Moving On to the Next Destination

CARINNA LAPSON | 2018 MICHAEL BELL | 2018

CAMILLE HOLZSCHUH | 2018

JOCELYN BEHR | 2018 MARISSA BOWERS | 2018

JUST FOUR SHORT YEARS AGO, THESE FIVE STUDENTS WERE BEGINNING THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR, READY TO DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS, EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN AND WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE WOULD OFFER THEM.

When they took those first steps onto campus in 2018, Jocelyn Behr, Carinna Lapson, Michael Bell, Camille Holzschuh and Marissa Bowers weren't sure what their Westminster journeys would look like. But each was optimistic—albeit a little nervous—for the paths ahead of them. They flourished in their majors, joined student organizations, excelled athletically and even weathered a global pandemic. We caught up with them as they were readying to bid farewell to Westminster to take on new adventures and we learned that they held true to their first-year dreams and goals. And we also found that they—armed with skills and confidence gained through a Westminster education—are prepared and ready to take on whatever life has in store for them.

JOCELYN BEHR

Nursing Murrysville, Pennsylvania Next Stop: UPMC Presbyterian/Cardiology Unit

If Jocelyn Behr has any pearls of wisdom for incoming students, it’s to take each day one at a time, embrace the challenges and opportunities and enjoy the journey.

“Remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint. Think of every day as an opportunity to push yourself and those around you. These four years are a time to find yourself before real life hits you and it is something to take seriously while finding a balance,” she says.

That’s the ethos Behr lived by during her four years at Westminster. Like most nursing majors, Behr had a unique schedule. She graduated last spring from the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing and has been working as a nurse in the cardiology unit at UPMC Presbyterian for nearly a year. Yet, between working and completing her Westminster coursework toward her B.S.N. degree, she still made time for the women’s golf team, serving as an Orientation Leader and a Titan Guide and being an active member—and vice president of membership experience—for her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

“Looking back on my four years here, I cannot imagine where I would be if I hadn’t chosen Westminster. It has given me so many opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.”

CARINNA LAPSON

Engineering Physics Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Next Stop: Seeking a federal engineering position

One of the keys to college success, says Carinna Lapson, is to find the people who truly wish to see you grow and help you on your path to success. At Westminster, those people were often her academic mentors: Dr. Craig Caylor (physics), Dr. Natacha Fontes Merz (mathematics) and Dr. Peter Smith (chemistry).

“Our professors are not only knowledgeable in their subjects, but they also really care about their students. Dr. Caylor never doubted once that I could succeed in my major, even with my heavy extracurricular load,” says Lapson, a magna cum laude graduate who majored in engineering physics with minors in mathematics and chemistry.

When she wasn’t busy in a classroom or lab, Lapson was taking full advantage of other opportunities available at Westminster. A four-year swim team letter winner, she was also an Orientation Leader, a member of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, sang with the women’s chorus, served on Student Government Association, was a member of the Phi Mu sorority—just to name a few. She excelled academically, as well, and belonged to various honor societies including Kappa Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Sigma Pi Sigma (physics) and Mortar Board (senior honor society). In short: She embraced it all.

To new students just beginning their journeys at Westminster, Lapson offers this advice.

“Time is short. Find things that challenge you to grow, surround yourself with others who wish to see you grow, and never be afraid to break out of your comfort zone. Oftentimes, it is that which makes you uncomfortable that will in the end be the key to your future success.”

MICHAEL BELL

Business Adminstration McMurray, Pennsylvania Next Stop: Financial Advisor, Continuum Capital Advisors

When Michael Bell arrived at Westminster four years ago, he was determined to make the most of his college career. From academics to athletics to campus activities, he quickly learned that by being open to opportunities, he would be able to create the Westminster adventure he had envisioned. “College is what you make of it,” he says.

Although the business administration graduate stresses the importance of buckling down and focusing on academics, he says students should not discount the social nature of the college experience.

“You can make college as fun or as boring as you want it to be. Go out to the party, go see the movie on the quad, go to the sporting event on campus,” he says, adding that the opportunities to get involved at Westminster are endless.

By joining the men’s golf team his first semester—and becoming a standout on the course—he discovered a network of friends within his teammates. He helped to establish the Orthodox Christian Fellowship group on campus his freshman year and was quick to become active with the Westminster Entrepreneur Center, all the while building relationships along the way.

“Westminster has impacted my life through the friendships I’ve made, networks I’ve acquired and the lessons I’ve learned,” says Bell. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Westminster.”

CAMILLE HOLZSCHUH MARISSA BOWERS

Next Stop: Financial Advisor, Continuum Capital Advisors Sports Management/Business Administration Boardman, Ohio Next Stop: STAR Recruiter for DNA, Pittsburgh Education Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Next Stop: Teaching Position in a K-4 Setting

arrived at Westminster four years ago, he was determined to make the most of his college career. From academics to athletics to campus activities, he quickly learned that by being open to opportunities, he would be able to create the Westminster adventure he had envisioned. “College is what you make of

Although the business administration graduate stresses the importance of buckling down and focusing on academics, he says students should not discount the social nature of the college experience.

“You can make college as fun or as boring as you want it to be. Go out to the party, go see the movie on the quad, go to the sporting event on campus,” he says, adding that the opportunities to get involved at Westminster are

By joining the men’s golf team his first semester—and becoming a standout on the course—he discovered a network of friends within his teammates. He helped to establish the Orthodox Christian Fellowship group on campus his freshman year and was quick to become active with the Westminster Entrepreneur Center, all the while building relationships along the way.

“Westminster has impacted my life through the friendships I’ve made, networks I’ve acquired and the lessons I’ve learned,” says Bell. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Westminster.” Camille Holzschuh made a list of goals as a first-year student: break an athletic record, make new friends, stay involved, maintain a good GPA, earn a degree and get a job. Whether fueled by natural ambition or just caffeine, over the past four years, she has ticked off each of her goals one by one.

The sports management and business administration major has made a name for herself as the women’s soccer goalkeeper. She’s earned several accolades and holds the Titan career record for shutouts. She became active with the Westminster Entrepreneurial Center, Emerging Leaders, Broadcast Club and the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Academically, she singles out School of Business faculty Brian Petrus and Eric Gaber as mentors who guided, engaged, challenged and prepared her.

“Westminster has truly given me unforgettable memories,” says Holzschuh. “It is my home away from home. Everything I hoped to gain out of my college experience, I did right here.”

To new Westminster students arriving in the fall, Holzschuh encourages them to live boldly.

“Go out of your comfort zone and take chances. There is so much to see and do out in the world and you only have a few years to do it, so don’t wait,” she says. “Be bold, work hard, study and have fun!” Sometimes students arrive at college not quite knowing what path they want to take. Marissa Bowers thought she knew, but as time wore on, she found that her mathematics major was bringing her little joy.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher, and my professors helped me realize math was not the best fit for me,” says Bowers. “I changed my major to early childhood/special education and I really developed my professional development skills, flexibility and communication skills.”

Bowers says former School of Education professor Dr. Alison DuBois had the greatest impact on her. A true mentor, DuBois worked closely with her on developing leadership skills using mindfulness techniques—tools useful as captain of the swim team and in academics. “I learned how to communicate effectively and helped lead our team through the pandemic using mindful techniques that motivated the players,” says Bowers.

Bowers, who graduated cum laude, was also an active member of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, to which she was the vice president for new member experience. She also served as vice president of recruitment on Panhellenic Council.

Bowers recommends that students new to Westminster should not be afraid to get involved on campus. “Keep an open mind and join in anything you can. Your time will go very quickly, so make the most of it!”