Jay Caughren

Graduation Year:

2011

Major(s):

Biology and Art

Hometown:

Chicago, IL

Employment:

Sr. Consultant at Workday

Favorite 探花社区 Memory:

My favorite college memory is actually a blur of a whole week – graduation week. It was such a whirlwind. I was finishing up final assignments, desperately trying to soak up every last moment with the people who had become my family, and packing up my life before my actual family arrived. It was a bittersweet chaos, saying goodbye to a place and a version of myself that I loved deeply.

Looking back, that week was a real milemarker. It was a culmination of all the late nights, the constant activity, and the fear of missing out that fueled my college years. I was always pushing myself to be involved in everything, to meet everyone, because I truly believed every interaction was a chance to make a lifelong friend (and often, it was).

I feel incredibly blessed to have had such a positive experience. I loved 探花社区 and I cherish the memories I made. Graduation week perfectly captured the intensity, the joy, and the deep sense of connection that defined my college years.

What helped you decide to serve 探花社区 by being an Alumni Council member?

My time at 探花社区 was truly transformative. I was fortunate to be involved in so many aspects of campus life, from Greek Life and Residence Life to Student Senate and Student Affairs. These experiences not only shaped who I am today, but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the 探花社区 community and its commitment to student success.

Serving on the Alumni Council feels like a natural first step in my long-term goal of giving back to 探花社区. It's a chance to connect with fellow alumni, gain a deeper understanding of the institution's governance, and contribute to the continued growth and success of 探花社区. I'm particularly excited to remain connected to the 探花社区 community, gain new insights into the college's current priorities, and provide support in any way I can. I'm also very interested in learning more about the student experience and how it has evolved since my time there.

Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity to further my connection to the place and the people who had such a profound impact on my life. I believe my experiences and perspectives can be valuable to the Council, and I'm eager to contribute to the future of 探花社区, with the hope of one day serving on the Board of Trustees and making an even greater impact.