Charting His Own Path

When Dominick Tamburello ’27 chose Elmhurst University, he knew he wanted more than just a degree—he wanted a college experience where he could truly connect with people and explore diverse interests. The physical education major has built a college journey defined by meaningful relationships, creative pursuits and leadership across campus.

Following in his father Giuseppe’s footsteps (a 2000 alum who graduated with a computer science degree), Tamburello was drawn to the University’s small classroom environment. “I personally didn’t think I would be able to learn in a big lecture hall kind of setting,” he explains. “I liked an intimate classroom, so that was probably one of the main reasons I chose Elmhurst.”

Getting Involved

Tamburello’s decision to embrace a close-knit community has shaped every aspect of his time at Elmhurst. He’s immersed himself in campus life as vice president of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, an Orientation Student Leader (OSL), a board member of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, and a student ambassador in the Office of Admission. Through these roles, he’s discovered that involvement breeds more involvement, especially through his participation in the OSL program, for which he will serve as a coordinator in Fall 2026. “Through OSL, I’ve met so many people from so many different clubs and organizations,” he says.

This web of connections has made Founders Lounge Tamburello’s favorite campus spot. “I’m always there,” he says. “I’ll go to support friends with their events, or sometimes I’m there running an event. And I’ll often just stop in between classes because I know there’s bound to be someone I know there.”

While many students from nearby Brookfield might commute, Tamburello chose to live on campus—a decision his father, who commuted during his own Elmhurst years, encouraged. “Living here allows you to be closer to everything, and you don’t have to worry about driving home after an event—you can just hang out and relax,” he notes. This immersion has enabled him to build relationships that extend beyond graduation. “There are even people that were seniors when I was a freshman that I still talk to and hang out with.”

Finding Direction

Tamburello’s path to becoming a teacher wasn’t immediate. He entered Elmhurst undecided and didn’t declare his major until the second semester of sophomore year. “I had a lot of friends that were teachers and they all told me that was something that I would be good at,” he recalls. Originally drawn to art education, he discovered Elmhurst didn’t offer that specific program, so he charted his own course: a PE major with minors in both art and health education, which will allow him to earn endorsements in all three areas.

“I hope to teach high school because there are more electives that students can choose from,” he says. “In my opinion, students are more engaged or excited to be in a class when they get to decide what they specifically want to learn.” His vision includes teaching adventure education—rock climbing, hiking, kayaking—inspired by a high school class where he served as an unofficial student leader. He also hopes to lead a school art club, drawing on his passion for ceramics and fiber arts.

At Elmhurst, Tamburello has been able to express his artistic side both in and outside of the classroom. He recently completed an independent study art class where he sculpted a full-size set of Roman gladiator armor from clay. “I like building things with my hands and bringing my ideas to life,” he says. His dorm room floor and walls showcase another creative outlet: custom rugs he’s designed and tufted himself, inspired by images he finds online or patterns he wants to recreate.

Expanding His Horizons

Perhaps most remarkably, Tamburello has studied abroad twice—an unusual accomplishment that required careful planning and a willingness to extend his graduation timeline. Through the Honors Program, he spent an entire semester as a first-year student at Liverpool Hope University in England, traveling throughout Europe in his spare time and learning self-reliance. “I had never been that far from home, and I was on my own for three months in another country,” he reflects. “I brought that feeling of confidence in myself back to campus.”

This spring, he’ll study in Japan, taking art history and ceramics classes. To make both experiences possible while completing student teaching requirements, he planned every course he’d need to take by the end of sophomore year. “Planning ahead really allows you to figure out where you have some gaps, where you’re able to do different things that you would like to do,” he advises.

Professor Krista “KC” Diedrich, director of physical education, helped him navigate this complex academic puzzle, ensuring he could pursue his global experiences without derailing his degree. A J-Term ceramics class gave him concentrated time to develop his craft, another example of how Elmhurst’s flexible programming supports students’ diverse interests.

Looking Ahead

As he looks toward student teaching and eventually finding a position at an Illinois high school, Tamburello credits his campus involvement with teaching him independence and confidence. His advice to prospective Elmhurst students is straightforward: “Find something to get involved with on campus because you’re going to find the things and meet the people who will really make your college experience memorable.”

For students intimidated by studying abroad, he offers reassurance, which he often shares while leading campus tours: “A lot of people think it’s going to cost a lot, but it isn’t necessarily that much more. You pay your regular tuition here, and Elmhurst pays the university you study at. Even students in demanding majors like nursing have options, and there are J-Term programs for those not ready to commit to a full semester.”

Tamburello has created his own Elmhurst story. It’s one built on community connections, cultural exploration through study abroad, the confidence to chart an interdisciplinary path, and the leadership skills to guide others. Through teamwork in Greek life, cultural awareness gained across continents, and engagement in diverse campus organizations, he’s acquired exactly the kind of timeless knowledge and personalized growth that will serve him well in the classroom and beyond.

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.