Meet Our 2025-2026 Orientation Group Leaders
Orientation Group Leaders’s are current students leaders who ensure our new first year, transfer, and international students have a smooth and positive transition to the McKendree University community.
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Ryleigh Sophomore Sports Management and Sports Psychology Ask Me About: Working Out Cooking and Baking McKendree Softball My Advice Some advice I would give incoming students would to get involved and be social and get to know new people.
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Arianell Sophomore Sociology-Criminal Justice Ask Me About: Debate Team My Advice The best advice I would give is to always get involved as best as you can on campus! There are so many fun events that pop up on campus every year. My personal favorite was during finals week, and there was a petting zoo! Also, another small piece of advice I would give is to look for friends in your classes. You never know the friendships you can make for many years to come just by forming study groups and talking to the person you sit right next to. As long as you’re open to meeting new people, you will make many great friends during your college years! |
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Jayla Junior Business Administration Ask Me About: My Advice: Don’t get too distracted by the party life, but also start getting involved early on. Employers, or those giving out scholarships/internships, don’t just look to see whether or not you were involved in a couple things on campus, they are also looking at what you were involved in whether you’ve had the same commitments all 4 years of college! Stay focused, but also have fun! You only get this experience once in your life. It’ll all go by so fast and you’ll wish you did XY and Z. With all of that being said, Welcome to the Bearcat Family! |
Elizabeth Senior Double Major— sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice and communication Ask Me About: My Advice: Turn your homework in on time |
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Tristen Senior Cybersecurity Ask Me About: Inter Greek Council My Advice: Try and do as much as you can. You get back what you put in |
Taylor Sophomore Music Education-Vocal Emphasis Ask Me About: Residence Life Music Department/Music Education Improv Literary Interest Society Theatre Department My Advice: And just advice in general, I am always willing to help and if I don’t know the answer we can learn together :) Be yourself and know that McKendree has your back. The amazing and diverse individuals on campus is what makes our school so great, and you are going to fit in just fine. If you ever need ANYTHING, everyone is super willing to help no matter how silly the question may seem. Just know that you are an amazing and unique person, and the change may be scary, but everyone is here to help and excited to meet you. |
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Georgia Senior Physical Education Ask Me About: Pickleball The Hub is my favorite study spot Ski is my favorite soda My Advice: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, everyone else is new to college too! Introduce yourself first, try something different, or join a new group. You'll be surprised how many other people are looking to make friends and find their place, just like you. |
Morgan Sophomore Elementary Education Ask Me About: Student Ambassadors Color Guard Campus events and getting involved in new things My Advice: Cherish the memories you make and get involved in anything you’re interested in. Time flies by when you’re having fun!! |
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Jake Senior Chemistry Ask Me About: Men's Rugby
My Advice: Stay consistent. This is one of the first times you'll experience freedom. Remember to go to class ans take care of yourself. |
Alixandria (Ali) Senior Psychology Minor: Sports Psychology Member of the softball team Ask Me About: McKendree Softball Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) My Advice: Get involved early—even if you're unsure—because it's the best way to meet people and feel connected at McKendree. Don’t skip NSO events; they might seem cheesy, but they truly help you find your place and meet new people. Once classes start, create a routine that balances academics, social life, and rest so you don’t get overwhelmed. And don’t forget to explore Lebanon—check out the local coffee shops, downtown spots, and take day trips to St. Louis when you need a change of scenery. |
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A’Niye Senior Elementary Education Ask Me About: National Association of Colored Women’s Club Black Student Organization Golden Apple Scholar Campus Involvement My Advice: My biggest advice to incoming students is to get out and do as much as you can. Say yes to opportunities & participate in events even if you have to go alone. You should also always put yourself out there to meet new people. College is the experience that truly shapes the rest of your life, so make the most of every moment. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow and create memories that last a lifetime. |
Brooke Senior Biopsychology Ask Me About: I am a member of the Beach Volleyball team at McKendree and part of the Student Athlete
Advisory Committee. My Advice: Get to know your peers and the people in your classes! Introduce yourself, you're all in a new place meeting new people. |
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Maram Junior Biopsychology Ask Me About: Shopping Powerlifting Getting involved Greek life My Advice: Be yourself! Don’t change who you are coming in to college! |
Keianna Senior Athletic training Ask Me About: National Association of Colored Women’s Club Black Student Organization. Swim and Dive team Hanging out with friends . My Advice: Enjoy your college years! They go by quick. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people! |
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Aliyah Junior Marketing/Management Ask Me About: Color Guard National Association of Colored Women’s Club Young Feminist Club Social Media Chair My Advice: College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it will pass faster than you think. Make the most of it by stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, and embracing every opportunity that comes your way. You never know—the people you meet could turn into lifelong friends. Cherish the journey, be present in the moment, and make memories that will stay with you forever. |
Divine Senior Biopsychology Ask Me About: Health and Psychology Running Mentoring and working with youth National Association of Colored Women’s Club Black Student Organization My Advice: I implore you to take full advantage of every resource available to you. College will definitely be challenging but don’t hesitate to seek support. |
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Sara Sophomore Elementary Education Ask Me About: Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority Health and working out Shopping Reading Books My Advice: Say ‘Yes’ to as many things as you can. McKendree has so many amazing opportunities! Make the absolute most out of McKendree. |
Ruby Junior Healthcare Administration Ask Me About: Wrestling Rugby My Advice: Although it is a smaller campus I believe it to be better since you get more one on one time with instructors and get to know your classmates. |
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Helena Sophomore Biology Ask Me About: Track and Field My Advice: Always be open to everything and everyone! |
Ra’Niyah Senior Accounting Ask Me About: Black Student Organization Accounting Club My Advice: You won’t know what you don’t like until you give it a try, so try everything, especially if it’s free! |
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Malaia Junior Biopsychology and Elementary Education Ask Me About: Getting involved Local hangouts Cheerleading and school spirit Shopping! My Advice: It’s okay not to have it all figured out whether it is your major, your future, your identity—it’s all a process. You’re allowed to explore. College goes fast so enjoy it. Make memories, take pictures, and say yes to (safe) adventures. |
Olivia Sophomore Healthcare Management Ask Me About: Sports Shopping Getting Involved Local Hangouts My Advice: Step outside your comfort zone, live life to the fullest and be open to new experiences. |
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Ellie Senior Communication and a Minor in Marketing Ask Me About: Sports School Spirit Getting Involved, Knowing your way around the school and outside towns for fun activities My Advice: Get to know all the people around you not just the people in your sport or core involvements. |
Mollie Senior Physical Education and Sports Performance Ask Me About: - being a student athlete My Advice: You get out of the experience what you put in the experience. |
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Titus Senior Sports management and Secondary history education Ask Me About: Rugby team Alpha Delta Gamma Phi Eta Sigma My Advice: Don’t worry about fitting in. Find what’s important to you and your people will find you. |
