A Summary of Experiential Learner of the Year
Matt Connell’s First Semester

By Tanya cornell-kestler

Be true to your school.

Those are words that Matthew Connell lived by as a student at Holland Patent High School, where he volunteered during study hall, after school, and during vacations. He also worked with learning-disabled students at the elementary school and volunteered in the religious education program at his local church. 

And, they are words that have carried over to the 2005-06 Experiential Learner of the Year’s freshman year at Keuka. 

Connell works in the Office of Admissions, serves as treasurer of Space Hall Council, participates in yearbook, sings with a vocal group during Sunday chapel, and is helping to resurrect the College’s radio station as a member of the Radio Club.

“I love working with prospective students and giving tours [in the Office of Admissions], especially since it was only one year ago that I was [the prospective student],” said Connell, who is majoring in unified childhood education with a concentration in world history.

Part of the conditions of Connell’s fellowship is that he works for the Center for Experiential Learning. But, Connell felt he could better fulfill the role of “ambassador” for the College in admissions.

“In the Center for Experiential Learning, I worked with current students,” said Connell. “I thought I could better promote the school and make a bigger difference in admissions.”

“Matt still has obligations to do projects for experiential education as part of his fellowship,” said Executive Vice President Carolanne Marquis. “However, he is doing a fine job in admissions. His work is enthusiastic and very much appreciated. He is a great ambassador for Keuka College.”

Connell stumbled on Keuka through a high school acquaintance and current Keuka student, Kristan DeGeorgio. He applied to two SUNY schools and three other private colleges, and was leaning toward one of the SUNY schools before finding out about Keuka’s Experiential Learner of the Month program.

In addition to Keuka’s small size, Connell appreciates the College’s family-like atmosphere, something he likens to Holland Patent.

Connell will return to his high school for January Field Period. He is “stepping outside of his comfort zone” and conducting the month-long internship in an English class.

“English is not my subject,” said Connell, who also plans to sit in on a few American Sign Language classes during his Field Period to determine whether he should pursue the subject as a concentration at Keuka.

So far, so good where academics are concerned.

“Classes are going well,” said Connell. “There’s more homework here than there was in high school, but that’s to be expected.

“The College is living up to my expectations and so much more.”