In a world that pushes people into specialties, a liberal arts education sets up students with a broad foundation of knowledge, teaches them to communicate successfully with people in a wide variety of contexts, and better prepares them to solve the world’s problems.
Pronouns
he/him
Degree and Class Year
BA ’22
Hometown
Madison, Wisconsin
Current City
Portland, Oregon
Major
International Affairs
Extracurriculars
College Outdoors Trip Leader, International Affairs Symposium (Student Steering Committee)
Job Title, Organization
Assistant Construction Superintendent, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region
Internship
Americorps Crew Lead, Habitat for Humanity
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
Adventurous, Original, Green
Life After L&C
2025 Update
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I was drawn to Lewis & Clark as one of the few liberal arts colleges in a large city. For me, Lewis & Clark offered the best of both worlds: a small, close community situated among a wonderful city full of things to do. Additionally, I was excited by how close the school was to outdoor recreation opportunities.
What have you been doing since graduation?
Right after graduating I embarked on a bike trip across the U.S. with my partner along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Following that adventure I started an AmeriCorps program with Habitat for Humanity Portland Region as a construction crew lead.
How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?
My time at Lewis & Clark has been an invaluable experience in my job with Habitat for Humanity. The well-rounded education I obtained at Lewis & Clark has helped me successfully adapt to a role with wide-ranging duties, which includes both construction and volunteer management.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?
Regardless of the course material, every class at Lewis & Clark helped me develop my critical-reasoning skills, become a better writer and communicator, and learn how to better understand the world around me—all of which are skills I use daily.
How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?
As a recent alumnus, I stay in contact with the school through the outdoor program, which I have led trips for since graduating, and by staying in touch with professors and current students.
How do you describe the liberal arts?
To me, a liberal arts education is a chance to follow your curiosity where it takes you, to learn to feel comfortable in a wide variety of course matters even (maybe especially) if they aren’t the thing you are best at. In a world that pushes people into specialties, a liberal arts education sets up students with a broad foundation of knowledge, teaches them to communicate successfully with people in a wide variety of contexts, and better prepares them to solve the world’s problems.
Life at L&C
Credit: Nina JohnsonWhat was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?
My favorite class so far has been Art Crimes with Associate Professor of Art History Dawn Odell. I enjoyed how engaging the class was due to its small size and emphasis on discussion. In this class we had many interesting conversations about what qualifies as art, the power of art personally and socially, and how art crime can affect art’s value and influence.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
A variety of upper-level students in College Outdoors have proven to be mentors to me, showcasing outdoor leadership skills and freely giving advice on the coolest summer job to apply for. The College Outdoors program is structured to enable mentorship between students, and that is something that I have found to be incredibly rewarding in my time at Lewis & Clark.
“To me, a liberal arts education is one which seeks to create a well-rounded person that has critical thinking skills applicable in a range of situations, and a broad knowledge of a variety of subjects. It’s a ton of fun!”
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I was looking for a liberal arts school that values a well-rounded education and is in a city (not a corn field!). I was also intrigued by the expansive overseas programs, College Outdoors, and the fact that the school has a large international affairs department that is independent of the political science department.
How do you describe the liberal arts?
To me, a liberal arts education is one which seeks to create a well-rounded person that has critical thinking skills applicable in a range of situations, and a broad knowledge of a variety of subjects. It’s a ton of fun!
If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience so far?
I’m planning to study abroad in Ecuador because it’s a Spanish language-based program, where I get to live with a host family in a beautiful part of the world.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the lawn of the Graduate School of Education and Counseling campus. It’s the place that has the most sun, and I have many fond memories there of lounging around and tossing a frisbee on Friday afternoons.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?
I love how many independent stores and restaurants there are, and it’s a ton of fun to explore them and all the different neighborhoods. Also, you can’t beat Portland’s proximity to all different kinds of outdoor recreation, from Mount Hood to the Oregon Coast and everywhere in between.
