Meet the Orientation Leaders: Noah and Sarah

During the summertime, our Orientation Leaders are thoroughly engaging themselves in goals and games to get to know and guide prospective students as well as performing some administrative tasks. They’re sharing with the future freshman their experiences with the many opportunities to get involved in both activities related to one’s major or exploring something new. With this installment of Meet the OLs, seniors Noah Kennard and Sarah Toppin show us another aspect of Heidelberg and how to get involved.

Sarah Toppin, ’22

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“Yes, I am a part of multiple groups on campus. I am a member of Berg UCC, which is a part of Religious Life and we are associated with the United Church of Christ. We are accepting of all and focus on social justice issues, service and spiritual development. I am also a part of the Philalethean Society, which is one of our Greek societies on campus. I am also a part of the Student Alumni Association, which serves as a liaison between future students, current students and alumni, donors and friends. One of the biggest events we put on is TAG Day, or Thank a Donor Day, where we involve all of campus in thanking those who donate to Heidelberg. I am also a part of the Disability Advocacy Division, where we help advocate for those with disabilities and educate Heidelberg’s campus about different disabilities.”

What is your favorite thing about Heidelberg? Do you have a favorite event?

“I love all the activities Berg Events Council puts on for the students. My favorite has to be Late Night Breakfast the night before finals start. It is a great study break, and all the faculty and staff are there to wish the students good luck in their exams and overall, it’s just really fun!”

Which members of the Heidelberg community have helped you the most during your time here?

“Ashley Helmstetter (Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Major Gifts) has helped me a lot. She is so supportive and has given me some amazing opportunities to push myself out of my comfort zone and meet a lot of awesome people.” 

Are there any facilities or departments that you frequently use on campus?

“I use Saurwein Health & Wellness Center to work out and I also work there. I also go to the Owen Center as another place to study when my room becomes too distracting. In the evenings, especially around finals, I will go up to the fourth floor of Adams Hall with a group of people and use that space to study.”

Noah Kennard, ’23

What is your favorite thing about Heidelberg?

“My favorite thing about the university is the never-ending opportunities I have been given. This past year, I was the Greek Life president, and now this year I am the Student Senate president, two things I never would have thought I could say. My favorite event on campus would have to be Labor Stay Weekend. It is 4 days of events that I really enjoy.” 

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“I am involved in Greek Life as the president of my fraternity, Nu Sigma Alpha or the Heids, as well as a member of a corollary, the Delt Guys. I am a member of Student Senate and currently the president. I am a part of the Berg Events Council. I am also a part of Heidelberg University Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a group that runs math camps for local kids, as well as the Chemistry Club.”

Which professors - or staff members - have helped you the most during your time at Heidelberg? 

“Almost all of the faculty and staff I have worked with have been a tremendous help. To shine a light on a specific one, Dr. Lindsey Haubert, my math education professor as well as my faculty advisor, has been a massive help to me with dealing with my evolving schedule and academic needs, and also has been just a terrific professor.”

What advice do you have for first-year students that you wish you knew coming in?

“Get involved early. I waited until the end of my freshman year / beginning of sophomore year to really start getting involved with groups on campus. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there from the very beginning!”

We tune in with Noah and we shout out a big “Get involved early!” Berg UCC, Disability Advocacy Division, BEC or HUCTM: There’s something for every taste, take your pick.

Written by Stefanie Fiume