Carrie Coon '03

Academic Reputation

I was recruited to play soccer and upon visiting, I found the campus well-maintained and inviting; my potential teammates were fun, intelligent and open-minded; and the accommodations were comfortable. I also knew going in that Mount Union had a strong academic reputation, and I qualified for a scholarship.

Large and Small

Mount Union was large enough that it didn’t feel limiting and small enough that I could explore several majors before settling into English and Spanish.

Favorite Professor

I have to pick one? That’s not fair!

Mount Union Memories

I’m so thankful I chose to participate in athletics at Mount Union. Playing soccer and running track gave me a strong sense of community right from our first training week and also helped me manage my time more efficiently. I also can’t believe I was able to participate in plays in addition to sports—something I don’t think would have been possible at a Division I or II school. I took advantage of the study abroad program as well and spent an incredible semester in San Sebastian, Spain. I also have fond memories of the stir-fry station and the pizza ovens.

Starting a Career

I actually went to graduate school the very next year, after Dr. Hendel in the Department of Theatre introduced me to and helped me prepare for the University/Resident Theatre Auditions (U/RTAs) in Chicago. Without Dr. Hendel’s guidance, I wouldn’t have known the auditions existed nor would I have been prepared to undertake them.

Helpful Activities

I played soccer for four years and ran track and field too. I participated in four plays with the Department of Theatre and rushed the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. I also worked in the costume shop and by senior year was very active in the Department of Theatre.

Continuing Education

I earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006, where I was offered a full tuition scholarship.

Preparing for Life After College

At Mount Union, I was able to take a broad range of classes and exercise all of my curiosities. I played sports, participated in plays, studied abroad, and met students from all over the world. I traveled to an impoverished area of El Salvador for the culmination of Dr. Kramer’s social responsibility class. A well-balanced liberal arts education should expand one’s sense of empathy and responsibility. In addition, it should offer one structure so as not to fail, but also latitude on which to thrive. That certainly characterizes my experience at Mount Union.

Residence Life

I lived in King Residence Hall, then Shields and finally the blue house across from the football practice fields (which, I understand, was demolished to make room for additional student housing).