Rising junior Alassane Guisse has made many great memories at Carthage College as a student, an athlete, and an advocate for change.
Fresh in his mind is the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin outdoor track and field championships, which Carthage hosted in May. Alassane, who competed as a hurdler, said “the whole weekend was filled with a lot of good energy.”
That positive energy continues to follow him through an abundance of new experiences. From Milwaukee, Alassane found the campus along Lake Michigan in Kenosha to be the right fit.
“I chose Carthage because it is close to home but far enough where I can experience new things,” he said. “The small class sizes allow me to really connect with my professors, the track team made me feel at home, and, of course, the lake view is beautiful.”
While taking a public speaking course taught by Carthage faculty member Jennifer Bluma, he found a passion in communications. That freshman year experience helped him to choose a public relations major.
“Her overall style of teaching was awesome,” Alassane said. “The public speaking lessons in that class have transferred to almost all my other courses and life in general.”
Because of his satisfaction and success in the Communication and Digital Media Department, he encourages fellow undergraduates to follow suit.
“Others should consider this major because all of the professors in it are great and ready to help you every step of the way,” Alassane explained. “It’s a nice major for those who enjoy communications and business.”
After graduation, Alassane hopes to put his degree to work as a PR specialist, with the
possibility of opening his own business later on. For now, he’s using the newly acquired skills to benefit his student organizations.
“In the Black Student Union, I am the social chair,” he said. “This has given me the
opportunity to incorporate skills I learn in my public relations classes in real life.”
Alassane is also active in My Brother’s Keeper, a weekly leadership program for men of color.
His involvement in these groups has allowed him to push for change while strengthening
bonds with fellow students and community members.
“Our advisor, Roger Moreano, the director of equity and inclusion at Carthage, has taught us many valuable life lessons surrounding race and inequality,” Alassane explains. “My favorite experience with this group so far has been having breakfast
at President (John) Swallow’s house to discuss our experience at Carthage so far.”
He attends Carthage with help from the Wisconsin Grant, a vital part of a financial aid package that has made all the difference for him.
“The various scholarships and grants that I have received through financial aid have opened the doors for me to many great experiences and opportunities at Carthage,” he explained. “Without the financial aid I have received, being a part of all of this would not be possible.”