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Student Success Stories - 2005

May 2005 graduate of WCU
Major: History
Minor: Mathematics and Political Science. 

Mr. Sorrels on his leadership experience at WCU:
“I cannot underestimate the impact that my co-curricular experiences have had on my education at WCU, and ultimately on my opportunities in the future.  For me, being able to demonstrate hands-on leadership and organizational experiences clearly made the difference when applying for Law School.  Whether you are looking to go to Graduate School or into the work force, interviewers are looking for those types of tangible experiences.   I believe that the skills that I developed and honed through my work with organizations such as SAC and SGA will be instrumental to my future success.”

Awards

• Student Leadership Award, 2002-2003

• Student Leadership Award, 2003-2004

• Robert H. Dreyer Scholar, 2001-2005

• Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities, 2004

• Selected to Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, 2004

• WCU Award for Student Research for an essay titled, “Exploring the Effects of Race and Class on Attitudes Towards Police Violence.", 2004

 

Kendra Darigan

May 2005 graduate of WCU
Major: Professional Studies  
Minor: Health Science and Professional Educations.   

Ms. Darigan on her leadership experience at WCU:
“Through my experiences at WCU I have become a strong and independent woman.  I have learned lessons that will not only help me when I'm applying for jobs and graduate schools but they will also help me succeed with personal goals.  Through student involvement I have received a well rounded education and I will leave WCU not only a smarter person, but I believe a better person.  Through my involvment I have met many role models and mentors who have let me make mistakes and supported me in growing as a person.  West Chester University provides any willing student with the opportunity to receive more from their undergraduate experience than just a degree.  I believe that WCU administration gives students the appropriate tools in order to succeed in life.”

Awards

• Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges, 2005

• Delta Phi Epsilon Outstanding Collegian of the Biennium, 2004

• WCU People's Choice Award, 2005

• WCU Emerging Student Leader, 2003

Marisa Blagman

May 2005 graduate of WCU
Major: Communications  
Minor: Spanish and Studio Arts (Graphic Design).   

Ms. Blagman on her leadership experience at WCU:
“West Chester University has provided me with the opportunity to grow as a student and to experience being a student leader. It is an encouraging environment very open to feedback and change. I have had the opportunity to be creative and to make my experience here exactly what I wanted it to be.”

Awards

• Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges

• Board of Governors Scholar

• WCU Most Promising Student Leader Award, 2003

• Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society

• Bryan Scholarship for the Pursuit of Higher Education

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Image Award for Most Unique

 

Maureen Pankowski

May 2005 graduate of WCU
Major: Elementary Education 

Ms. Pankowski on her leadership experience at WCU:
“Being a student leader on campus has lead me to meet new and valuable people.  The people you meet while doing community service or going to an organizational meeting are incredible.  When you meet people at a specific function, you know you already have one thing in common, which serves an ice breaker.  These gatherings and meetings will lead you to meeting life long friends, and valuable faculty that can help you with different aspects of the University and recommendations when you need them.  When becoming a student leader you grow and learn about so many things within yourself.  Throughout my years at WCU I have become more confident and assertive with public speaking, interviews, and everyday interactions with random people.  A student leader gets involved in many things outside of themselves, which allows you to experience new and different perspectives on various issues.  Listening and being able to understand these perspectives makes you a more well rounded person.  Becoming a student leader at WCU was the best thing I could have done for my college career." 

Awards

• Outstanding Senior Award, 2004

• Dean's List

• Student Leader Recognition, 2004

• Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities, 2005

May 2005 graduate of WCU
Major: Business Management 

Ms. Nelson on her leadership experience at WCU:
“My experiences as a WCU student leader has benefited me in many ways. First, as a Resident Assistant, I have honestly learned and continually incorporate the values of conflict resolution and mediation in my everyday life. I am better prepared to handle intense situations in a fair manner. Second, my role as a mentor for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Academic Development Program has strengthened my commitment to life long community service. It brings me immense joy when I learn that one of my students made dean’s list or obtained an internship. Not only did I have a part in their development, but now they too will help someone else, and so forth. Lastly, my role as Black Student Union Corresponding Secretary and President aided in developing my communication skills. I had hands-on experience that I could never get in a class room as I was thrown into real life situations, including contract negotiations and making presentations in front of an audience.  Moreover, the position of presidency has reinforced my mission in life and I work with a purpose. These are only a handful of the tools I’ve gained from student leadership and I am thankful for every moment of it at WCU.”

Awards

• Board of Governor Scholar, 2001-2005

• Office of Multicultural Affairs -Outstanding Senior Award, 2004

• Who’s Who Among Students in- American Universities and Colleges, 2005

Expected Graduation Date:  May 2007
Major: Management/Marketing

Mr. Essaf on his leadership experience at WCU:
“When I first came to West Chester University I had no idea what my major was going to be or where I was going to go after school. But now I feel like I have the power to do whatever I want with my life because of the experience and knowledge I have gained from being a student leader. I have been introduced to situations, such as contract negotiations and large group committees, that I most likely would have not seen until I entered the real world. But because I am a student leader, I feel I have gained an advantage over other students. But the most important aspects have been the friends and support that I have gained through this process. Friends are not solely limited to students, they include faculty and staff alike. I am still in contact with student leaders that have graduated over the past few years, and the experiences they have shared with me have only helped my progress as a student leader, and I only hope that I can help others as much as they have helped me.”

Awards

• WCU Male Leader of the Year Award, 2004

• Who's Who Among College Students, 200

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