Emmanuel Segbedzi '23
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Computer Science major and Biology minor from Accra, Ghana
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New Student Orientation (NSO) leader
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UNI 101 Peer Mentor
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Student Government Association (SGA) President
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Member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
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Bearcat Cross Country and Track & Field Teams
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Volunteer for the Center for Community Service and Center for Faith & Spirituality
by Stephanie (Coartney) Dulaney '10
When Emmanuel Segbedzi '23 was searching for the perfect university, he knew he wanted to go somewhere that
he could make a difference. Even if it meant traveling thousands of miles from his
hometown in Ghana, Emmanuel’s philosophy of thriving where you’re planted inspired
him to put down roots at McKendree, where he felt empowered to contribute his own
talents to the benefit of the entire community.
“I started getting involved with Student Government Association (SGA) my freshmen
year as a meeting attendant to get a conceptual learning process of addressing student-related
problems,” he said.
"I got enlightened by the discussions and all the agenda proposed for the student body,
so I took a further step to run as a senator to participate in the solution and decision-making
process."
This year Emmanuel was elected SGA President, and he already has an ambitious list
of goals to accomplish. Furthering social justice issues on campus, improving communication
through the McKendree App, and launching an inter-college allegiance board are just
a few of the highlights.
"As the author John Maxwell said, ‘The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist
expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.’ I ran for SGA President to be
the leader that adjusts the sails," said Emmanuel.
In addition to his campus activism, Emmanuel is a valued athlete on the Bearcat Cross
Country and Track & Field teams, as well as a Computer Science major. His passion
for working with others and learning from different perspectives has enabled him to
apply a unique mindset to projects in the classroom and in his personal life. “I chose
to major in Computer Science because I knew how important looking at problems and
ideas from different angles and finding new solutions would be in almost any profession,”
he said.
As an international student, Emmanuel has found this wide range of perspectives and
close campus community to be just what he needed in a university. He takes great pleasure
in encouraging others to add their own voices to McKendree through his work as NSO
Leader and UNI 101 Peer Mentor to first-year students. At his best when he’s collaborating
with others, Emmanuel is making his mark through his passion for problem-solving and
determination to make the most out of his time as a Bearcat.
Learn more about McKendree University.
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