HPU graduates are leading prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse at one extraordinary member of the Class of 2023:
Name: Ellie O’Connor
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia
Major: M.A. in Communication and Business Leadership
Post-graduation plans: O’Connor will join the university athletic association at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, as the assistant to the athletic director. She will be responsible for coordinating the athletic director’s schedule and assisting in daily tasks.
How HPU helped you get there:
“HPU helped me prepare for my future tremendously. I received my undergraduate degree in sport management with a minor in marketing and four years at HPU was just not enough! I decided to study online at HPU to get my master’s in communication and business leadership while I worked full-time at the College Football Playoff. My professors at HPU were supportive and wanted to make sure that I accomplished my academic and professional goals. The Office of Career and Professional Development worked with me on my resume and cover letter to ensure that I was confident with my applications. HPU’s fine-dining learning labs, 1924 PRIME and Alo, prepared me for a business dinner during my interview process with the University of Florida.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“All of HPU’s sport management professors are amazing. Dr. Arden Anderson, assistant professor of sport management and co-director of Communication Fellows; Dr. Jenny Lukow, chair of the sport, event, and hospitality management department and associate professor of sport management; and Dr. Tim Koba, assistant professor of sport management, were my mentors and helped me get to where I am today. I learned so much from them, and they were always there to support me. I know I can still reach out to them about anything!”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My most impactful moment at HPU was graduating from my undergraduate with Magna Cum Laude honors. School was always been challenging for me, and I had to work really hard to receive good grades. Walking across the stage with all my friends and family there made me feel so accomplished and excited for wherever life was going to take me next. I am so grateful to have learned so much and felt so accomplished at HPU.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?
“One life skill that HPU helped me develop was motivation. I loved receiving the Motivational Monday emails from President Qubein every week and will continue to want to watch him speak after I graduate HPU.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?
“Out of the many values I developed at HPU, the most important one is gratitude. HPU instilled in me the value of being grateful for my blessings and successes. At the start of my freshman year, I was given a blanket at Convocation and was told to give it to someone who made an impact on my life. I gave the blanket to my parents, and it still sits on our family couch today. Giving them the blanket was so special to both me and my parents and I am grateful that HPU allowed me to do this. There were countless instances like this during my time at HPU and I will remember the value of gratitude wherever I go in life.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Use all the skills that you learned at HPU to your advantage. HPU offers such a unique college experience and I believe the lessons learned through HPU set you apart from your peers.”
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