It’s proven that students who get involved, and actively engage with the other students and faculty and with various groups and organizations available to them while in college, thrive. Marcus Williams, a sophomore political science major at St. Norbert College, is a great example of someone who is involved and who strives to teach by word and example.
St. Norbert gives students the opportunity to experience the richness of college life, pursue their dreams, and expand their knowledge of the world. Outside the classroom, students can choose from 90 student organizations and 23 varsity sports. Marcus comes to the De Pere campus from his hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin and is making the most of his college experience.
Marcus is in his second season with the Green Knights football program. He also is a representative in the student government association and is a member of the Black Student Union (BSU) and Men of Distinction (M.O.D.), a mentoring and support program for multicultural male students.
“I feel that my involvement on campus has made me a more rounded person and has better prepared me for the working world,” said Marcus.
“Being a part of the BSU has taught me how to fight for equality and justice, and has also taught me patience. M.O.D. has taught me to be a better person, friend, and brother to those around me. It challenges me and everyone to be a better version of ourselves.”
St. Norbert College embraces the word communio, which is the ideal of community united as one. Communio is not a word that’s just tossed around on campus. Students like Marcus hear it, see it, and live it every single day.
“People like Ms. Paula (Verheyen), who remembers everyone’s names at the cafeteria and always greets us with a smile, and Father Mike (Brennan), who always listens when I have a bad day. These people and many others always try to show what communio means, not only by their words but by their actions.”
Marcus is a proud Wisconsin Grant recipient. In addition to the Wisconsin Grant, he receives financial support from St. Norbert College. He has earned the John F. Kennedy Scholarship, a competitive scholarship for full-time students with leadership potential, and the Multicultural Leadership Award, a merit-based scholarship that recognizes a demonstrated commitment to community service that positively impacts diversity.
Marcus plans on working with disadvantaged youth when he graduates in 2021. “I strongly believe that children are the future and they should all be awarded the opportunity to chase their dreams.”