Student Stories

Elmhurst University students are active, passionate and engaged in the world around them. Read their stories.

2020 Stories

Mary Lotesto

A Passion for Research

For Mary Lotesto ’20, a postbaccalaureate fellowship with the National Institutes of Health is a dream come true.

Portrait photo of Elmhurst University accounting and information systems student Elena Santiago.

Powering Up a Career in Accounting Tech

Inspired by a professor, Elena Santiago ’20 took her finance expertise to the next level.

Elmhurst University student Jasmine Davis

Charting the Right Course

Jasmine Davis ’20 turned a cooperative education experience into the opportunity to learn business analytics at Bimbo Bakeries USA.

Summer Stories

Summer is a busy time for many of our students, as they explore other countries through study abroad, intern locally or in Chicago, or conduct research with faculty members on campus.


2019 Stories

Thomas Sullivan studied in Australia as part of his Elmhurst University journey.

Around the World in Four Years

Traveling the globe helped Thomas Sullivan ’19 map his future.

Elmhurst University student Natalia Wehr leaped over several health obstacles to complete her education.

Life Happens While You’re Busy Getting Your Degree

Natalia Wehr ’19 kept her family in focus during her studies.

Incoming Elmhurst University student Dennis Arreaza collects soccer equipment to donate to a youth team he helped organize in Guatemala.

The Ultimate Goal

Dennis Arreaza ’23 is helping at-risk kids in Guatemala by spearheading soccer equipment donations.


Previous Stories

Leading the Way

Inspired by her love of chemistry, Jennifer Pierce ’19 is pursuing her dentistry dreams and helping the community along the way.

Crystallizing Her Goals

Janisa Hicks ’19 wasn’t sure what she wanted to major in—until a study abroad trip helped her to focus her goals back home.

Wasting No Time

From student government to leading campus tours, Madiha Ahmed ’19 has taken campus involvement to a high level.

Stepping Beyond Coaching

A summer internship with the Miami Dolphins led to a new major for Christian Galante ’19—and a new career path, too.

Yuki Kajihara, Elmhurst University

Adjusting to Spirited Classrooms

For international student Yuki Kajihara, classroom discussions at Elmhurst took some getting used to.

Connecting with Patients

Graham Niswander took a few career turns before landing at Elmhurst for a graduate degree in nursing.

Passing the Torch

For three years, Claire Sychta ’18 has helped new students adjust to college life. Now she’s passing the torch to the next generation.

Trumpeting in the Limelight

Jaime Ruiz ’20 took up trumpet in fifth grade. Now he’s touring Europe and sharing the stage with Doc Severinsen.

Connect with #elmhurstu