Grace McDowell '17
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Senior speech communication major from Mount Vernon, Ill.
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Bearcat Pride Award winner for 2016
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Named to the President’s List every semester
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Core Team President and Bible study leader for Campus Ministries
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New Student Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor
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Journalist for the McKendree Review student newspaper
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St. Louis Stray Rescue volunteer
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Contestant on “McKendree Idol” and “McKendree’s Got Talent”
by Stephanie (Coartney) Dulaney '10
When you’re proud to be a McKendree Bearcat, your school spirit goes deeper than the
number of games you attend or how much purple you wear. Senior Grace McDowell '17 knows that Bearcat pride means being part of a community that supports one another,
knows how to have fun, and helps you grow along the way.
As a first-year student, Grace knew she wanted to take advantage of every opportunity
to get involved in McKendree’s vibrant student life. With countless clubs, organizations,
volunteer groups, and student events to choose from, the close-knit campus offered
her endless creative outlets for her many passions and interests. She joined Show
Choir, took a leadership role in the Campus Ministries team, wrote articles for the McKendree Review, volunteered as a dog walker for a local shelter, and mentored the next class of
McKendree students at New Student Orientation (NSO).
“Although I’m not a student athlete, I wanted to find other ways to get involved and
meet other students,” Grace said.
“McKendree has so many opportunities for students to get involved. I’ve learned a lot about myself, gained leadership skills, and made friends with students I may have never met otherwise.”
Now a senior, she’s thankful for the countless memories, friendships, and experiences
that she said “yes” to during her time on campus. Some of her favorite stories include
the time she sang her heart out in McKendree Idol, meeting her best friend in Show
Choir, and the thrill of welcoming a brand new group of students to campus for NSO.
“Being a contestant on McKendree Idol for three years was such a blast! Singing and
performing with other students who have the same passion as me was a thrilling experience
I’ll never forget,” she recalls. “Joining Show Choir, I was part of a team that encouraged
each other and helped build each other’s confidence. I’ll always remember the blood,
sweat, and glitter that went into those dances! As an NSO leader, I was able to connect
with the freshman class and help ease their transition at McKendree. NSO is one of
the most exciting times of the year, and it made me proud to be a Bearcat.”
Grace’s zest for soaking up the full McKendree experience led her to receive honors
last spring as one of the top inspirational student leaders on campus. She won the
Bearcat Pride Award for her spirit of involvement and dedication to making others’
college experience unforgettable too.
“Join an organization, volunteer, become a student leader,” she tells new students.
“Even if you aren’t an athlete, McKendree provides ample opportunities to build a
community with others. These are experiences you won’t look back on with regret!”
Learn more about McKendree University and the many student organizations available.
Make It McKendree
