Class of 2007, Social Work Major

Kimberly Jackson ’07 acknowledges that the transition to college life can be a challenge. “It was a tough transition, but once I became active on campus, it helped me to adjust to the campus and Findlay community,” she said.

Kimberly was very active on campus. She was the treasurer for the Black Student Union, served as a resident director, was a resident assistant for two years and was a member of both the Social Work Club and Alpha Phi National Honor Society.

Kimberly’s favorite activity, however, was being a member of the Residence Life staff. She commented, “The relationships I have built from working so close to this staff of people have helped make my life at the University feel like home. Residence Life has become my family away from home the last three years and I will miss being a part of this family.”

Dr. DeBow Freed, UF president, pictured with Founders’ Son and Daughter award recipients, Jackson and Bryson Stair.

In fact, Kimberly’s involvement with the Residence Life program, along with some faculty assistance, gave her the opportunity to attend a leadership conference in New York City.

Kimberly remarked, “Last spring I was preparing for a resident director interview, and I talked to Sharinda Welton-Peeler about my idea (for a campus networking game based on the concept of the board game Monopoly) that I wanted to present during my interview. She thought my idea was great. She told me about the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities leadership conference in New York. I then applied to present and was accepted as a student presenter. If it wasn’t for talking to Sharinda, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend this conference in New York.”

Welton-Peeler is director of student activities and commuter student services.

Kimberly’s advice to incoming freshmen is, “to find something on campus or in the community that you like or are interested in and pursue it full force. Getting involved helps to pass the time and allows you to meet some amazing people.”

Kimberly concluded, “I feel that UF was a great choice for me, and I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I have had if I would have gone anywhere else. I really enjoyed my time at The University of Findlay.”

By Brooke Jacobs ’07
Pre-medicine major
Bucyrus, Ohio