鈥淚f you want a school that is about building relationships and opportunities, then Wittenberg is the place for you!鈥�
Rachel Ross from Westerville, Ohio, knows what it means to be a scholar-athlete. The math major, with a statistics concentration, and business minor came to Wittenberg with a knowledge of numbers and a passion for athletics.
鈥淚 have always been good with numbers and have enjoyed being around people and that's why I chose the combination of math major and business minor. I felt having a math major would open a lot of doors for me in the future since a lot of people do not like math and find it challenging,鈥� Ross recalls.
Performing well in the classroom and on the field, Ross has earned no small number of accolades.
鈥淭here are a lot of accomplishments that I am really proud of at Wittenberg but what stands out is being nominated for the John Wooden Citizenship Cup Award as well as being an Academic All-American. These awards represent what Wittenberg is all about: academics, extra-curricular activities, athletics and leadership. I was pretty excited about breaking the all-time career wins record as a pitcher as well.鈥�
Knowing that victories are often the result of team efforts, Ross cites her professors and coaches as playing a significant role in her success.
鈥淥ne of my professors that I really look up to is Dr. Wendy Gradwohl. She has helped me grow both as a student and person and encouraged me to try things out of my comfort zone. Her care for students鈥� learning, her positive nature in all situations, and her praise of students鈥� accomplishments have made her someone that I admire. I could name at least 10 other professors, coaches and administrators who have had positive impacts on me and helped me obtain my goals through out college.鈥�
Following graduation, Ross will take up a position with Fifth Third Bank鈥檚 Commercial Leadership Program in Cincinnati.
Her advice to future students: explore every opportunity to try something new.
鈥淚f you want a school that is about building relationships and opportunities, then Wittenberg is the place for you! I have been able to hold multiple leadership roles on campus, excel and have success as an athlete, conduct research, attend academic conferences, have dinner at my professors鈥� homes, get internship experience and join a sorority. I don't think any other school would have allowed me to have all these opportunities. Both the opportunities and people make Wittenberg such a special place!鈥�
