Alumni Profile: Belgrove, White & Diaz Lopez
As the College prepares for Commencement on May 17 at West Chester University, the Alumni Association wanted to share some stories of student trailblazers who will join the ranks of future volunteer leaders. It’s been an honor to watch these successful future alumnae serve the College in a variety of important roles. We wish them, and all of their classmates, congratulations.
Lisa Belgrove will graduate next month with a degree in Medical Coding and Billing. Her work in the classroom, and her student leadership role, recently led to a full-time position with Main Line Health in Newtown Square working in the patient accounting department. As a part-time student, she is only on campus two nights a week, but she has made her presence known in a large way. Lisa is the current president of the College's new chapter of the National Technical Honor Society, which has inducted over 100 members in its first year. NTHS members are recognized for their outstanding student achievement in career and technical education programs across the country. She offers this advice for current and future students “Study hard, but enjoy your time here on campus. Try getting involved in at least one activity outside the classroom, whether it has to do with your major or not. There is something here for everyone, so find your space and thrive.”
Kylie White is one of two Student Alumni Ambassadors who have helped bridge the gap between past and present students to support the College this year. She moved from Arizona five years ago and has taken the college motto of “Find yourself here” to heart. She will graduate with a degree in Psychology and hopes to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology after graduation. She is the current Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa and will travel to Kansas City later this month to take part in Catalyst, the national conference for the College’s two-year honor society. Kylie was recently named the 2018 Student Optimist Award Winner as she a high GPA, and works part time as an ABA therapist for children with autism. She does all of this while suffering from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder diagnosed at birth. You will always find Kylie with a smile on her face and a new project on her plate, and she has already become a vital part of the alumni association.
Yesenia Diaz Lopez actually completed her coursework in December 2017, but continues to be highly active within the College community. She helped found the Latinx Student Association as President, and was also involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government and the Student Business Society. Based on her 4.0 GPA, she was able to serve as a Peer Mentor and Student Success Ambassador to help her classmates’ transition into college as either first year or returning students. All of Yesenia’s accomplishments qualified her as one of the College’s 2018 All-Pennsylvania Award winning students, for which she just received a full scholarship to continue studying Business Management at West Chester University. Her goals include pursuing a master’s degree and working on a college campus as a program manager to help first-generation students in addition to starting her own business someday. When asked to share her secret to success she says, “Never give up on your dream of getting a higher education. Even if the road seems difficult, seek help and always do your best in everything you do.”
Alumni Association Vice President Erica Reeves ’10 has had direct experience with these student leaders while watching them thrive on campus. “Having worked with each of these students in some capacity in my college role, I’ve seen firsthand the leadership qualities they possess and commitment to service, both on and off campus, while maintaining exceptional academics. I’ve enjoyed working with them as students and look forward to seeing what they will bring to the Alumni Association!”
These student leaders art part of the estimated 1,500 students eligible for Commencement next month. Congratulations to Lisa, Kylie and Yesenia from all of us at the College and best wishes for bright futures ahead.
