Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Lila Davis, Class of 2025
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major: Anthropology, Sociology and French, minor in Museum Studies
Post-graduation plans: Lila will go on to pursue her Master’s in Museum Studies at the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland.
How HPU helped you get there: “The professors at HPU truly changed my life with their constant encouragement and support.”
Did any portion of your job interview process include a dining component? If so, did you feel HPU prepared you for this type of setting? “Yes! I became one of HPU’s first Student Curators in the Secrest Gallery over a dinner at Prime with the current Artist in Residence, Monique Rollins. I love the fine dining at HPU, it has been a highlight of my time and has helped me develop skills that will definitely prove useful in the future!”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Benoit Leclercq, Associate Professor and French Program Director, is one of my top 5 favorite people I have ever met, let alone just being a great professor. I came to HPU expecting to just get my required credits in a foreign language, and because of his and the entire French department’s encouragement and commitment to their students, I ended up declaring a major in my sophomore year! Now, I have fallen in love with the language, and this summer will be continuing my language studies at the Sorbonne in Paris.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “How can I just choose one! My most impactful moments have been studying abroad in Paris, curating successful shows at the Secrest Gallery and High Point Museum, presenting my semester-long research (in French!) at HighPurcs, and just taking the time to invest in my education and build relationships with the faculty and staff. I would say though, my most proud moment is definitely receiving the Thomas E. Scott Award for Outstanding Senior Graduating with a Major in a Foreign Language.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “I want to work in museums as a curator, and even though the program is small at HPU, I have had so many opportunities to grow my skills in hands-on learning specific to my field. It’s amazing to say that as an undergraduate, I have already been involved in several curatorial projects at the Secrest Gallery and the local High Point Museum. This has set me up for great success, but I could not have done it without the investment and encouragement of my professors in the arts and humanities.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “The courage as well as the preparation to pursue what I love. I received such a fabulous education that has laid the groundwork for my success in the future.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Definitely that students receive great mentorship from the professors. The professors in my programs have been so awesome and truly take the time to make class engaging and informative, as well as getting to know each student and offering individual support.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Really make the most of being at college. Senior year has come so fast, and I am so sad to be leaving HPU, but because of my education here, I am on to great things! So, make sure to cherish every moment and invest in your future, because it is so worth it.”
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