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.”

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.

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.