51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Button Menu

Kate Pederson | Alum

I immediately felt at home at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Kate Pederson Alum

Endless Opportunities

I chose 51³Ô¹ÏÍø because of all the opportunities here. A few aspects that stuck out to me were the Management Fellows Program, study abroad opportunities and numerous student organizations. I’ve stayed at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø for these opportunities and for the people. On this small, liberal arts campus, relationships are everything. I have gotten to know my professors on a deeper level and connect with them. 

If you’re a prospective student, choosing where you’ll spend the next four years is a big decision. Your top choice will likely change as you explore. Apply to any that you’re interested in and keep your options open. Another piece of advice I have is to visit campus. In many of my campus tours, I knew within the first five minutes whether it was right for me. For some of them, my perceptions changed with the second and third visits. I immediately felt at home at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Initially, I had no idea what I would major in. So, I looked at all the courses 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offered and noted the ones I was interested in. I found the classes fell under three areas – communication, psychology and Hispanic studies. That guided me to choose my major and minors in the area. With that, I still didn’t declare my major and minors until my second year. There’s no rush to declare, and it is important to keep an open mind and be prepared for your interests to change. 

One relationship at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø that has been most meaningful to me so far was with Sandy Smith. Sandy retired this year but was amazing to me during my first two years at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. I worked with her through the Management Fellows Program, leading Women in Economics and Business and transitioning into leading the Consulting Group. She was always a friendly face that I could go to and talk about anything with. College can be difficult, and having people that support you is important.

A big part of my 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience has been getting involved in all that I can. It’s easy to get wrapped up in academics or lock yourself up in your room. College is an extremely unique time where you can explore, succeed, and at times, fail with few repercussions. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø has so much to offer. Get involved on campus and you’ll get so much out of your experience. 

Major: Communication
Minors: Psychology and Hispanic Studies
Hometown: Springfield, OH
Campus Involvement: Management Fellows, Rector Scholar, Admissions Ambassador, Communication Research, Past First-Year Mentor, Servicio Student Coordinator, Greek life (Alpha Chi Omega), Women in Economics and Business, Consulting Group, Her Campus
Internships/Winter Terms: Marketing for Businesses Winter Term, BuxBear Storage Marketing Intern (San Francisco, CA), Greater Springfield Partnership Marketing Intern (Springfield, OH)
Class: 2025

Our Community Stories

Rhonesha Byng
Becoming my potential

Rhonesha Byng

I wanted to work in media when I came to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, so I took advantage of WGRE, the campus radio station…

Discover Rhonesha Byng
Craig Paré
A Collaborative Approach

Craig Paré

I love that our students come to classes and rehearsals hungry to learn and, when challenged, respond…

Discover Craig Paré
Sydney Schloemer
Making Connections

Sydney Schloemer

No matter what activity Sydney Schloemer ’26 has found herself doing at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, her ultimate goal has…

Discover Sydney Schloemer