A Well-Rounded Experience

Netochukwu Kalu ’26 chose Elmhurst University for its small, collaborative classrooms and proximity to a major sports market, drawn by the promise of meaningful connections rather than being “just a number.” A sport management major with minors in business administration and communication, Kalu has found an environment where personalized, growth-minded pathways turn curiosity into confidence and ambition into action.

Putting Opportunity Into Action

At Elmhurst, Kalu has leaned fully into connected learning, which has helped her create a college experience that blends academics with community engagement. “I think my favorite part about being an Elmhurst student would be the access to opportunities both academic and extracurricular,” she says. “Elmhurst is what you make of it.”

Kalu says she has enjoyed almost every class she’s taken and has trouble singling out a favorite course or instructor. She is active in the Honors Program, Department of Kinesiology, and, outside the classroom, part of student organizations ranging from Cru to karaoke club, embracing opportunities that build communication skills, teamwork and leadership.

She also has taken advantage of the many experiential learning opportunities available to Elmhurst students, including studying abroad and doing undergraduate research, presenting her work at a national conference in Pittsburgh. “It was never on my bingo card to do research, but I thought it could be fun and a good learning process,” she says.

Multiple internships—working in collegiate athletics, professional sports operations (including the Chicago Bears), community relations and youth sports programming—have given her lots of hands-on experience. While she enjoyed some more than others, she has found value in every internship, saying that they each helped her refine her interests, sharpen her problem-solving skills, and better understand how effective leadership works behind the scenes.

Finding Ways to Serve

Kalu has found ways to serve others while on campus, especially through the Honors Program, including helping make meals for an organization that serves unhoused people. Last spring, she worked on a campus event for Partners in Peace, a student-led honors initiative affiliated with the Nobel Peace Center that connects classroom learning with real-world action through partnerships with local organizations. That experience strengthened her ability to collaborate across perspectives and translate ideas into meaningful events—skills she sees as essential for those seeking a leadership role.

Recognized for her engagement and drive, Kalu was selected this past fall for the Newman Fellowship, an opportunity she views as both an honor and a challenge. The fellowship encourages students to design and execute service-oriented projects, reinforcing Elmhurst’s emphasis on initiative, reflection and community impact. “It felt like recognition of the little things I’ve been doing and encouragement to keep going,” says Kalu of being nominated as a Newman Fellow.

As part of her fellowship, she was able to meet with other fellows last fall at the national convocation in Chicago. She also plans to work on bringing another Partners in Peace event to campus this spring.

Preparing to Lead

Through it all, Elmhurst has helped Kalu develop timeless skills—communication, teamwork, adaptability and leadership—while providing the support and flexibility to explore new paths. “Elmhurst has taught me to put myself out there and take advantage of opportunities and resources that can help make you a better person,” she says.

For others considering Elmhurst, she recommends diving into all the University has to offer. “My advice is to get involved as much as you can, get those internships, and get to know your professors,” she says.

Kalu hopes her future will include working with a professional sports team. With a growing network, practical experience, and a clear sense of purpose, Kalu is preparing to thrive as an adaptive leader—ready to make an impact wherever her path leads next.

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