People FINDING YOUR
STUDENTS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES AND FRIENDS THROUGH NICHE CLUBS
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ust before finals week — typically a time when Environmental Engineering major Kayla Clark ’22 and Biochemistry major Julie Schlanz ’23 set up round-the-clock study time to complete final projects and prepare for exams — the two head off campus for an atypical midweek break. There’s a quietness about Clark when you first meet the Cleveland native. Confident, yet soft-spoken, she details why she chose to transfer from a larger university for the small, liberal arts college three hours from home. Academically, Marietta filled the bill in terms of offering her the opportunity to be a part of the new Environmental Engineering program — but there was something else that kept her here. It isn’t until Clark and Schlanz step into the stables at Stonegate Farm in Coolville, about 25 minutes from campus, that you see these highperforming students start to shed any thoughts of studying and focus their attention to the reason why the two forged their friendship during the Fall 2019 semester: horses. During that semester — Clark’s first at Marietta —she found herself not knowing anyone on campus, but soon learned that she had the power to build her own circle of friends … and that Marietta College had people and resources ready to help. “Because we are recruiting students from varying backgrounds, it is important to offer clubs and organizations that meet all these needs,” says Ellen Campbell, Assistant Director in the Office of Campus Involvement. “Not everyone will find a place in a fraternity or sorority or on the athletic field of play, so having groups that hit other interest areas ensures that students find a place to call home and build their support network.” WRITTEN BY GI SMITH • PHOTOS BY PETER FINGER Kayla Clark ’22 (left) and Julie Schlanz ’23 12
SUMMER 2021
