This story is featured in the Fall 2022 edition of the HPU Magazine.
Lisa and David Amigo, from Fort Mill, South Carolina, are the proud parents of three High Point University students: Cooper, ’25, Joshua, ’22 and Zachary, ’26.
Having gone through the college search process three times, the Amigos stand by the values and life skills HPU promotes. They offer their insight in this Q&A to help you learn more about how HPU prepares students for success in the real world.
Q: What made HPU stand out from other colleges you toured?
L: Everyone talks about how beautiful the campus is, and it is beautiful. But more than that, the campus is clean and well respected. The students walking around campus are well dressed and happy to be there. It’s a place where your body relaxes, and your mind is inspired by the water features and classical music playing along the Kester International Promenade. After visiting other colleges, HPU was such a breath of fresh air.
D: The campus is super impressive, but the culture is above and beyond. I guarantee you that there are plenty of universities that have beautiful buildings, but it’s HPU’s culture that makes it distinct. I love that students are immersed in experiential learning right away. They don’t wait until their third or fourth year, so they have time to figure out what they like. HPU has the resources, ecosystem and professionals to help students figure out and reach their goals.
Q: How did the university’s values impact your family’s decision to choose HPU?
L: It was always our children’s choice, but we have a very strong faith and a very strong family. With the foundation that we’ve laid for all these years, we didn’t want them to choose a university that’s going to actively try to break down their belief system. The value placed on experiential learning was also important to us. We started that with our children when they were very young and wanted to make sure they would continue to build life skills.
D: It all comes down to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. HPU’s values of God, family and country follow that. That’s all very important to us, but I don’t think we necessarily knew we were looking for values — we knew that we wanted Josh to go to college. By the time our next two were ready for college, we knew.
Q: How has HPU prepared your students for success after they graduate?
L: The 99% placement rate says it all. The goal as a student is not to spend four years just finding out who you are — it’s about spending those four years to find out where you’re going. And HPU does a great job of getting students there in four years.
D: It’s the university’s focus on experiential learning. I think the best way to learn is to get involved, to do and make mistakes. I’ve already seen all three kids mature and grow because they are doing this at HPU. And they have unique access to faculty and a Success Coach to keep them on track.
Q: What advice would you give parents of high school students who are starting the college search process?
L: Visit the campus. Experience the culture and how students live day to day. Find out how your student’s foundational beliefs will be treated, and encourage your student to find these things out for themselves. As a parent you want to know: Are they going to be better after four years?
D: Find a place that aligns with your values. Dr. Qubein sums it up well when he says you spend 17-18 years molding your child, and you don’t want to turn them over to someone who doesn’t share your beliefs.
Q: Tell us about your favorite HPU experience you’ve had with your family:
L: For both of us, it’s been Convocation. It’s the most special campus moment we’ve ever been a part of. The president welcomes families with all the right words, an eagle flies over to represent American values, and parents and students are all together. It’s the perfect way for students to begin college. You’re sending them off with this beautiful ceremony, which includes signing the Honor Code — it’s a lovely way to set them up for success.