5 Things: Liz Zak

Sometimes, people know what they want to do with their lives very early on. That’s Liz Zak. “My high school had a career tech program … I did the agriculture science program all four years,” says Liz. That experience confirmed for her that she wanted to pursue a career as a veterinarian, working with exotic animals. She’s well on her way. But there’s more to this animal lover and dog mom from Oregon, Ohio.

Alumni connection

During her senior year in high school, Liz met ‘Berg alum Dr. Susan Orosz, ’76, a veterinarian whose expertise is birds and exotic animals. Susan, who has worked with Liz’s high school program, suggested Heidelberg. Liz “fell in love with everything about it.” Biology was a natural career progression. “I’ve always loved the sciences,” she says. As a sophomore, she’s just scratched the surface of courses in her major, but she looks forward to getting a lot more in-depth in the coming semesters.

Alva’s mom

Wherever Liz goes on campus, she gets a reaction. The attraction is her constant companion Alva, an adorable 10-week-old Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy. Alva is a service dog in training who Liz is currently fostering. Not long ago, Liz became associated with 4 Paws for Ability, an organization that trains service dogs for children with disabilities and veterans with PTSD. 4 Paws “has such a rewarding outcome on the receiving end,” says Liz. Earlier this semester, she fostered 2-year-old Olano, who graduated to advanced training. She’s teaching Alva appropriate behavior, proper manners, how to stay focused and not get distracted – “just getting her used to being out in the world.” Alva will be with Liz for probably a year and will be evaluated, as Olano was, for her next steps. “I got involved with 4 Paws because this could save a life. The ways (a service dog) could change and impact a life is amazing,” she says.

Phi sisterhood

With one older sister at home and two half-siblings who have moved on, Liz was looking for a group of people who she could consistently count on, and she found them here on campus. Last spring, she pledged the Philalethean Society. “It’s been amazing. I love all my sisters and brother,” says Liz. “The Phis really were the home away from home I was looking for.” She says she also enjoys the many connections with Phi alumni.

Hello, Heidelberg calling

Speaking of Heidelberg alumni, Liz gets to engage in conversation regularly with lots of them as a caller for The Heidelberg Fund phonathon – a job she found “terrifying” at first. “It’s lots of fun once you get into it,” she says. Asking for money isn’t for the faint of heart, but Liz says there’s always an alum or two that makes her job worthwhile and interesting. “After 30 ‘no’s,’ you’ll get to talk to that one alum who changes everything. It’s really fun.”

Graceful by design

So, what’s one thing that is surprising about Liz? She spent 13 years training as a ballet dancer, beginning at age 5, alongside her sister. “For how clumsy I am, I was very graceful with ballet,” she says. She took lessons and was part of a competition team until she gave up ballet a few years ago.