Therese Matthys

Name: Therese Matthys

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor’s

Major(s): Business Administration and Management

Hometown: Wonder Lake, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: Not only has Columbia College provided me an opportunity to receive my degree as a non-traditional student, it has afforded me the pleasure of meeting some really great people who have become good friends.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I serve on the Boogie team and participate in a focus group to help with recent improvements to the school's academic offerings.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: Marketing through Social Media Channels

What do you value most in life?: My family who has supported me through this journey.

Most people don’t know that…I’m a really shy person, but through my experience at Columbia College, I have been able to crawl out of my shell

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: In ten years I hope to grow into a professional position that allows me to travel internationally. My major in International Business will help me succeed in this effort.

Who inspires you?:  At my age there have been many people who have inspired me, such as my kids and my siblings. But for the past 23 years my husband has been a huge inspiration. Every day he wakes up and goes to work to support a family of seven. His work is very labor intensive and his hours extremely long, yet nothing stops him from going to work day after day. My hope is that his strong work ethic will be passed on not only to me, but to our five children as well.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: My kids are involved in swimming and water polo, so that is where the bulk of my free time is spent.

What makes you laugh?: My sisters and friends make me laugh all the time. It’s always fun to get together with the girls and share stories about work or family.

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Susan Brown

Name: Susan Brown

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: B.A. in Human Services

Major(s): Human Services

Hometown: Streamwood, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: In-seat night classes

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: Volunteering—at the local elementary school, church, stocking food pantries, clothing drives, and fundraising in general.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: A.B.C.’s of College Life and What to Expect When It’s Over

What do you value most in life?: My family and friends

Most people don’t know that… I was a court reporter for nearly twenty years.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: I see myself working with the senior population and securing a way to keep them in their homes as long as possible.

Who inspires you?: My friend, Diane.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: Clipping coupons, volunteering, serving, and water aerobics.

What makes you laugh?: A good joke or funny email, and my kids.  They have infectious laughs.

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Prajwal Shrestha

Name: Prajwal Shrestha

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Major(s): Computer Information Systems

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: Columbia College offers the best of the professors and an environment for a student to get motivated, to gain knowledge and succeed in their field of interests.  It is affordable and it has cooperative faculty members.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?; Every now and then, I try to donate small amounts of money to organizations like Red Cross for their missions to help people at large.  Whenever I encounter small children going to school, I ask them physics questions (e.g. “What are Newton’s three Laws of Motion?”).  I try to encourage them to study well in school so that later in life they will the opportunity to choose the profession they love.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: BCP 101: Baseball for Cricket Players

What do you value most in life?: Education, followed by a passion for the subject I’m learning, is definitely one thing I value most in life.  I also value innovation and research in the fields of science and technology, as it helps us explore the space we hardly understand.

Most people don’t know that… Every individual knows everything, if he/she listens to his/her inner voice (intuition), which many people don’t know or, quite possibly, don’t follow.  If they would, they would probably be more productive.  Imagine a community, society, state or a nation where every individual was productive and followed their dream.  What a perfect society it would be!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: Ten years from now I see myself doing research in the field of computer science and hopefully making innovative contributions to this wonderful world with wonderful people.  A degree from Columbia College would help me get employment as well as help me pursue my master’s degree and PhD.

Who inspires you?: My family inspires me to work hard to achieve my objectives in life.  When I encountered with Ayn Rand and her philosophy of life called Objectivism, it inspired me to be productive as an individual, like Howard Roark in her novel, “The Fountainhead.”  I’m inspired by our Founding Fathers and how they envisioned our nation with the freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  I’m also inspired by many artists and many of their contributions, including Google, NASA, John Nash, Mark Zukerberg, Steve Jobs, you name it.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: I work out in my leisure time.  I used to play cricket as a child and want to try baseball.

What makes you laugh?: The Conan O’Brien Show, Russel Peters, and a good sense of humor in every individual.

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Melody Buersmeyer

Name: Melody Buersmeyer

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor’s

Major(s): Business Administration, Minor in Human Resources

Hometown: Westphalia, MO

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: The caring and competent staff that go above and beyond, especially the teachers.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I volunteer at the library and am on their Friends of the MRRL Library Board. I serve my country by voting in every election. I volunteer at the local school and church. I serve my college by being an active participant in each class and encourage other students to do so as well. 

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: The “You Can Do It” guide to going back to school after 30 years. Yes, it can be done.

What do you value most in life?: The relationship with my mom and my granddaughter. They both show me daily how to appreciate and enjoy everyday life. They have taught me the meaning of unconditional love. My mom is the most caring, loving, most genuinely sincere person I know and I treasure all I've learned from her.

Most people don’t know that…I like all kinds of music and love to dance to them all.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: I see myself using my degree, along with my servant’s heart, to make a difference in other’s lives. With my diploma in hand, it will open doors for me that were not available to me before.

Who inspires you?: My mom and her unending positive spirit.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: Flower gardening or reading.

What makes you laugh?: Playing with my 4-year-old granddaughter.

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Kyle Schubert

Name: Kyle Schubert

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Majors(s): Management, Finance

Hometown: Dakota, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College: The flexibility of online courses, the very helpful advisors, and teachers that care and provide feedback.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?:  I help during the summer with various projects including my uncle’s farm and volunteering at a local cemetery for cleanup.  Also, I volunteer on occasion for the Friends of the Badger Trail group in Wisconsin.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: Underwater bird watching

What do you value most in life?: Family, church, work, and school.

Most people don’t know that… I will be starting MBA classes in January.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: Possibly, I’d like to work in retail and corporate office work.

Who inspires you?: My sister. She, like I will do, finished her bachelor’s degree a semester early and found work quickly.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: I like to bike, spend time with my college youth group, volunteer, and hang out with friends.

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Kellie Green

Name: Kellie Green

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Currently, I have a minor degree in Psychology and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a second minor in Human Services.

Major(s): Criminal Justice

Hometown: Jefferson City, MO

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: The small classes and great friends I have met who are working toward similar goals.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I currently work as a caterer at the G2 Gallery Catering and Events facility serving groups from weddings and legislative events, to important individuals, such as the Chinese Ambassador and Vice President Joe Biden. I do my best to serve Columbia College by portraying a motivated outlook and drive to achieve my academic goals.

What do you value most in life?: To pick one thing would be difficult, so I'll list a few: my close bond to my grandma, laughter, animals, and the drive to keep pushing myself that is sometimes lost so easily.

Most people don’t know that…I sing obnoxiously loud in my car when I'm by myself and dance accordingly when I'm alone anywhere. It's a pretty good stress reliever. Try it.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: As of now, I am certain that I want a degree in Criminal Justice. I started as a freshman with bright eyes for working in the field of forensics; however, I switched to CJ in hopes of working in sex crime/child abuse investigations. Recently, however, I have found a passion for the Innocence Project, an organization devoted to exonerating wrongfully convicted criminals. So as you can see, I am certain of the field I'd like to serve but which position exactly is still up in the air.

Who inspires you?: The person who inspires me the most is my grandmother. She and I have always had a very close relationship and she has always made it a point to push me to achieve my highest aspirations. She has been forced into many circumstances throughout her life that have demanded strength to go on. Her encouragement has inspired me to not disappoint her, along with the others that I love most: my mother, my stepfather, and my Aunt Kasey. I appreciate all of their love and support.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: In my leisure time I enjoy listening to some rock n' roll, watching horror movies, reading, spending time with my mother and grandmother, working on household projects with my aunt, and playing with animals (a passion I get from my mom). Oh, and there's always TRYING to catch up on the lost sleep of a college student!

What makes you laugh?: Lately when I am stressed out and need a good laugh I turn to my new pug. He's such a goofy dog that I can't help but laugh at him. My best friend Brooke, my mom, and my aunt all have the same sense of humor as me, so being with them is always a great laughter pick-me-up. Oh, and any movie wth Vince Vaughn in it.

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Joseph Banaszek

Name: Joseph Banaszek

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Major(s): Business Administration

Hometown: Rockledge, FL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: The fantastic faculty and staff. They are very supportive of active duty military and the special situations we face when deployed. They are all very flexible and ready to assist me regardless of where I am in the world.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I’m a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. I’ve served for almost eight years. In addition, I’m a block chief in my Neighborhood watch program.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: Common Sense for Today’s Society

What do you value most in life?: My family, health, and success.

Most people don’t know that… I’m a closet history buff and I’m addicted to TV shows that highlight the lifestyles of rich and successful people.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: In ten years I will either be close to retirement from the military, or I will be eight years into my new career. My degree has started my path to my M.B.A. Should I leave service early, I hope to stay in government as a Contracting officer, which is my current duty title.

Who inspires you?: My grandfather, because to me he is superman.  I’m also inspired by my wife and kids, because they give me a reason to be better each day.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: I love to surf, golf, and spend time bodybuilding at the gym—I’m a fitness fanatic.

What makes you laugh?: My children and good comedies.

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Student Profile: Elizabeth Freund

Name: Elizabeth Freund

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Major(s): Psychology, Criminal Justice Administration

Hometown: Johnsburg, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: The staff and faculty at the Crystal Lake Campus—since most of us are non-traditional students, we have different needs.  Debra Hartman and her colleagues in Crystal Lake, IL, go above and beyond to help us succeed.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: My passion lies in abused and neglected horses and children and the unique potential they have to help heal others.  I am working on an intervention model that will benefit children, horses, and in the end, society as a whole.  Studies show that life trajectories for children in foster care can be tragic—I believe it is wholly unnecessary.  My life’s work centers on improving outcomes for abused and neglected children and horses.  It won’t be cheap or easy, but I believe it is possible.

If you could design a course at Columbia College, what would it be called?: Surviving Dr. Gelman—The Yin & The Yang

What do you value most in life?: A quick wit, a kind word, a soft touch, the benefit of the doubt, and a generous soul. Most people don’t know that… I read neuroscience for fun.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: In ten years I will have earned my PhD in organizational leadership, and be the executive director of CiroH Academy, a home for abused and neglected children and horses.

Who inspires you?: My children, Michael and Erin, the finest individuals I know.  My mom and my Aunt Bobby, Einstein, Rebecca Moravec and Dr. Gelman.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: Riding horses, gardening, writing, and reading.

What makes you laugh?: My friend Lauri and my great dane, Ruckus.  Also, sometimes I am profoundly inept and oblivious.

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Student Profile: Dawn Goerger

Name: Dawn Goerger

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor’s

Major(s): General Studies, Minor in Education

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College?: The flexibility of online classes fit into my lifestyle.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I am an active volunteer with NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association), which provides park district type programs for children and adults with special needs.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: Gourmet Cooking

What do you value most in life?: My family and friends

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: I would like to have a job in an area that I love and feel happy and content with my choice. Hopefully my degree from Columbia will allow me to seek that perfect position!

Who inspires you?:  The children with special needs that I work with at NISRA programs because they are so willing to look beyond their disabilities and try hard to accomplish their dreams!

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: Reading, shopping, cooking, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends.

What makes you laugh?: Lots of things—people, TV shows, myself…

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Student Profile: Betty Erickson

Name: Betty L. Erickson

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Human Services

Major(s): Human Services

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

What’s the best thing about being a student at Columbia College: The flexibility of online courses and class schedules make it easy to complete degree requirements, and the quality of my teachers give my degree value. Also, the staff helps out when I’m not sure how to plan my schedule.

How do you serve your community, your college, or your country?: I serve my community in the position I hold within the social service agency where I work. I am also involved with a Kairos community, serving the incarcerated women in prison. In addition, I am going on a two-week mission trip to India.

If you could design a course at Columbia College for fun, what would it be called?: Enjoy Life

What do you value most in life?: Friends and family

Most people don’t know that…I am really quiet and shy.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? How does a degree from Columbia College fit into those goals?: I expect to still be working, possibly part-time as a Care Coordinator for the senior population. My degree from Columbia College will allow me to accomplish this goal, as it requires a Bachelor’s degree.

Who inspires you?: Creative, artistic people.

When you’re not studying or fulfilling other obligations, how do you spend your leisure time?: Enjoying my home and my two dogs.

What makes you laugh?: Watching my two dogs play together, and when people act silly.

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Kaitlyn Cavanah '13

Name: Kaitlyn Cavanah   


Grade Year: Junior 


Degree: Business Administration


Major(s): Accounting


Hometown: Marceline, Missouri


What clubs/activities are you involved at Columbia College? At Columbia College, I am a Student Ambassador, I am a member of Sigma Beta Delta, the Business Administration honor society, Dean Smith’s Advisory Board and CAST (Committed and Serving Together). 

What is your favorite part about Columbia College? My favorite part about Columbia College is the friendly people. Anywhere I go, people are always smiling and saying hello so that makes me feel very welcome. 


Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? My favorite studying spots are the library and second floor of the Student Commons. It is always quiet in the library so I can go there and get things done. On the second floor of the Commons, I see many people I know and can interact with them but it is also quiet enough that I am able to focus on my work.


What is favorite subject at Columbia College? My favorite subject at Columbia College is accounting because I truly enjoy learning it. Also, the professors that teach it are very nice and have put in the effort to get to know me personally.


What job are you hoping to get when you graduate? When I graduate, I hope to work for an accounting firm and eventually become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and open my own firm.


What’s something that you are very passionate about? I am very passionate about fighting breast cancer and supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I have had many close friends and family members who have been diagnosed and I believe that we need to find a cure for this horrible disease.


If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? I would have dinner with Reba McEntire, Kate Middleton and my Grandma Shirley. I am crazy about Reba and her music and would love to get to meet her. I also think it is awesome that Kate went from an ordinary citizen to a princess so I would like to know about her life then and her life now. I would also love to have dinner with my Grandma Shirley, who passed away five years ago. She and I were extremely close and I miss her very much so it would be great to see her again.


If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would want to learn to be an excellent cook. I love to  watch the Food Network and am in awe of people who know their way around the kitchen. I would love to learn to cook anything so that in the future, I can cook dinner for my family every night.


What’s something not a lot of people know about you? Something that not a lot of people know about me is that I competed competitively in gymnastics when I was younger for nine years. I really enjoyed it and can stilldo a round-off back handspring. 


Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? The one person who helped make me who I am today is my mom. She is my best friend and has always supported me, cheered me on and been there for me when I needed someone. She is an amazing woman and I am so thankful to have her as my mom.

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Hal Payne '13

Name: Hal Payne

Grade Year: Junior

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Major(s): Criminal Justice/Pre-Law

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

What clubs/activities are you involved at Columbia College? Men’s Basketball

What is your favorite part about Columbia College? Friendly atmosphere everywhere on campus.

Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? Stafford Library

What is favorite subject at Columbia College? Criminal Justice- related classes (if you are looking for a specific class I would say Shooting Incidents in Criminal Justice).

What job are you hoping to get when you graduate? Either commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in U.S. Military (currently unsure of which branch), or federal investigator for a major government agency.

What’s something that you are very passionate about? Winning another conference championship and returning to the national tournament.

If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? Jesus Christ, J. Edgar Hoover- for his part in reforming federal law enforcement, and Michael Jordan- what basketball player does not want to meet him?

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Fly an airplane.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you? Football is my favorite sport to watch on T.V. even though I play college basketball.

Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? No “one” person- my parents/family have always been most influential people in my life.

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Student Profile: Julie Teeple

Name: Julie Teeple

Grade Year: Senior in Academics, Junior in Athletics

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Major(s): Marketing and Management

Hometown: Versailles, MO

What clubs/activities are you involved in at Columbia College?
I am an At-Large Representative in SGA, a member of the Homecoming Steering Committee, I am on the Athletic Council Board, I play volleyball and basketball, and I was on a team that competed and won both dodgeball and ultimate frisbee intramurals. My goal this next semester is to start a Red Cross Club on campus.

What is your favorite part about Columbia College?
I love Columbia College and I know I couldn’t have been happier with a different choice. My favorite part about Columbia College is the classroom size. There are about 20-30 students in a classroom so it makes it easy and comfortable to talk and ask questions to your professors. They really care about each and every one of their students.

Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? 
My favorite studying spot on campus is probably my room because I have to have complete silence when I study.

What is your favorite subject at Columbia College? 
My favorite subject at Columbia College is marketing or any class that Sean Seibert teaches. He is an amazing professor and he makes learning fun.

What job are you hoping to get when you graduate?
This summer I spent two weeks in Washington, D.C. for a Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. I got the opportunity to learn about the American Red Cross and talk with some amazing people on why they work for the ARC. I now have to hold two blood drives a year on Columbia College’s campus and in doing this I will be working closely with the ARC. I really enjoyed the program and I’m hoping that by volunteering with them now, it will open up job opportunities for after I graduate.

What’s something that you are very passionate about?
I would have to say that I am very passionate about playing volleyball. It is something I will always love to do.

If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why?
This is a tough question because there are so many people I would love to have dinner with that I would never have the chance to in real life. I would choose Rosa Parks because I want to know what it was like to stand up, or should I say “sit down” for her own rights and beliefs, along with all other African Americans. I would also choose Bill Clinton because the man is a genius. I don’t like discussing politics but he is the only president to end his term with a budget surplus. Lastly, I would invite Adam Sandler because he is hilarious and an awesome actor. I love him in Billy Madison- it’s my all-time favorite movie…a classic.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 
I wish I could play golf. I just don’t have the patience for it right now, but I want to learn eventually because it’s a sport you can play for a lifetime.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
I am the baby of my family and I was very mischievous when I was younger. For example, I once rode my tricycle up the street to my neighbor’s house, fully unclothed. I think I was 3 or 4 years old.

Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today?
The one person who has helped to make me who I am today is my mother. She is my best friend and she would do anything for me. She’s the one who instilled into me the values I follow today. My mother is the most supportive and influential person in my life. I love her!!

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Jordan Dressler '13

Name: Jordan Dressler

Grade Year: Junior

Degree: Undergraduate Bachelor of Science

Major(s): Environmental Science

Hometown: Columbia, MO

What clubs/activities are you involved at Columbia College? Basketball and intramural sports

What is your favorite part about Columbia College? Small class sizes so the students can get one on one attention and ask questions.

Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? Buchanan Hall Computer Lab

What is favorite subject at Columbia College? Biology

What job are you hoping to get when you graduate? I am hoping to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a field biologist or a similar position elsewhere.

What’s something that you are very passionate about? Basketball, because to play in college, you have to dedicate a lot of time and effort.  Also being a good role model because you never know who is watching and who looks up to you so I am passionate about trying to do the right thing.

If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? Jesus so I can ask him what I am doing wrong.  David Blaine for some magic tricks and entertainment.  Bill Gates so he can pay for dinner.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Play the electric guitar

What’s something not a lot of people know about you? I really like to cook.

Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? My Grandpa Clark, because when he died of leukemia about a month after being diagnosed, he made me realize that life is too short to be serious all the time and not be yourself.  He always had a smile whenever we got to see him and made me want to live my life like I could die tomorrow.  My dad told me be kind to everyone you meet because you never know who they know or when that kindness could be given to you.

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Student Profile: Kimberly Craig '12

Kimberly Craig - SGA President

Name: Kimberly Craig 

Grade Year: Senior

Degree: Bachelor of Science 

Major(s): Human Services, minor in Psychology

Hometown: Columbia, Missouri

What clubs/activities are you involved at Columbia College? I am the current president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Committed And Serving Together (CAST). I'm also a member of the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) and The Pride.

What is your favorite part about Columbia College? The Community... It's very easy to get connected at Columbia College. From the numerous clubs to the Campus Life activites, there is always something going on for the students. The students are the focus, and one result is the strong sense of community. You get to know your fellow students, faculty, staff, and the administration in a personal way. And I think this is what helps make this institution so special.

Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? The couches up on the 2nd floor of the student commons... perfect for studying alone or with a group of friends.

What is favorite subject at Columbia College? I love my Human Services classes!

What job are you hoping to get when you graduate? I'd love to work at Columbia College after I graduate. I feel at home at CC, and my time here has helped shape me into who I am today. I'd love to still be a part of the community I'm passionate about, begin work on my Masters, and continue to support the mission of Columbia College.

What’s something that you are very passionate about? Students' experiences at Columbia College... This is the main reason I joined SGA. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my peers. I am having an awesome time growing and learning and pursuing my dreams, and I wanted to make sure others were achieving the same thing. SGA is a great way to pursue this passion because our mission is to promote positive change for the students, to be their representatives, and to be their voice in order for them to have the best experience at Columbia College as possible.

If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? I would say Jesus because he is my Savior, and I would love to ask so many questions. Also, President Obama because he has such a unique story as President. And finally, Oprah because of the sheer magnitude of her influence on the American people.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Re-learn to play the piano. I took lessons for 8 years, but if you don't use this knowledge, you lose it. So, I'd love to learn again.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you? At 6ft, I'm the tallest girl in my family. Most of the women are short, and most of the men are tall. I just got the "tall" genes.

Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? So many people have greatly influenced my life that it's hard to pick just one, so I'll pick one unit - my family. My mom, my dad, and my brother have stood by me my whole life. I feel so blessed to have such a supportive, understanding, wise, funny, and loving family. I could not do what I do without their support. They're the best!!

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Student Profile: Mitch Gosney '13

Mitch enjoys his role as Manager for the Men's Basketball Team

Name: Mitch Gosney

Grade Year: Junior

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Major(s): Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management

Hometown: Columbia, MO

What clubs/activities are you involved at Columbia College? Manager for the Men's Basketball Team

What is your favorite part about Columbia College? Everything. The tradition at CC is amazing. The professors are always there to help and I feel like the classes really do prepare me for the big boy world. The people are friendly which makes for an awesome atmosphere every day.

Where is your favorite studying spot on campus? The upstairs of the Atkins-Holman Student Commons and Southwell Gym

What is favorite subject at Columbia College? Marketing

What job are you hoping to get when you graduate? A job that pays good. I'd like to go into advertising and eventually work for a non-for-profit company like Livestrong which helps find a cure for cancer or Join(RED) which helps find a cure for AIDS.

What’s something that you are very passionate about? Making the world a better place, whether it's recycling a plastic bottle or rasing money for an organization that helps people in need. Just want to do whatever I can to help other people out. At the end of the day I want to be able to look back and say I made the world a better place somehow. And having fun every day. Life's more fun when you make it fun.

If you could have dinner with any three people (real or fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? Jesus, because he changed the world. Lance Armstrong, because his organization done amazing things to help fight cancer and he's taken the sport of cycling to a new level. Warren Buffett, because he has become a very successful man but has not lost his core morals and values like many other successful people have. He's humble and down to earth guy and the world could use more men like him and less greedy people.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I have no idea why but I've wanted to learn to play the piano. I've always loved music and the sound of the piano, especially when it's used in classical music.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you? I'm an avid cyclist and for the past 7 years I participated in the MS 150. It's a 200 mile bike ride over 2 days that helps raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. I'm hoping to keep riding in the event for as long as I can.

Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? Bob McKenzie. He was my neighbor for 9 years before passing away of cancer. He taught me things you don't learn in the classroom as well as how to enjoy life and live life to the fullest. He was a great friend and mentor.

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Future CC students get the surprise of their lives!

We wanted to share this feel-good video of future Columbia College students that were awarded scholarships!

Members of the Admissions and Public Relations departments traveled to Montgomery City, Kansas City, Clarksville and Sedalia, Mo. to surprise high school students that applied for a Columbia College or Presidential Scholarship. The Columbia College Scholarship is worth full tuition, room and board and the Presidential Scholarship, full tuition.

Check out the video below and see their reactions:

For the full story, visit Columbia College's Spotlight blog.

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Maria Imhoff: Student for Fall 2011

Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) Board of Director Bill Johnston '82 is joined by his wife Janice (left) and cousin, Maria Imhoff (center). Maria recently graduated from Boonville High School and will be starting at Columbia College in August and will be a part of the Lady Cougars softball team.

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