Why I love Friends!

I think the positive Christian environment and role models at Friends University make for a great educational experience and exhibit a family and caring atmosphere that have helped me throughout my career.

“This program is so exciting! It gives students a great science foundation but digs into many other disciplines, too. It really puts students in the driver’s seat of their own career pathway.”

I had many experiences at Friends that helped me succeed in my role as a Scientist in Parks. Many of the classes I took such as Wildlife Interpretation and Public Speaking gave me opportunities to practice my skills in verbal sharing of knowledge.

While at Friends University, I participated in a major research project, where I synthesized chloroquine, the drug most commonly used to treat malaria. I also have great memories of winning the homecoming float contest and performing with the drama club. I even met the woman I would marry and proposed to her on campus.

You learn to look beyond what you see in front of you. You learn to draw conclusions based on what you have and to continue to search for answers. While attending Friends University, I especially enjoyed the lab work, which was usually outdoors and off campus and allowed me to get my hands dirty.

It was amazing. I got to work with a number of zoos in South Africa. I had the privilege of learning how African zoos are operated. I got to learn from them as well as share my knowledge of zoos and animal husbandry that I learned from my experiences in U.S. zoos and at Friends University.

My best college memories were the camaraderie of being a fellow science student and winning our first conference golf title.

My experience at Friends was invaluable and helped me in all of those positions, but most in my current role. The wildlife interpretation class in particular helped me get certified to create interpretive programs and I do not believe I would have been nearly as effective in my first program season without it. The conservation program at Friends helped me to cultivate my dream life more than I can explain!

The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is thankful for the countless contributions from Friends University’s ConservationScience Program students. The partnership has been beneficial as Friends University Conservation Science students accomplish needed tasks in a short amount of time and student volunteers help with daily care, enrichment activities, and engage with the public. Students have made a lasting impression on the thousands of people who visit the KWE and follow along on social media. A Friends University student even started the KWE Instagram account.