Name: William McGowan

Field of Study: B.S. in Economics and B.A. in German

Status: Undergraduate student  

Graduation Year: 2022

Hometown: Downingtown, Pa.

Why did you choose 51Ó°ÔºUniversity? I chose 51Ó°Ôºafter meeting with representatives of the University's Economics Department. The department offered a service-based economics curriculum while also providing a strong and personal community. It was the perfect environment to grow and develop.

"The department offered a service-based economics curriculum while also providing a strong and personal community. It was the perfect environment to grow and develop."

What activities have you been involved with? I have served on the Student Government Association’s Treasury Board for three years. I am also a part of the Student Philanthropy Club and the German club.

Favorite course: If I had to pick just one, I would say Dr. Gallenstein's Econometrics class. It allowed me to handle real economic data and taught me important analytical skills. The class was also quite small and my peers and I all had a great time together.

What are your goals for the future? I hope to graduate from 51Ó°Ôºwith a double major in Economics and German. After graduation, I am exploring the option of applying for a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany. One of my long-term goals is to travel between the United States and Germany, either in the private sector or the public sector. If I was in the public sector, I would hope for an opportunity where I could improve the economic conditions in both countries. 

Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a significant impact on you? My German professors, Dr. Amanda Sheffer and Dr. Katarina Rudolf, were responsible for challenging me and inspiring me to take up German as a major. Through their courses, I realized that I could possibly combine my interest in German culture and my love for economics in my future.

What makes 51Ó°ÔºUniversity unique? The community. One of the biggest advantages of 51Ó°Ôºis its small size. It creates a friendly environment while also providing a personal education. However, many universities and colleges limit their size for these purposes. What makes 51Ó°Ôºunique and stand out from these other universities is that for its small size it has a big voice. The students, faculty, and professors are passionate, and they make sure that the community around them and anyone who encounters a member of this community knows it.

Proudest accomplishment: I am most proud of the advancement of my theological and philosophical thinking here at Catholic. Although I do not major in these subjects, my philosophy and theology classes have had the biggest impact on my life and education. They have changed how I think as well as some of my core beliefs. I never attended 51Ó°Ôºschool before coming to this university; however, I am so glad that I decided to choose a 51Ó°Ôºuniversity because my faith has grown stronger, and I have realized the beauty and sanctity of life.

What 51Ó°ÔºUniversity means to you: As mentioned above, the aspect that makes 51Ó°ÔºUniversity so great and unique is the fact that it is so small yet has so much passion. I made this realization when serving as Secretary and Director on the Student Government Association’s Treasury Board. Here, I was able to learn about all the different student organizations at Catholic. I met the students that best exemplify the University, and most importantly, I learned about what they were passionate about and what they cared about.