Reasons I Chose IWU!

Haven Ryburn

"I have adored my time at IWU. There is a space for everyone and anyone to feel at home, supported, and thrive in. I think the opportunities offered at IWU truly facilitate growth. My first time on campus, everyone I talked to seemed so genuinely excited for me to be there. I don’t think any other university could match the support I have felt at IWU. So, come and visit. If you want a college experience where you know someone will always be there to mentor, advocate, support, or just listen; I think you’ll find IWU is a perfect fit."

Graduation Year: 2024

Major: Psychology

Haven is on track to graduate in 4 years. 

David "Nico" Lopez

"My favorite part about attending IWU was meeting an amazing group of friends from all over the world and from so many different backgrounds! It’s an understatement to say that being involved with my group of friends has inspired a lot of personal growth. I really think that IWU was the best possible place for me to go to college because of the high opportunity density and its tight community!"

Graduation Year: 2021

Major: Physics and Computer Science

Nico graduated in 4 years and is now a Software Engineer at Facebook.

Evan Quist

"Illinois Wesleyan has such a great environment for learning, and provides a space for students to go above and beyond, even if it's not in the curriculum. Most colleges ask where you want to go, and then tell you how to get there. IWU let's you blaze your own trail, and supports you the whole way."

Graduation Year: 2023

Major: Finance and Computer Science

Evan is on track to graduate in 4 years. This summer, Evan will be interning at Meta at their main office in Menlo Park, CA.

Ivana Valencia

"If you can envision yourself at a place -- making friends, joining a community, being successful, then that is the place for you. For me, being at Illinois Wesleyan was all about being part of a larger community, family, friends, and the homey feeling I get here."

Graduation Year: 2021

Major: Psychology and Sociology

Ivana graduated in 4 years and is now a Youth Counselor at Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

Joey Kiper

"You have to know yourself. Decide if having professors who 'see' you and take an active interest in your growth is important to your process. IWU has small class sizes that create a personable environment for students and professors to interact. You will find accountability, positive support, and attentiveness in the mentors you encounter at Illinois Wesleyan."

Graduation Year: 2022

Major: Biochemistry

Joey is on track to graduate in 4 years. 

Madeleine Hall

"I chose IWU because I kept coming back. In the end I knew it was the place for me because I felt it. Advice I would give would be to make a pro and con list between your two choices. Weight your pros and cons with numbers between 1 and 10. The institution that has the highest numerical value is probably where you should go. It’s also a great tool to find out what you value most, and how each institution satisfies that."

Graduation Year: 2023

Major: Accounting and English - Literature

Madeleine is on track to graduate in 4 years. 

Janaye Godfrey 

"I chose IWU because of the small class sizes and as a result, the relationship you gain with the staff and faculty. I found I learn way better in a class size of 15 rather than 400 students. I would advise someone who is trying to decide between IWU and another choice, that IWU is like a big family. Everyone on campus wants to see each other succeed and the faculty is here to make sure that your time here is a positive and memorable experience."

Graduation Year: 2021

Major: History

Minor: German 

Janaye graduated in 4 years and is now a J.D. Candidate at Belmont University College of Law.

Marissa Alcala

"Illinois Wesleyan challenged me to become the best student, leader, and person that I could be. If you're not sure what school to go to, try getting in touch with professors or faculty from the department that you may want to major in and ask all the questions you have or see if they can get you in touch with a current student that is in that major. It's one thing to hear how you can succeed here at IWU from a professor, but it makes a difference once you hear it from a current student who was once possibly in the same position as you are." 

Graduation Year: 2020

Major: Psychology

Marissa graduated in 4 years and is now a Registered Behavior Technician at BY YOUR SIDE-Autism Therapy Services

Wah Chook

"The advice I would give to someone that is trying to decide between IWU and another institution is to think about what's important to you and how you envision your college experience going. At IWU, you will be supported and encouraged, you will have so many opportunities because of the close relationships you can form with the community. You get to write your story and plan your path with people that care about you rooting you all the way. "

Graduation Year: 2022

Major: Nursing

Minor: Advocacy (Nonprofit Management Concentration)

Wah is on track to graduate in 4 years and already has lined up a job in the ICU at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Eau Claire, WI for when she graduates.