Meet the 2014-15 Westminster Fund Phonathon Callers
Each year Westminster Phonathon callers reach out to alumni to thank them for their support of the College, update them on the latest Westminster news, and ask for their support of the Westminster Fund. This group of students is a great representation of life at Westminster – diverse, energetic, and fun. Below, read about each student.
Photo above, first row: Fatima Jafari, Angela Miller, Maya Sosa, Sydney VanHook, Meghan Todd, Amelia Knipfel. Second row, Matt McCormack, Phil Shoults, Kayla Rosenkrans, and Westminster Director of Annual Programs Dianne Lowry.
Christopher Goodwin ’18
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
High School: Neosho High School
Major: Business Management
Why did you choose Westminster?
The environment seemed comfortable and was the perfect place to focus on academics while still playing sports.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in: Beta Theta Pi, Westminster football
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
Being apart of Beta Theta Pi because I have finally found a group of brothers that already treat me like family.
Favorite spot on campus?
My bed in the quad
Favorite class or professor and why?
American government and politics with Tobias Gibson because it is geared exactly to my learning style. This keeps me engaged and I feel that the class will help with my profession some day.
Career plans after college?
I have no specific field planned however I want to be running a large division of a company or hold a high position in a corporation.
Interesting facts about you?
- I actually like the thought of waking up in the future everyday putting on a nice suit and going to meetings, shaking hands, and negotiating deals.
- I read for fun often.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
The stories you hear from alumni
Fatima Jafari ’18
Hometown: Kabul, Afghanistan
High School: United World College- NM
Major: International Business, Psychology
Why did you choose Westminster?
I liked the international community here at Westminster. I am in love with the Westminster business programs and other academic opportunities either in the country or abroad.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in: International Club, Student Ambassador. I am interested in joining Volleyball and other clubs in my years at Westminster.
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
Student Ambassadors because in this organization I can get more involved in the college activities and its relationships with its alumni.
Favorite spot on campus?
In general I like walking around campus at night. Sitting near columns and the garden outside museum.
Favorite class or professor and why?
Social Psychology class is my favorite class because it is the most relevant subject to our individual life.
Career plans after college?
Attending a graduate school. After my studies, I want to start my own business back in my country.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I am the oldest child of my family with five siblings.
- I love teaching and I am planning to be a teacher at some point in my life.
- I was born and grew up in Iran until I was 14.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
Being able to connect and talk to past graduates of college. Also I like the nice friendly attitude of callers.
Amelia Knipfel ’19
Hometown: Martinsburg MO
High School: Community R-VI
Major: Business Administration and Psychology
Why did you choose Westminster?
I was already very familiar with Westminster and I liked the small size of the school.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in: Alpha Gamma Delta, Softball
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
Alpha Gamma Delta because everyone is like a second family and I know I could go to my sisters for anything.
Favorite spot on campus: JCI
Favorite class or professor and why?
Ethics because it is a very interesting class, and the professor makes it entertaining.
Career plans after college?
I want to be a human resource manager.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I have 2 nephews.
- I’ve gotten to pilot an air plane.
- My favorite color is blue.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
Listening to alumni talk about their time here at Westminster.
Matthew McCormack ’16
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Christian Brothers College High School
Major: Communications
Why did you choose Westminster?
I first stepped foot on Westminster’s campus on October 8, 2011 for a “Welcome to Westminster Day.” During the visit, I got a sense of what the small liberal arts college was like from those who spoke as well as from my two tour guides, Sarah and Jeannae. At the end of my visit, I learned so much about Westminster. Everyone to whom I spoke on October 8 made me feel special. I know that I’ve made the right decision to attend Westminster because people on this campus continue to make me feel special. In the classroom setting, for example, I am supported by a number of professors who have taught me. Furthermore, the students are kind and helpful.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in:
I am a Service Corps Executive Board Member. This job involves planning various service events throughout the year such as the popular “Into the Streets” event in the fall and the Martin Luther King Service Day in the spring. I am a reporter for the school newspaper, “The Columns.” I love writing and sharing the latest news with the campus.
I am a member of Phi Delta Theta, one of the six fraternities on campus. Greek Life has been a wonderful way for me to meet new people. I like the accountability that Phi Delta Theta has of putting the pressure on its members to get involved on campus and earn good grades.
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
There are two activities that I like discussing with others, Phonathon Calling and writing for the school newspaper. I feel these two jobs represent my passion of communicating, writing, and listening to the special stories from alumni and those members of the campus community.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus is Newnham Hall because of the special Spanish classes of mine that have been held in this building.
Favorite class or professor and why?
When I think about the classes that have affected me the most, it has been my Spanish classes. I have enjoyed learning a foreign language, but it has not always been easy. Whenever I have struggled with the grammar concepts such as the pluperfect, imperfect, and preterit tenses, my Spanish professors have always been ready to help me through my challenges.
Career plans after college?
The career that runs through my mind when I think about my future is working in the journalism industry, perhaps as one who reports the news in Spanish. I would like to have a job where I am using the foreign language every day. Constantly using Spanish in the future will allow the language to stay fresh in my mind, and I know that I will continue to learn even more about Spanish by keeping up with it.
Three interesting facts about you”
- I am the first person in my family to attend Westminster.
- I am the youngest of four children.
- I have a big heart for animals.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
What I like the most about being a phonathon caller is the ability to speak with alumni who have all kinds of views toward Westminster. Most people who I call have enjoyed their time at Westminster but others have not. For those who have not had the best of times at Westminster, I hope my conversation has changed their viewpoint toward the college in some way. I really do like to hear the stories and opinions about the college from those who have walked the halls of Westminster before me.
Moreover, I know that when my phonathon shift has been completed for the day, I can walk back to my room knowing that I made a difference. Being a phonathon caller means more than raising money for the school. This job means that I can make an impact on the individual to whom I spoke, regardless if that person donates or not. I hope that alumni can spread the good news of Westminster to others based on my phone call.
Lastly, the other student callers with whom I work share the same passion as I do about our job. They are energetic, funny, and outstanding people.
Angela Miller ’18
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
High School: Covenant Christian Ministries Academy
Major: Criminology
Why did you choose Westminster?
I liked the family feel on campus and the self-design major program.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in:
Westminster Volleyball, Project Connect
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
I love volleyball but I have to say that being a part of Project Connect is the organization that means the most to me because it helps African American students keep in contact with each other.
Favorite spot on campus? JCI
Favorite class or professor and why?
My favorite class would have to be ethics with Rich Geenan because he makes the subject interesting and he makes us think harder about our stance on certain issues while still being consistent in others.
Career plans after college?
I want to go on to graduate school and then eventually get a job.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I am learning how to swim.
- My favorite color is turquoise.
- I like to travel a lot.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
I like talking to alumni and listening to their stories about their time on campus.
Phonathon callers Kayla Rosencrans and Meghan Todd
Kayla Rosenkrans ’19
Hometown: Hannibal, MO
High School: Hannibal Senior High School
Major: Biology/Nursing/Global Public Health
Why did you choose Westminster?
I chose Westminster College to pursue my education in nursing for many different reasons. One reason is because I knew all of the incredible opportunities I could potentially have by going here. Another reason I chose to come here is because it reminded me of home. Westminster is my little home away from home.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is JCI. I spend a lot of time in there, and many times my friends and I eat dinner there most every day. It’s just a convenient and comfortable spot here on campus.
Favorite class or professor and why?
My favorite class here on campus was my seminar class with Dr. Miller. She kept us going and was always there to talk whenever we needed her. We got to get involved with our community in more ways than one, and she also pushed us past our comfort zones. This made everyone explore themselves more and find hidden talents.
Career plans after college?
After college, I plan to go back to my hometown and pursue a career in pediatric nursing. It has always been a dream of mine to wake up and go to bed every day knowing I have helped someone today.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I’m lactose intolerant. But my favorite food is Mac-N-Cheese.
- I was a special needs tutor for a year before I came to college.
- I am almost 19 years old, and I can barely stay afloat in water. I have no interest in learning how to swim.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
I like the fact that I get to talk to different people who have been in my shoes before. It’s my favorite when I get to call older alumni who are also bio majors. It kind of gives me a little insight on how their lives turned out, and how happy they were here at Westminster.
Phillip Shoults ’18
Hometown: Hazelwood Missouri
High School Hazelwood West High School
Major: History and Education
Why did you choose Westminster? I chose Westminster because I was wanting to get a good education while being able to play football.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in?
Football, Anime and Table Top Gaming Club
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
The football team because it is a fun thing to play and be a part of.
Favorite spot on campus? Sloss Lounge
Favorite class or professor and why? Dr. Leonard because he made the class a whole lot of fun.
Career plans after college? To be a high school history teacher.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I read a lot of books.
- I know a lot of weird facts.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
I get to talk to a lot of interesting people.
Maya Sosa ’16
Hometown: Florissant, MO
High School: Rosati-Kain High School
Major: Spanish & Secondary Education
Why did you choose Westminster?
I loved the small school atmosphere and how friendly everyone was! Also it was close to home while still putting some distance between myself and my family, so I could feel independent but drive home whenever I wanted.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in:
Kappa Alpha Theta, Praise and Worship Team, Cheerleading, Education Association, Spanish Club
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
My sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, because it allowed me to meet some incredible women and make lifelong friends. It gave me a family away from home.
Favorite spot on campus?
The trail by Stinson Creek. I love to go running on it throughout the year, and during the spring and fall it looks so beautiful with all the changing trees.
Favorite class or professor and why?
Secondary School Teaching with Dr. Cowles, because we got to work in groups to create our own “schools” and create and teach our own classes. It was fun and I really started to think ahead to being a teacher in my own classroom someday soon.
Career plans after college?
Teach middle school or high school Spanish. Or move to a Spanish-speaking country and teach English. I haven’t decided yet.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I have dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico.
- This past summer I traveled to Argentina through a program with Westminster to study in Buenos Aires for a month and practice my Spanish. It was the trip of a lifetime!
- I really like cats and I’m most likely going to be a crazy cat lady when I get older.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
I love getting to talk to alumni and hear their stories about why they loved their time at Westminster. It’s also fun to connect with alumni who were involved in the same activities or had the same professors as me, and to see how things have changed over time.
Phonathon callers Kayla Rosencrans and Meghan Todd
Meghan Todd ’14
Hometown: Warrenton, Missouri
High School: Warrenton High School
Major: Elementary Education
Why did you choose Westminster?
I love the small campus and the hometown feel. Everyone is so friendly and it is a wonderful environment.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be JCI. There is almost always music playing, and it is a nice place to talk, hang out with friends, or grab a snack!
Favorite class or professor and why?
My favorite professor is Nate Leonard. He is very laid back, and he helped me make the transition from high school kid to college kid. He is always there if I need to talk, and he is an excellent teacher as well!
Career plans after college?
After college I plan to get a teaching job in an elementary school close to home.
Three interesting facts about you?
- I guess an interesting fact about me would be that I once fed a tiger. Tigers are my favorite animal, so feeding one was the coolest experience ever. I had to use a long rod and it was through a chain link fence, but it was still awesome all the same.
- Another interesting fact is that I love photography. I have two cameras (one of which is a Polaroid). Photography has always been an escape for me, and I will always love it.
- Finally, I’m a Harry Potter freak. I’ve seen every movie ten times over, and I know a lot of the dialogue and random facts about them. Some may say my obsession is unhealthy … Oh well.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
The best thing about being a phonathon caller is talking to really nice alumni. Sometimes, they’ll talk to you for nearly 30 minutes, and it is quite an enjoyable experience. They always have amazing stories to tell about their time on campus, and the conversation usually leaves me in a much better mood.
Sydney Van Hook (right)
Sydney VanHook ’19
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo
High School: Incarnate Word Academy
Major: International Studies with Pre-Med
Why did you choose Westminster?
I chose Westminster because it is an amazing school with so many opportunites for students to succeed and it’s close to home so I go home a lot.
Westminster organizations and/or activities involved in:
Cheerleading and Performing Arts Club
What activity or organization means the most to you and why?
Performing Arts Club is my favorite because music and theatre have always been a huge part of my life and it’s great I get to continue to do what I love in college!
Favorite spot on campus? Definitely JCI or the dining hall. Can’t go wrong with food.
Favorite class or professor and why?
I love my Play in Performance class, I get to brush up on all my basic acting skills and learn things that are new and it’s so much fun.
Career plans after college?
I would love to go to Medical School and become a surgeon for the Doctors Without Borders Organization
Three interesting facts about you?
- I’ve met Miley Cyrus.
- I’ve been a competitive swimmer all my life.
- I can lick my elbow.
What do you like best about being a phonathon caller?
I love hearing about all the amazing things the alumni have done after graduating!
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