Katie Ashe '08

Major: Music (vocal performance emphasis)

Minor: French

Home town: Belvidere, New Jersey

Activities and honors: Program for the Exceptionally Gifted; Concert Choir (president); President’s Society (co-chair); Miscellany literary magazine (editor); Baldwin Christian Ministries Council (treasurer); Omicron Delta Kappa (national leadership honor society); Honors Scholar

Career ambitions: I hope to go on to graduate school in choral conducting. One day, I’d like to teach music and conduct performing groups at the university level.

What do you like best about Mary Baldwin? Each student is treated as an individual. The faculty and staff are supportive of students’ endeavors and are always willing to help make possible unconventional ventures.

What’s your favorite MBC tradition? Christmas Cheer, definitely. I enjoy singing during the service and hearing others perform. It brings the whole campus together for a time of celebration during the high stress time of early December when finals are fast approaching.

How is MBC helping you reach your goals? I am a student in the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) and that allowed me to begin my college career when it was right for me. I like to stay challenged and compelled by my studies, and through that program, I’ve already accomplished that goal. My professors have been able to help me further my career because they’ve made the effort to know who I am. For example, my voice teacher knows that I hope to pursue conducting and helped me find a job as a church choir director.

What advice would you give to someone considering Mary Baldwin College? Visit campus. Nothing can compare to actually walking around, seeing the buildings, talking to students, and attending a class. And remember that the beauty of a liberal arts college is that one dabbles in a little bit of everything, so MBC is perfect for someone who has too many interests to choose!