college of liberal arts
alumni
No matter where your degree takes you, we want to follow your journey.
If you follow us on social media, you know that one of our favorite hashtags is #LiberalArtsProud. We are, indeed, proud of the liberal arts education we provide to our students. We are equally proud of what our graduates do with that education. Whether that degree led you to become a teacher, a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a non-profit leader, a writer, a social media manager, or simply an engaged citizen, we know you've been equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to adapt to--and succeed--in our ever-changing world.
alumni
We want to hear from you!
Whether you graduated in 1974 or 2024, you are part of a vast network of liberal arts alumni that includes more than 4,000 Mastodons and counting! You also remain the best evidence of the value of a liberal arts degree, which is why we are calling on you to help us tell our story to a public that sometimes misunderstands the value of the liberal arts. The details of how your journey has been shaped by your degree are details we want to hear about and, just as importantly, that prospective students and higher education stakeholders need to hear about. While you are here on this page, we hope you will take a few minutes to share the details of your journey and let us know how best to keep in touch with you.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Our Mastodon alumni can be found near and far, making an impact through their careers and shaping their communities.
ann brake
investigator for fort wayne metro
B.A. in women's studies and french
"Women’s Studies (WOST) prepared me for my position by giving me a foundational knowledge of the many (and ever-changing) ways discrimination and inequity manifest, a willingness to examine and dismantle my own biases, and the research skills to comb through personnel files and other documents in investigations. WOST opportunities like hosting the Gender and Justice Institute with my peers and participating in state and national women’s studies symposiums equipped me with the education and public speaking skills to provide trainings in the Fort Wayne area. Without WOST, I would not have been prepared to serve our community in these ways."
Erik Tom
Certified Financial Planner at Summit Consultants, Inc.
B.A. in economics and political science
"Economics taught me many of the skills needed in the research component of my job. The classes I took while completing that degree directly lent themselves to teaching me how to conduct efficient and effective research at my current position. The investment research I do here requires impartial attitudes and a willingness to double check preconceived notions on a regular basis, which are more than just knowing how to use excel. While the Economics degree has aided more in this component, Political Science prepared me for the proposals I would be making on a daily basis for clients. The construction of a financial plan is similar to countless projects done for my Political Science classes, where a strong thesis and even stronger evidence was needed to convince your reader. I would not be where I am today without the skills learned from both of these programs."
Vanessa Sampsel
Manager for Centering Pregnancy and Parenting Programs, Summa Health
B.A. in Sociology and Women's Studies
"The research and writing components helped me immensely so that all work I do is evidence based. The service-learning components helped me understand the importance of collaborating with community partners to add diversity, different perspectives and accountability to strengthen programs and service offerings. I operate and lead from a strengths v. deficit-based approach, which helps me communicate with colleagues, community and patients authentically, without judgment. I can easily identify policies, systems and procedures that harm and oppress and work to mitigate the impacts. Lastly, in all my writing, editing and creation of promotional materials, I utilize inclusive language and imagery which honors the unique lived experiences of all people."
brandon blumeNherst
Content Marketing Specialist for NGP VAN
B.A. in Communication and Political Science
"My double major in Political Science and Communication has been instrumental in preparing me for my current work. Through my studies, I developed strong critical thinking and relationship skills and learned to approach issues, projects, and situations comprehensively through multiple lenses. Beyond the classroom, I took what I learned and actively engaged with our community on campus and worked on political campaigns throughout my time at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Balancing multiple priorities both on- and off-campus honed my ability to manage multiple projects effectively and execute them accordingly. This hands-on experience, combined with my academic background, equipped me with the confidence and skills needed to immediately start creating engaging, impactful content for a company that helps elect change makers and drive positive change across the country at all levels of government."
yOUR jOURNEY:
As Monumental as a Mastodon
Your education. Your degree. Both have taken you on a journey. How has your life after graduation shaped you, and what bold steps have you taken to create your legacy? Whether it's your career path, hobbies, or personal achievements, we can't wait to hear your story.