community that stays with you well beyond graduation.