Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: John Liebkemann, Class of 2024
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Major: Business Administration; minors in Spanish, Marketing, and Political Science.
Post-graduation plans: John begins his career as a Business Analyst at Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, North Carolina. He contributes to product planning and development operations that will enable the company to make sound business decisions. One of his main tasks will be creating data sets and presentations related to the data research, analysis, and project promotion to present to executives within the company.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University helped me get to where I am now by giving me the tools and opportunities to grow into my natural talents and to develop skills I did not have. In my time here, I have been able to learn to be comfortable in positions of leadership, as well as taking on challenges that are out of my comfort zone.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Mark Setzler, Professor of Political Sciences, and Dr. David Bergen, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, have been very helpful in my journey. Other faculty members, including Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, Vice President and Minister to the University, and Dr. Marc Foster, Chair and Professor of Music, have shaped me to be who I am. They all have been so impactful for the way they care and genuinely believe in helping the students.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was when I was honored with the Extraordinary Leader Award in 2023. When I was a Freshman, it was difficult to meet new people due to the state’s COVID restrictions. I tried joining many organizations, and eventually had a couple of people take a chance on me to be part of their organizations and executive councils. Earning this award proved to me that I had grown with these experiences and that sometimes even just giving someone the opportunity to succeed is all they need to recognize that growth within themselves.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “High Point University’s inspiring campus has motivated me to put in enough effort that I will be able to work at a place with a similar mission one day. The 99% outcomes rate is not coincidental but is because of the emphasis and culture promoted at HPU to worry not only about your time in college, but how you can build success for the future.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU taught me to be accountable. When it comes to planning events, working on big projects, and even communicating with friends, always double-checking everything and being accountable when things eventually mess up will enable you to learn from your mistakes and be better in the future.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “High Point University taught me to appreciate everyone around me every day. By taking the time to get to know everyone, whether it is a security guard who welcomes me onto campus every day, or one of my professors, I have found that truly knowing these mentors opens the door to endless amazing opportunities.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Conduct informational interviews. Do not be afraid to reach out and make connections to very busy people. I’ve met with multiple CEOs and C-Suite level executives solely because I’ve taken the time to reach out and get on their schedule. Expanding your network in this way is very important because you never know who will remember you and want you to be a part of their company.”
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