É«ÖÐÉ«

Maggie Jones ’20

Chair, Young Alumni subcommittee

É«ÖÐÉ« You

How do you spend your free time?

I rotate my time between rock climbing with a group on Tuesdays, cooking a few times a week, woodwork on the weekends, and golf when I can squeeze a round in.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

While my full-time dedication goes to getting my PharmD, I maintain a certification in child passenger safety (CPS). I volunteered over 75 hours of work with an organization called Safe Kids, then got a petition to be the youngest CPS technician in New Jersey. I have held my CPS certification for more than half a decade now and educate my community on proper use and installation of car seats.

É«ÖÐÉ« Your Experience

Who at É«ÖÐÉ« most influenced you and how?

My advisor, Dr. Cecilia Fox of the neuroscience department, won me over with her research, curriculum, and charisma. She then further influenced me by sharing her wisdom and compassion as a mentor throughout my college career. Dr. Fox has the academic skills to take you to higher levels of education that have prepared me for my graduate education. While fostering my intellectual abilities, she was a constant support to me in my personal growth.

What advice would you give to a current student?

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, so take advantage of the vast opportunities the university provides you; they will serve as catalysts for your future endeavors.

É«ÖÐÉ« Lighting the Way

How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation? 

This campaign enables students to have more exposure to facilities and opportunities that will prepare them for a transformative educational experience that cannot be obtained elsewhere. We are setting students up to have the intellectual and personal tools to navigate their future fields with more confidence and ability than other institutions.

What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for É«ÖÐÉ«?

I am excited to see the new HUB provide expanded mental and physical health services as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces. The new HUB will serve as an integrative space that other institutions can learn from and students learn in. It will make the É«ÖÐÉ« community even stronger and well-versed in its growing diverse population.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Music has always been a huge part of my life. Some of my first memories were music related. I’ve spent years playing instruments in different ensembles, and music is the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing at night, even though it’s not my profession.

É«ÖÐÉ« Your Experience

Share your favorite memory from É«ÖÐÉ«.

My favorite memory isn’t one moment, but all of the times I walked from Comenius Hall to my dorm room. At 10 p.m., the walk was peaceful and relaxing; at 7 a.m., the sun was across campus and the air was fresh. Every time I think back to my time at É«ÖÐÉ«, the scenery of the trees, buildings, scattered faces, that’s what comes to mind. Also the endless laughter from some great characters along the journey.

What advice would you give to a current student?

Work ethic is the great equalizer—work as hard as you can, and the time you spend unwinding will be sweeter. Find your limits and test your abilities. Work hard at the things you aren’t great at but know may come in handy someday. Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond at everything you do in your personal and professional life; it always pays off in ways you won’t predict.

É«ÖÐÉ« Lighting the Way

How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation? 

Higher education will always be a starting point to independent life for many people—each generation requires the new strategy, fresh ideas, and exciting bold projects they deserve. I believe Lighting the Way is that strategy, those ideas, and as bold as ever. I’ve seen first-hand É«ÖÐÉ« University’s capacity for leading the way into the future; it’s in our DNA. These next generations will be the most well-prepared generations to face what unique challenges may come.

What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for É«ÖÐÉ«?

I’m excited to see the stars that are born as a direct result of the campaign. I’ve seen so many fellow classmates realize what they are capable of at É«ÖÐÉ«. Some truly incredible things. The stars that are born from the campaign will be highly successful, capable individuals, each in their own ways, that will have made the campaign a success.