Ruth Janisch
Associate Director of Educational Partnerships for College Access & Success
651-696-6645 [email protected]
My college search was limited to schools close to home largely because that is what my family felt we could afford. Having graduated from a small high school, I was excited for the opportunities available on a large campus. Attending the University of Minnesota for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees allowed me to explore many options for furthering my education while maintaining connections with family and friends at home. I was thankful for the opportunity to live on campus even though I was a local student as it allowed me to focus on my academics and campus life. As a student leader with the alternative break program on campus and within our department of outdoor recreation, I found many ways to explore my interests in social justice, leadership and the outdoors.
I am very fortunate to be able to incorporate my passion for college access work with my professional life at Macalester College.
Eli Matzner
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
651-696-6214 [email protected]
I attended Brandeis University, a liberal arts university in Massachusetts, similar to Macalester in its commitment to social justice and multiculturalism. I was fortunate to be able to travel from my home in Wisconsin to live on campus at Brandeis, where I was able to fully participate in college life. My four years there transformed me. I sang in an a cappella group and worked on eleven theatrical productions, which helped me land a great internship at a professional theatre company.
I want every student to be able to have the full college experience I had. Helping students understand the financial aid process and awarding generous aid packages is fulfilling, but I recognize that more support is often needed. I’m passionate about making sure we provide first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds with the resources and guidance they need.
Sedric McClure
Assistant Dean for College Access
651-696-6014 [email protected]
When I began my college search, I had a dream to play division I or division II basketball. After playing basketball for Edison Community College for two years, I decided to forgo playing college basketball and concentrate on my academics. As a first generation college student, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that attending college was more than attending class, basketball practice and working a part time job. I was concerned that I was not going to be able to afford college after foregoing my athletic scholarship funding. Those fears were not realized as I was able to get all the funding I needed to pay out of state tuition and other college related expenses. As a transfer student at Southwest Minnesota State, I got involved in campus activities, programs, and organizations which made my classroom studies more relevant and meaningful to my life and future goals.
I remain committed in reminding prospective college students that it’s possible to become an outstanding student, an athlete, and a participant/leader on camps simultaneously.