Central Michigan University

Why CMU?

Central Michigan University has been known by generations of students as a large university with a smaller college feel and a focus on student engagement and leadership.

I am Central Students Alumni

Student: Jamie Griggs

Child development and psychology senior
Volunteer

Her volunteer résumé: I volunteered before I came to college. I've volunteered at Women's Aid Service for about a year, and I traveled down to Louisiana for Alternative Breaks after Hurricane Katrina.

Who are your role models? My parents. They always tell me that you are a reflection on your family but also on God.

What have you learned at the Women's Aid Service? I met this one girl who was literally on the run - she had a hit out on her. She can't go outside. It took me back. I had to sit and think about all the things I take for granted.

The hardest part about volunteering in Louisiana: Meeting the lady whose house we rebuilt - I don't know how it stood, with all the termites. She had been living there forever, through all the hurricanes. When we left we all cried.

The fun part: Staple gun and paint fights

Why she does it: That's why we're here - to help one another.

Student: Michael VanOeveren

Interpersonal and Public Communication senior
Business Administration Minor

Why CMU? My mom is a CMU graduate and I heard such great things about CMU growing up I knew that I had to at least check it out. When I came to campus for my first visit I fell in love with the campus and the people that I came into contact with were friendly and very helpful. It was not a hard choice for me at all.

What is the best thing about life at CMU? The campus community. It is hard for me to go somewhere on campus without seeing someone I know.

What is your favorite spot on campus? The University Center. A lot of my friends seem to collect there during the day. I eat lunch in the Down Under at least twice a week and walk through there daily.

How Michael gets involved:

• Student Government Association
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Social Fraternity
• Wesley Foundation
• Adopt-A-Grandparent
• Maplewood Assisted Living Center Volunteer

Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself at CMU: When I was in high school I went to class and that was it. Since coming to CMU I have become an involvement addict. I have something planned for every night of the week. I love it that way and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best campus event: Connections Conference. I saw for the second time one of my favorite motivational speakers, Curtis Zimmerman. He, more than any other person, has helped to form my outlook on life and my attitude toward life and relationships.

Post-graduation plans: I graduate in December and will be attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston Illinois. Upon graduation from seminary I will be applying to be an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church.

Alumni Profiles

Alumna: Pam Barclay, '05 MSA '07

Undergraduate: Earth science, environmental studies and geology
Master of Science in Administration with a leadership concentration

Why CMU? I chose CMU because when I stepped on campus I felt that this was a place I could belong. The size, the people, academic offerings and even the landscaping were what I was looking for. I asked my campus tour guide why she was at CMU and her answer was, "It's home."

Favorite spot on campus: The Volunteer Center

Some of Pam's CMU activities:

• Special Olympics Michigan volunteer
• Be My Neighbor Day
• Relay for Life
• Phi Beta Delta International Scholars Honor Society

Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself at CMU: That I am the confident, well-spoken, dedicated woman that I always envied in high school. Who knew?

Most fun campus event: Watching the cardboard boat races at Homecoming. It is entertaining to see students paddling furiously in an attempt to beat each other and Mother Nature as the war between water and paper products progresses. Everyone seems to always have a great time, and the students' designs are usually pretty ingenious.

Post-graduation plans: I am looking for a career in higher education or the nonprofit sector.

Pam's photo album: Pam takes a break from her shift at the soup kitchen and HIV/AIDS testing center in San Jose, Costa Rica, during an Alternative Breaks trip.