Class of 2024

Graduate Apprentice for Undergraduate Admissions

Howard was born in Taiwan, but spent most of his life in Chile before coming to the United States for university. He is a 2022 Elon University graduate, receiving a degree in Psychology and International and Global Studies. While at Elon, Howard served as a Resident Assistant, alongside being a AV Event Specialist with Media Services and an International Student Ambassador. Howard was also a member of the men’s club volleyball team at Elon. Deciding to step out of his comfort zone and live as an International student in the U.S., Howard has had a transformative experience. He hopes to use his personal journey to provide similar opportunities for more International students.

Graduate Apprentice for Residence Life (Global Neighborhood)

Julia DeWitt is from Northford, Connecticut. She received a degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University in 2022. While at her undergraduate institution, Julia served as a Resident Assistant, worked at her campus recreation office as a supervisor, as well as volunteer at the campus food pantry and community women & family shelter. Julia is passionate about the transformative nature of the college experience, in which students grow and learn both inside and outside the classroom. Through the MHE program, she strives to become a professional who supports and engages students as they embark on their unique journeys.

Graduate Apprentice for First Generation Student Support Services

Darynha Gnep is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a 2021 graduate from the University of Virginia, where he received a degree in Youth and Social Innovation. Throughout his time at UVA, Darynha served on the University Student Council, was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, and worked as an orientation leader. Darynha most recently served as a Student Affairs Fellow for Orientation and New Student Programs before joining the Elon MHE program. Through various avenues of guided exploration led by various mentors, Darynha was able to see himself within the higher education landscape. He hopes to continue on creating a community learning environment that centers around student self-agency as a professional.

Graduate Apprentice for Student Conduct

Elana Gutmann is from Morgantown, West Virginia. She received a degree in Global Studies from Shepherd University in 2022. While an undergraduate student at Shepherd, Elana served as a Resident Assistant, worked as a Student Ambassador in the Undergraduate Admissions office, served as the student government president, and was an active member of Delta Zeta. Elana wants to pursue higher education in order to support students during their holistic college experience and beyond. She strongly believes that the college experience is an opportunity for students to make mistakes and learn from them, serving as an experience that can facilitate and promote personal growth for all individuals.

Graduate Apprentice for the Center for Leadership

Stephen Gyan is from Accra, Ghana. He is a 2018 graduate of Ashesi University where he earned a degree in Business Administration. During his time in undergrad, Stephen served on the University’s student government and worked as a teaching assistant in the Business Administration department post-graduation. He also worked as programs coordinator for the Education Collaborative department at the University. Stephen has also gained professional experience working with an education-focused non-profit that provides access to exceptional students living in poverty in Ghana. Stephen is wanting to pursue Higher Education to participate in the building of campus cultures that will provide the best learning experiences and opportunities to enhance students’ holistic potential.

Graduate Apprentice for Residence Life (Historic Neighborhood)

Mac MacKinnon is from Monroe, North Carolina. Mac is a 2022 graduate of North Carolina State University where she graduated with a degree in Communications. While at NCSU, Mac served as a Resident Assistant for three years and participated on the university RA council. She also was a member of Italian Club and volunteered with her community YMCA. Whenever Mac looks to those who inspire her, she sees a great thirst for knowledge and supporting others. These interactions have opened the door to the possibilities that Higher Education can provide for her. Mac is excited to be part of a space where she can positively impact the journey of a student while learning new ways to support them.

Graduate Apprentice for Moseley Campus Center

Marie-Clare Ofoegbu is from Falling Waters, West Virginia. She is a 2022 graduate from Stevenson University with a degree in Communication Studies. During her time at Stevenson, Marie-Clare worked as a Student Ambassador, served as a Resident Assistant, was a Senior Orientation & Welcome Leader, member of the Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity, and interned in the campus Student Activities Office. She chose to pursue the MHE program because she wants to be a part of students’ growth in a higher education setting. Elon’s MHE program provided a unique opportunity to engage with the community in a Graduate Apprenticeship while connecting those experiences with the coursework.

Graduate Apprentice for Career & Student Development, Elon School of Law

Elijah Pennock is from Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020 with a degree in Political Science and International Studies. While at VCU, Elijah severed on various committees in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, served as a Diversity Ambassador, and worked as an Orientation Leader. He most recently worked as an Operations Coordinator for New Student & Family Orientation at VCU. Elijah is pursuing Higher Education to achieve equal access to education for all. He believes that  through active inclusion work can a more equitable higher educational space be established for all identities.

Graduate Apprentice for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center

Vanessa Truelove is from Moorhead, Minnesota. She is a 2019 graduate of Concordia College, where she earned a degree in Communications. During her undergraduate experience, Vanessa worked as a Resident Assistant and served as a college library outreach intern. Most recently, Vanessa has experience working in the Community Engagement and Grants office, as well as serving as a Residence Hall director at Concordia College. Higher Education has allowed Vanessa to break down barriers to accessing higher education for students across the world. She believes everyone deserves access to the highest of education and experiences; even the most underserved student deserves to live out their dreams.

Graduate Apprentice for Alumni Engagement

Haley Turczynski is from Newport News, Virginia. She graduated in 2020 from Mary Washington University, receiving a degree in Psychology. During her undergraduate career, Haley took part in various service opportunities, like Alternative Break Trips and the organization Students Helping Honduras. She also was an Orientation Leader and a member of the campus Ultimate Frisbee team. Haley decided to pursue a degree in Higher education in order to participate in a professional field that can make a lasting impact on various students’ lives in a multitude of ways.

Graduate Apprentice for Residence Life (Danieley Neighborhood)

Aly Weaver is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a 2021 graduate of Grand Valley State University, earning a degree in Secondary Education and Spanish. While at GVSU, Aly worked as a Tour Guide in the Office of Admissions, served as a Resident Assistant for two years, and was a Peer Adviser in the Padnos International Center. Aly has come to understand that a student’s college journey has unlimited potential for connection, self-exploration, and transformative experiences. She is passionate about serving in a professional role that has the ability to create more opportunities and to continue building more support for this student growth.