Home Away from Home

For Ryan Gatto ’28, leaving his hometown of Houston, Texas, to attend college more than 1,000 miles away felt like a leap of faith. But after connecting with the men’s lacrosse coaching staff and visiting campus with his parents, he had a feeling that Elmhurst University would be a good fit for his interests and aspirations.

Gatto, a Bluejay lacrosse goalkeeper and computer science major, says that the University’s strong Division III athletics program was a big reason he was initially attracted to Elmhurst. He soon recognized that the size of the school and the opportunities it offered also ticked important boxes on his list. “Coach Mark Morrell reached out to me about lacrosse, and when I came to visit campus, I also really liked the area and the small-school feel,” he says.

Small School, Big Opportunities

While many of his high school classmates chose large public universities closer to home, Gatto found himself drawn to Elmhurst’s close-knit environment and collaborative community. He says the personalized atmosphere made it easier to make connections, both academically and socially.

“When I visited bigger campuses, I didn’t feel like I would fit in as well as I do here,” he says. “At Elmhurst, you get to know your professors really well, and it’s easy to make friends. You see familiar faces all the time.”

One of the University’s greatest strengths is the way it combines a supportive classroom environment with opportunities for meaningful involvement, which helps students grow as leaders, teammates and communicators.

Because only 10 percent of Texas universities offer men’s lacrosse and most of those are club teams, not NCAA teams, coming to Elmhurst offered Gatto the opportunity to play a sport he loved at a more competitive level.

A Sense of Belonging

As a member of the men’s lacrosse team, Gatto helped the Bluejays capture a first-ever conference championship and earn a berth in the NCAA Division III tournament this year. One of his favorite traditions is ringing the victory bell after a big win, so he hopes that he and his teammates can continue to build upon this year’s success.

Outside athletics, Gatto also has been involved in the Computer Science Club, where he connected with classmates who share similar interests and career goals.

“The community here feels really tight knit,” he says. “You get to know the people in your major because you take so many classes together, and you build close relationships with them.”

Finding Balance

Gatto says that when he first arrived on campus last year, adjusting to college life took a little time, especially while juggling academics, athletics and life away from home. But Elmhurst’s supportive environment helped him adapt quickly.

“My first semester was definitely a transition,” he says. “I fell behind a little at first, but I communicated with my professors and figured out how to get caught up. Once you get into the rhythm here, it becomes easier to adapt.”

Becoming proficient at balancing responsibilities has become one of the most valuable lessons of his college experience. As a student-athlete, Gatto relies on planning and organization skills to manage his demanding schedule.

“If you put too much emphasis on free time, you might miss deadlines, but if you focus only on work, you can stress yourself out,” he says. “Learning how to balance everything is something that will stay with me after college.”

To stay organized, Gatto uses the Teamworks app to map out his daily routine, helping him juggle classes, practices, studying and downtime.

Gaining Experience

Academically, Gatto has especially enjoyed courses within his major and credits faculty members like Kathleen Rossi for helping make the learning experience engaging and approachable, and for continuing to spark his enthusiasm for computer science.

Gatto’s interest in technology began long before college, and the fact that Elmhurst offered a robust computer science and information systems program was another draw for him. “I’ve always been really big into computers,” he says. “I built my own PC when I was 15.”

Now, he’s exploring career possibilities within the computer science field while looking into future internships in either the Chicago area or back home near Houston. He appreciates the support available through Elmhurst’s Russell G. Weigand Career Center for Professional Excellence (WCCPE), which provides career advising, networking opportunities, resume support and internship preparation. “The WCCPE really gets you prepared,” he says. “If you put in the work, they’ll help you out.”

A Perfect Location

Outside the classroom and off the lacrosse field, Gatto enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, listening to music and playing video games. He currently lives in an apartment just off campus with other lacrosse players, and enjoys the amenities in Elmhurst’s walkable downtown and easy access to the Metra commuter train for trips into downtown Chicago.

On campus, he often studies on the quiet third floor of the library or relaxes with friends on the mall. He also enjoys participating in campus traditions, like the annual homecoming festivities, especially the football game and bonfire.

Looking back, Gatto says choosing a university far from home was intimidating at first, but ultimately worthwhile. “Freshman year, I missed my family a lot,” he says. “But if you push through it, it gets easier.”

For students considering Elmhurst University, Gatto believes the school’s sense of community makes all the difference.

“Elmhurst is perfect for someone who doesn’t like the feel of a massive school and wants to really get to know the people around them,” he says. “You’ve got a beautiful town, a beautiful campus and you’re close to Chicago, which opens up so many opportunities.”

And the opportunities and experiences Gatto has engaged with both on and off campus are setting him on the path to thrive in his future career.

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