Below is a collection of student and alumni testimonials that showcase the difference a Friends University education can make!
Why I love Friends!
Friends University is a place where a person can gain an understanding of people from different backgrounds, and I felt that was important for my studies and to help me grow as a person.
Cristina Segundo, Spanish Education Major
My education has been a building block for everything I have done. Relationships I built, skill sets I learned and the wealth of knowledge has been priceless.
Crystal McDonald
My definition of leadership would be motivating other people to do really hard things, while remaining joyful. I think that the joy piece to me, as I’ve grown in leadership, is the most important part. So, to me Leadership is being a joyful person that people want to follow and do difficult work.
Damon Young, Organizational Leadership and Transformational Change graduate
I am a big believer that we are our environment. Friends University provided a perfect environment with all of the necessities to promote growth and ensure success.
Daniel DeLonge, Computer Science and Information Systems
Professor Pendleton’s sheer passion for her career shone through each and every day. Her passion combined with a wealth of intellectual knowledge in the field of Accounting led me to undertake a second degree into the subject. I speak with people across the city each week that continuously sing her praises.
Daniel Littler, Accounting graduate
I teach kids important life and academic lessons, and I’m lucky that I’m able to do that through music.
Danny Darrington, Music Educator
I want to teach my students to master their theory and technique along with giving them the performance experience like I had been afforded through my Friends University professors.
David Lord, Bachelor of Music in Music Performance
After visiting campus, I chose Friends University, because I wanted a program that was thorough, yet moved at a quick pace, and was not overwhelming. I soon realized the instructors are always available when needed, and they are first-rate. The program caters to busy teachers, and the course work is practical and applicable.
Don Luthi, METL Graduate, Special Education teacher USD 305
I was very worried about the ability to keep up with my classes while being a full time professional, frontline physician and a medical director. The staff and professors were very supportive and accommodating. They were always available to answer any questions, even after hours or on weekends!
Dr. Chady Sarraf, Physician
“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.”
Dr. Patrick Mathews, Professor of Biology; Program Director of Zoo Science
I wanted to study under instructors who cared about my artistic and intellectual development, and I felt I had found that at Friends.
Dustin Parker, Graphic Designer
My understanding of spirituality, how I practice my life, and how I move into the world around me has been shaped and formed in so many good ways through the CSFL program at Friends. I’m learning how to walk into a room like a leader even when I’m not in charge and that true ministry is not something we do, it’s an overflow of life with God in his kingdom.
Emily P. Freeman, author of The Next Right Thing and CSFL graduate
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.
Eric Whetmore, Chemistry
The MSFT program at Friends is student-focused, it is professionally relevant, it is well-respected and it is a family.
Erin Cavanaugh, Family Therapy
I was impressed with the thorough presentations of the students and the number of usable ideas that were generated – some suggestions were implemented the same day!
Erin Manning, Director of Marketing and Special Events; Exploration Place
The University Life publication recorded interesting information of life on the campus of Friends University through the years. There was enough interest in beginning a football team the first fall, 1898, for Professor Edward M. Williams, teacher of Physical Sciences, to begin practicing with a group of men.
Falcon champions in the early days
I would like to say that I was very pleased with the process and the completed product(s). The students were professional, attentive, quick to correct any problems or concerns. We are using or developing use of each of the products developed by the students. I would recommend the program to other non-profit companies and encourage that they take advantage of the opportunity. Thank you for all your assistance. Harold
Feedback from CEO of SACK, Harold Casey
Friends University provides a fantastic environment to combine learning, athletic/fine arts duties, and time to spend socializing and doing things you like. Also, the academic level is fantastic, as well as the professors, who know you personally and care for your success, giving you all the tools that you need to become a great person and an excellent worker in your area of study.
Franco Iozzo, 2022 Finance Graduate
Friends University provides a fantastic environment to combine learning, athletics and fine arts, alongside time to spend socializing and doing things you enjoy. The academic level is fantastic, as well as the professors, who know you personally and care for your success, giving you all the tools that you need to become a great person […]
Franco Iozzo, Retail Trading Specialist, TD Ameritrade
The doors to Friends University opened on September 21, 1898 with 53 students and 12 faculty. Tuition was $14 for the fall semester and $13 for the winter and spring semesters for classes offered in literature, history, mathematics, astronomy, Bible, German, science, elocution and oratory, as well as music, including piano, harmony, theory and voice. In 1901 President Stanley recognized the first class of graduates at Friends University.
Friends Doors Opened