Cathy Myers, English Teacher at Hononegah High School in Rockton, IL

Hometown/Current City: Iowa City, IA; Janesville, WI

Graduation year: 1984

Major: English

Sorority: Kappa Kappa Gamma

What other degrees have you earned?

M.A.T. Secondary English Education, University of Iowa

M.S. Integrating Technology in the Classroom, Walden University

Please describe your current work.

I teach language and composition to regular-level and AP-level juniors.

What are your future goals?

I will retire in four years, so I’m hoping to end my career with the same focus I had when I started. I am currently on the Janesville, WI, school board and have run for congress in Wisconsin’s first congressional district. I may run for higher office again after retirement.

In terms of your professional life, what would you say is your overarching purpose?

My overarching purpose in my professional life is to see my students changed for the better in terms of skills, behavior, goals and hopes for having been in my class.

How did your time at Westminster help you find your purpose?

Westminster encourages students to take an active role in their school community. There were plenty of opportunities to be involved. My professors expected more of me than I thought I had in me. I push my current students the same way.

Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

Yes, because I want them to have the same kind of experience I had. I know they will find an environment that nurtures them as students and people.

What did you learn about leadership while at Westminster, and how has that translated into your life since graduation?

Everyone has leadership potential. The goal of a good leader is to bring the best out of others. I think I’ve done that on the school board, in my classroom and in leadership roles I’ve had in my school community.

What does success mean to you?

It means having lived a meaningful life doing meaningful work, whatever that is to you.

What is it about Westminster that makes it the kind of community that empowers students to discover their purpose and find success?

It’s the closeness of the Westminster community. I made the best friends of my life at Westminster, especially with women who are more my sisters than my friends. The Dean of Students (Pat Kirby) KNEW me and everyone else and took a personal interest in my success. When you have close relationships like that, you want to make sure you’re living, working, acting as your best self. You don’t want to let anyone down.

Favorite Westminster faculty member?

Only ONE? Dr. Wilkerson, Dr. Collins, Mr. Zade. Mr. Zade helped me grow as a thinker and a writer. Dr. Wilkerson really challenged me to improve my writing during my thesis project. I stayed in touch with Dr. Wilkerson until he passed, and am still in touch with Mr. Zade and Dr. Collins.

Favorite spot on campus?

I loved the Hill, especially during the fall.

Last book you read?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Favorite movie or TV show?

TV show: Right now it’s Schitt’s Creek. Movie: A Christmas Carol, the 1951 version.

Favorite app?

Google Keep, for notes and lists.

Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Waking up slowly by reading the paper, watching CBS Sunday Morning and then catching up with my kids.