For sophomore Madeline Weisburn when it came to making a choice in colleges, Walsh felt like a community that would support her myriad of interests ranging from business to music to her Catholic faith. In only two years, she will tell you that it has been the lessons learned outside of the classroom that have most influenced her experience as a Walsh student and shaped her future as an adult.
“At the end of the day, I knew I would have to make the most of every situation, regardless of the university I chose to attend. But it was Walsh that welcomed me with open arms and a strong community that provided the at-home feel I was looking for,” said Weisburn. “I got into the Honors Program and was very excited about the academic possibilities provided in the living-learning community.”
Weisburn joined the Walsh community from Ostrander, Ohio, and is currently a marketing major. She is active on campus as this year’s President of the American Marketing Association (AMA), and a member of the Business Club and DeVille School of Business Mentorship Program. With academic interests that cross a variety of disciplines, she soon added a Corporate Communications minor after receiving encouragement from her English professor. As a member of the Honors program, Weisburn is able to interact with her fellow students from different academic majors and fields. Because of those interactions, she is now considering a History minor as well.
Through Walsh’s Career Center, Weisburn has also had the opportunity for professional development, networking and scholarship applications. Last March, she was chosen as a participant in The Commons project where students from universities all over Northeast Ohio came together to help real companies develop solutions to business problems. Originally scheduled to be held in Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub, like many spring programs, The Commons shifted to remote status for its month long duration. Weisburn credits the experience with helping her develop communication and entrepreneur skills. Her involvement with Walsh’s Career Readiness Development Center has also provided additional professional growth to enhance what she is learning in her classes.
“The Career Center staff are helping me make the most of my experience here at Walsh,” said Weisburn. “They realize college is more than just the degree I get at graduation. The degree is important in terms of academia, but it signifies something much greater too. It shows that I have perseverance, work ethic, and a passion for learning.”
When she arrived on campus as a freshman with a harp in tow, Weisburn quickly became established as the University’s resident harpist. The attention soon led to requests to perform at multiple high-level events on campus, including the installation of Walsh’s seventh President, Dr. Tim Collins, on November 17, 2020. She has also been able to develop her creativity and love of music as a member of the Walsh Chorale.
“Walsh was very accommodating of the fact that I play the harp. I am not a music major, so most schools did not want to give up the space needed to store my instrument,” said Weisburn. “I have played the harp my entire life. When I met Chorale Director Dr. Britt Cooper, he asked me to join the choir to become more involved in the musical community at Walsh. The best part is that there are people here to help me achieve my goals in any way that they can.”
Weisburn can list many reasons that she was attracted to Walsh, but the most important she’ll tell you is the support she has received in her spiritual journey as a member of Walsh’s faith community.
“Before everything else, every stereotype or title, I am Catholic. However, Walsh has redefined the way I view my faith. It is a commitment to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, serve those who need help, and humbling oneself in the face of adversity. Being Catholic is not a part of my life. It is my life,” said Weisburn. “Throughout my time, I have been encouraged and supported to spread my wings here at Walsh. The number of things I have learned both in the classroom and outside in the community have truly been life altering. I would tell anyone looking at Walsh, the opportunities here are limitless if you are willing to try.”
