This story appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of Affinity Magazine. Click here to check out the complete magazine.
By David Morrison
Photos by Kaci Smart ’09
Columbia College is dedicated to helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve their educational goals. These six recent graduates reflect on what they will remember most about their college experience and how it has prepared them for professional success and continuing education.
Jesse Sluder
Jesse Sluder ’18
Hometown: Victorville, California
Degree: Bachelor of General Studies
“I believe there comes a point in every intellectual human being’s life when we realize there’s more, and we find ourselves back in the classroom environment. Columbia College’s professors, staff and mentors have imparted not only their gift of knowledge but the gift of their wisdom and inspiration; for that I’m truly grateful. The craving for wisdom is consuming, and I’m excited about all that’s yet to be discovered.”
Nic Reynolds
Nic Reynolds ’18
Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Human Resources
“Columbia College has prepared me not only with knowledge, but real-life skills that I feel will stay with me forever. Specifically, all of my business professors have been nothing short of exceptional. The Writing Center and Career Services staffs have also been amazing.”
Victoria Hedlund
Victoria Hedlund ’18
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
“I definitely needed a college that offered me online as well as in-seat at Columbia College-Lake County. That helped my management skills, because they are kind of fast-paced classes where you have to be on top of everything. That really helped me, especially in a degree like accounting. You really have to be detail-oriented and organized.”
Logan Moore
Logan Moore ’18
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
“It’s the idea that it’s kind of like a family. We always are willing to support each other. Simply put, that’s the main thing about Columbia College that I’ve enjoyed: the fact that everyone there is on the same team. That’s not something that you’re going to get everywhere else.”
Riley Fader
Riley Fader ’16 & ’18
Hometown: Moscow Mills, Missouri
Degrees: Bachelor of General Studies, Teaching certification for K-12 special education
“The dedicated and passionate staff and faculty members will be what I remember most from Columbia College. I have made so many wonderful memories while being both a student and a cross country and track athlete. I owe that to the caring attitude that Columbia College offers.”
Landon Miller
Landon Miller ’18
Hometown: Raymore, Missouri
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Legal Studies
“Because of the smaller class sizes, a lot of my classes have been more discussion-based. What it has done for me is really showed me the importance of listening to other people’s ideas, whether or not you agree with them, and allowing others to have input into the decisions you make or your thought process. If you just close yourself off and keep your perspective, you’re less likely to come to the best solution possible.”
